This moist and flavorful apple and cinnamon cake is the perfect dessert for cozy afternoons or any special occasion. It’s bursting with warm spices and chunks of tender apples.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk mixed with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour an 8×8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples gently.
5. Add the Topping:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar for the topping, and sprinkle it evenly over the batter.
6. Bake the Cake:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Serve:
- Slice and serve as is, or pair with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Tips:
- Apple Varieties: Use sweet-tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best flavor.
- Make It Extra Moist: Add ¼ cup applesauce to the batter.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Enjoy this Apple and Cinnamon Cake, a delightful treat for fall or any time you crave warm, spiced flavors! 🍎✨