This Easy Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Cake is a delightful treat that brings the cozy flavors of fall right to your kitchen. With tender chunks of apple nestled in a spiced batter, this cake is perfect for a quick dessert or a sweet snack. The warm aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg combined with the natural sweetness of apples makes this cake a comforting choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Ready in under an hour, this cake is perfect for a last-minute dessert or afternoon treat.
- Warm and Cozy Flavors: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples makes this cake a perfect choice for fall or winter.
- Moist and Tender: The diced apples keep the cake moist and tender, making every bite delicious.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, providing the structure for the cake.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for leavening, ensuring the cake rises properly.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg for warm, aromatic flavors.
- Butter: 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened, adds richness to the cake.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, providing structure and moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Milk: 1/2 cup, adding moisture and helping to create a tender crumb.
- Apples: 2 cups of peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples), adding natural sweetness and texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Optional, for dusting the top of the cake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square baking pan, ensuring all sides are well-coated to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Cooking Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work well in this recipe as they provide a nice contrast to the sweet cake. However, you can use any apple variety you prefer.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking the cake around the 35-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
Storage Tips
- Storing: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Individual slices can be reheated in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you prefer to enjoy them warm.
Benefits of this Recipe
- Rich in Fiber: Apples are a great source of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and maintaining a healthy gut.
- Warm and Comforting: The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg not only adds flavor but also provides a warm, comforting aroma that’s perfect for fall and winter.
- Simple and Versatile: This recipe is straightforward and versatile, making it easy to customize with your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients used and portion sizes.
What to Serve with Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Cake
This cake is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Conclusion
This Easy Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Cake is a delicious, cozy dessert that’s perfect for any time of year, especially during the cooler months. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee in the morning or serving it as a dessert after dinner, this cake is a must-try recipe.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
This recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon. Happy baking!
