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Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
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The Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is a comforting and moist dessert featuring tender pieces of fresh apples blended with warm cinnamon and sugar. This simple yet flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a soft texture and a lightly crisp cinnamon sugar topping. Ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers, it can be customized with nuts, extra spices, or made gluten-free or vegan to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

  • 3 cups fresh apples (peeled and chopped, preferably Granny Smith or similar firm tart apples)

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for vegan option)
  • 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
  • ½ cup milk (or plant-based milk for vegan option)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Peel and chop the apples into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly within the cake and release their juicy sweetness without making the batter soggy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sugar for even distribution of leavening and spices.
  3. Cream butter and eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with the eggs until fluffy, incorporating air to create a light texture.
  4. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and egg mixture, alternating with milk and vanilla extract. Stir gently to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
  5. Fold in apples: Carefully fold the chopped apples into the batter to distribute them evenly throughout.
  6. Bake and add cinnamon sugar topping: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, sprinkle the top evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture, then bake in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40-50 minutes.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother mixing and better texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter; stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
  • Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for best texture results.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking to create a crisp, caramelized crust.
  • Check cake for doneness 5 minutes before the minimum baking time to avoid overbaking.
  • Optional variations: add chopped nuts, extra spices like nutmeg or cloves, a powdered sugar glaze, or vegan substitutions.
  • Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cake, cinnamon sugar cake, easy apple dessert, moist apple cake, cozy desserts, gluten-free apple cake, vegan apple cake

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/easy-cinnamon-sugar-apple-cake/