Description
A moist and flavorful cinnamon apple cake bursting with warm spices and tender apple pieces, perfect for cozy fall afternoons or as a delightful dessert any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Produce
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Optional Topping
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan thoroughly and set it aside to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until they are evenly combined. This ensures an even distribution of the spices and leavening agents in the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This creates a smooth base for the batter and incorporates air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter which can cause a dense texture.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the finely chopped apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without mashing them.
- Prepare Topping (Optional): If using the topping, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the pan to add a sweet, spiced crust.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
- This cake is best served slightly warm, enhancing the flavors of the cinnamon and apples.
- Pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent finish.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
