If you love cozy flavors that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day, then you are going to absolutely adore this Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of soft, moist cake studded with tender, fresh apple pieces and topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar crunch that melts beautifully under a light glaze. This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s a celebration of comfort and simple ingredients coming together to create a slice of happiness. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving a treat with your afternoon tea, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe just right starts with simple, everyday ingredients that pack big flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role, from creating the tender crumb to adding that distinctive cinnamon aroma and fresh apple bite.
- Plain flour (1 and 1/2 cups / 210 grams): The foundation for the cake, providing structure and softness.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): This gives the cake the perfect rise and fluffiness.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to enhance the cake’s light texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Caster sugar (3/4 cup / 150 grams): Sweetness that dissolves quickly for a tender crumb.
- Red apple, peeled and chopped (1 medium): Adds juicy bursts of freshness and natural sweetness.
- Eggs (2 large): Binds everything together and lends richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup / 120 ml): Keeps the cake moist; a neutral oil lets the apple and cinnamon shine.
- Greek yogurt (1/2 cup / 120 ml): Adds tanginess and tenderizes the crumb.
- Sugar for topping (1/4 cup / 50 grams): Combines with cinnamon for a beautifully crunchy topping.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The star spice that defines this delightful cake.
- Butter, melted (1 tablespoon): Enriches the topping and helps it crisp up.
- Icing sugar (1/4 cup / 30 grams): For the light glaze finish; adds a subtle sweetness and shine.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Used to adjust glaze consistency for the perfect drizzle.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) if using a standard oven, or 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment or baking paper. This prep step ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly clean, ready for decorating later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and caster sugar. Then gently fold in the chopped apple pieces, making sure each chunk is coated lightly—this helps distribute the apples evenly and prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the eggs together with vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and Greek yogurt until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture adds moisture and richness, which is what makes the cake so delightfully soft.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently fold using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cake tough rather than tender. Then spoon the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top slightly.
Step 5: Make Cinnamon Topping and Bake
Mix the sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until the texture looks just a bit lumpy. Sprinkle this cinnamon topping evenly over the cake batter. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool on a wire rack before moving to the next step.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle Glaze
Combine the sifted icing sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk to create a smooth glaze. Add a little more milk if needed to get a drizzle-friendly consistency. Once the cake has cooled completely, use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the top, giving your Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe that final touch of sweetness and shine.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of extra cinnamon or icing sugar on top can add a lovely visual and flavor boost. For a deluxe presentation, add thin apple slices fanned over the glaze or a dollop of whipped cream dusted with cinnamon for that extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of Greek yogurt sweetened lightly with honey. A cup of fragrant chai tea or a warm latte makes the perfect beverage companion to enhance the cinnamon and apple notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe into small bite-size squares to serve at parties or brunches. Layer pieces with yogurt and granola for a decadent layered parfait, or even toast slices lightly and spread with cinnamon butter for a fun breakfast twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it a convenient treat to enjoy over several days.
Freezing
You can freeze the whole cake or individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a fresh-from-the-oven taste at your convenience.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or place in a low oven (150°C / 300°F) wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. This revives the cake’s soft, tender texture and enhances the cinnamon aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for the Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe?
Absolutely! While red apples provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apples all work wonderfully and add their own unique flavor profiles.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the cake’s structure.
Can I replace the Greek yogurt with something else?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, sour cream or buttermilk makes a great substitute, adding similar moisture and tanginess to the cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best test is inserting a skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Can this Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe be made dairy-free?
Definitely. Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative and a plant-based butter substitute for the topping and glaze. Just be sure your chosen replacements melt and behave similarly for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe is an absolute joy to bake and eat. It’s a charming, heartwarming dessert that’s simple enough for any day yet special enough for celebrations. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that perfect melding of comforting cinnamon, fresh apples, and tender cake. Go ahead, bake it for your friends or family and watch their faces light up with every bite.
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Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Packed with tender red apples and a hint of warm cinnamon, this cake combines the richness of Greek yogurt and vegetable oil for a soft texture, topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar layer and a delicate glaze. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it’s an irresistible treat for apple lovers.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 210 grams (1 and 1/2 cups) plain flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 150 grams (3/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 cup (approximately 1 large) red apple, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil or flavorless oil
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) Greek yogurt
Cinnamon Topping
- 50 grams (1/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Glaze
- 30 grams (1/4 cup) icing sugar or powdered sugar, sifted
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) standard or 160°C (320°F) fan-forced. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with baking or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 150 grams sugar. Add the peeled and roughly chopped apple pieces, mixing briefly to distribute them evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and Greek yogurt until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan.
- Make Cinnamon Topping: In a small bowl, mix 50 grams sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until the mixture becomes lumpy. Sprinkle this cinnamon topping evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean. Once baked, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: Mix the sifted icing sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth to create a drizzle glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled cake to finish.
Notes
- Use a red apple variety like Gala or Fuji for a nice balance of sweetness and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- The cinnamon topping can be adjusted for sweetness and spice to your preference.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before applying the glaze to avoid it melting off.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
