Apple Cinnamon Cake
This Apple Cinnamon Cake is a cozy, comforting dessert that combines the rich, warm flavors of cinnamon and apple with a moist, tender cake and a delightful streusel crunch. With its inviting aroma and delicious taste, this cake is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or just a sweet treat to enjoy any time of the year. Its beautiful presentation and irresistible flavor make it an ideal centerpiece for any dessert table, ensuring it will be a favorite among family and friends.
The magic of this Apple Cinnamon Cake lies in its moist, tender crumb, complemented by a rich streusel that adds texture and depth. Whether you serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or at room temperature with a cup of coffee, this Apple Cinnamon Cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients Breakdown for Apple Cinnamon Cake
This cake is crafted from a blend of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its exceptional flavor and texture. The all-purpose flour serves as the base, while baking powder and baking soda help the cake rise perfectly, ensuring a light and airy structure. The butter adds richness, and sugar sweetens the batter while helping create a soft, fluffy crumb.
Eggs act as a binding agent, giving the cake its structure, and the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, aromatic touch. The combination of sour cream and apple sauce is the secret behind this cake’s incredible moistness. Sour cream lends a slight tang and creamy texture, while apple sauce brings a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and apples. For those looking to switch things up, Greek yogurt can easily replace sour cream, adding a bit of extra protein while maintaining the cake’s luscious texture.
The streusel layer, made from chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and a blend of brown and white sugar, adds a delightful crunch and a burst of cinnamon spice in every bite. Finely chopped apples provide a fresh, juicy element that enhances the cake’s fall-inspired flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly greasing and flouring a bundt pan. This step is crucial to ensure the cake releases easily after baking, preserving its beautiful shape. Begin the batter by creaming the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, creating a tender crumb. Adding the eggs one at a time ensures the batter remains smooth and well-emulsified, while the vanilla extract infuses the cake with a comforting aroma.
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple sauce and sour cream. This technique helps keep the batter light, avoiding overmixing that can make the cake dense. Pour half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan, followed by half of the streusel mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the streusel into the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Repeat with the remaining batter and streusel, ensuring a generous layer of cinnamon-sugar goodness on top.
Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes or until a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates the cake is fully baked. Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before turning it out onto a plate to cool completely. This step ensures the cake sets properly and maintains its structure when sliced.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- Properly greasing the bundt pan: Use a combination of butter and flour to coat the pan thoroughly, paying extra attention to the intricate designs of the bundt shape.
- Ensuring even baking: Rotate the cake halfway through the baking time to promote even heat distribution.
- Checking for doneness: Look for a golden-brown top and a clean knife or toothpick when inserted.
- Storing leftovers: Keep the cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate it for longer shelf life.
- “Can I make this cake ahead of time?” Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Store it tightly wrapped at room temperature and add any glazes or garnishes just before serving.
- “Can I freeze this cake?” To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- “What if I don’t have a bundt pan?” Use a 9×13-inch pan instead, adjusting the baking time to around 30-35 minutes, and keep an eye on the cake for doneness.
What to Serve with This Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe
The Apple Cinnamon Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce, adding an extra layer of indulgence. For a lighter touch, a dusting of powdered sugar can highlight the cake’s lovely swirls. Complement the flavors with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or apple cider, making it an ideal dessert for a crisp fall afternoon. This cake can also be the highlight of a dessert spread, standing out alongside lighter treats like fresh fruit or a simple shortbread cookie.
Variations and Add-Ins
There are endless ways to customize this Apple Cinnamon Cake to suit your tastes or the season. Add-ins like raisins, cranberries, or even chocolate chips can bring a new twist to the traditional apple cinnamon combination. If walnuts aren’t your favorite, try pecans or almonds for a slightly different nutty flavor. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or a rich cream cheese frosting can take this cake to the next level, providing a sweet finish that complements the warm, spiced notes of the cake.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Cake is more than just a dessert it’s a celebration of comforting, nostalgic flavors that bring warmth to any gathering. Whether you enjoy it as a midweek treat or showcase it as the star of your holiday table, this cake is sure to win over hearts with every bite. Feel free to experiment with add-ins, flavors, and toppings to make it your own, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious moment with loved ones.
Apple Cinnamon Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup North Coast Apple Sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- Streusel:
- 1 apple finely chopped
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
- 3 Tbsp cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a bundt pan by generously greasing and flouring it to ensure easy release. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and creamy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, beating until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with additions of the apple sauce and sour cream. Mix until all ingredients are just blended; avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
- For the streusel, mix the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, chopped apple, and walnuts in a bowl until evenly combined. Spoon half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter layer, then gently swirl a knife through the streusel to create a marbled effect, pressing it slightly into the batter.
- Add the remaining cake batter, followed by the rest of the streusel, ensuring an even and generous top layer. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Let it cool completely before slicing to enjoy the rich apple cinnamon flavors combined with a delightful crunchy streusel topping.