Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and spice, you’re going to love this Cinnamon Apple Cake. It’s my go-to recipe for gatherings and cozy nights in.
The aroma that fills my kitchen is simply irresistible, and the first bite? Pure bliss! The tender apples blend beautifully with the warm cinnamon, creating a comforting experience that’s hard to resist.
Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, which means I can whip it up without a hassle. Trust me, once you try this cake, you’ll want to share it with everyone—or keep it all to yourself!
Ingredients of Cinnamon Apple Cake
When it comes to baking, having the right ingredients is key to creating something delicious. For this Cinnamon Apple Cake, you’ll need a mix of sweet and savory components that come together in perfect harmony. It’s a cake that’s easy to make, and you probably have most of these ingredients already in your pantry or fridge. So, let’s gather what we need and get ready to whip up some magic in the kitchen.
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful treat:
- 1 3/4 cups sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup stick margarine, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 ounces block-style fat-free cream cheese, softened (about 3/4 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 cups chopped peeled baking apples (about 3 large; Granny Smith apples work great)
- Cooking spray
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients a bit more. Using Granny Smith apples not only adds a wonderful tartness that balances the sweetness of the sugar, but they also keep their shape beautifully when baked.
Plus, the combination of cream cheese and margarine gives the cake a nice richness without being too heavy. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the fat-free cream cheese for regular cream cheese for a creamier texture.
Just remember, baking is all about finding what works for you, so don’t hesitate to make adjustments based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Happy baking!
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake
Making a Cinnamon Apple Cake is a delightful journey, and it all starts with gathering your ingredients. You’ll need 1 3/4 cups of sugar, but don’t worry, we’ll be dividing that up as we go along. Grab 1/2 cup of softened stick margarine and let’s not forget that lovely 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. You’ll also need 6 ounces of block-style fat-free cream cheese, which should be about 3/4 cup when softened, and 2 large eggs to give our cake that perfect structure.
For the dry ingredients, measure out 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt at 1/4 teaspoon. Oh, and we can’t forget the star of the show: 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 3 cups of chopped peeled baking apples—Granny Smith is my go-to for that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Now, let’s get started. Preheat your oven to 350°F, because no one wants to wait around for the oven to heat up later. In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 1/2 cups of sugar, the softened margarine, vanilla extract, and cream cheese at medium speed for about 4 minutes. You want it to be well-blended and fluffy. It’s like a mini workout for your arms, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Once that’s ready, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. It’s like introducing your eggs to the party; they need to mingle a bit before the big cake bash.
Next, take a separate bowl and combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to your creamed mixture, mixing at low speed until just blended.
Now, for the apples: in another bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon mixture (which we’ll whip up in a moment) with those beautiful chopped apples. Stir this apple goodness into your batter—this is where the magic really happens.
Pour the batter into an 8-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray, and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Bake in the oven for about 1 hour, or until the cake starts pulling away from the sides. Just keep an eye on it; every oven is a little different, and we don’t want to end up with a cake that’s too brown.
Once it’s done, let it cool completely on a wire rack before cutting it with a serrated knife. And there you have it—a warm, fragrant Cinnamon Apple Cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite, and maybe don’t share too much—it’s that good.
Cinnamon Apple Cake Substitutions & Variations
Baking a Cinnamon Apple Cake opens up a world of possibilities for substitutions and variations that can tailor this delightful dessert to your taste.
For a healthier twist, I often swap out half the sugar for applesauce or use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. If you’re in the mood for something different, try adding nuts or raisins for extra texture.
You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger. For a unique flavor, consider using other apple varieties, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, to see how they change the cake’s profile.
Enjoy making it your own!
Additional Tips & Notes
Although I’ve shared the recipe, there are a few additional tips that can elevate your Cinnamon Apple Cake.
First, don’t skimp on the apples; using a mix of tart and sweet varieties can add depth.
If you want a moister cake, try adding a tablespoon of applesauce to the batter.
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the apples before mixing them in.
Finally, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a delightful twist.
Enjoy your baking adventure—I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!