This moist and flavorful cinnamon apple cake is perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a delightful dessert. It’s packed with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of sweetness, making it a comforting and satisfying bake.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and diced
- For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or a 10 inch springform pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- In a small bowl or large measuring cup, measure out the buttermilk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Apples:
- Gently fold the diced apples into the batter.
- Pour and Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- If you choose to do the topping, in a small bowl combine the 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- You can serve it warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, you can sauté the apples with a little butter and cinnamon before adding them to the batter.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
- You can add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the top of the cake before baking for a crunchy texture.
- For a stronger apple flavor, use apple sauce in place of half the buttermilk.
- Check the cake often after the 40 minute mark, as different ovens bake differently.
Enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon apple cake!