If you’re craving a treat that tastes like cozy autumn afternoons and fills your kitchen with the sweet aroma of apples and spice, this Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe is going to win your heart. Imagine golden, tender crumb cake bursting with tart apples and crowned with a cinnamon-sugar sparkle. It’s the perfect dessert for gatherings, family dinners, or simply when you want to spoil yourself with a classic that feels extraordinary in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this cake is delightfully simple, thanks to everyday ingredients that transform into something truly special. Each item here plays its role in creating that irresistible flavor, perfect crumb, and just the right amount of apple-studded moistness.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, helping it rise and stay tender without becoming dense.
- Baking powder: Lifts the cake for a soft, fluffy bite.
- Baking soda: Teams up with sour cream to create a dreamy, soft crumb.
- Salt: Draws out the flavors and balances all the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers that warm, spicy note that makes apple desserts shine.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the crumb melt-in-your-mouth moist.
- Granulated sugar: Brings classic sweetness and contributes to a lovely cake color.
- Brown sugar, packed: Gives a hint of caramel depth and extra moisture.
- Large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together and ensure the cake rises beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Adds aroma and rounds out the flavors.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Keeps every bite ultra-moist and gives a slight tang that complements apples.
- Peeled and diced apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): These juicy chunks become tender pockets of flavor, bringing the fruitiness front and center.
- Optional cinnamon sugar topping (granulated sugar and cinnamon): Sprinkled on top, this forms a crackly, aromatic crust for extra fun and flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First things first—let’s get organized! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give your 9×9-inch baking pan a generous greasing, followed by a dusting of flour. This ensures your Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe pops out easily and bakes up with a beautiful golden edge.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step not only combines the essentials, but also helps aerate the flour for that signature soft crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes and is key for a cake with tender, even texture throughout—don’t rush this step!
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and then the sour cream or Greek yogurt. This trio builds a rich, smooth batter that smells divine already.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
With the mixer on low (or a gentle hand if stirring), gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet. Mix until just combined—over-mixing can toughen your cake, so stop once you don’t see dry streaks. Fold in the diced apples gently to distribute them throughout the batter.
Step 6: Assemble and Add Topping
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. If you’re as crazy about cinnamon sugar as I am, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping and sprinkle it evenly over the top. Trust me, this little step adds a golden, crunchy finish you won’t want to skip!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let your Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes to set before slicing (though who could blame you for sneaking a warm piece right away?).
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up each slice with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a beautiful scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra-special touch, a drizzle of caramel sauce amplifies that apple cinnamon magic.
Side Dishes
Pair your cake with simple sips like a mug of chai, spiced tea, or coffee. If you’re serving it for brunch, a fresh fruit salad or crisp pear slices balance the sweetness and add color to your spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering squares of Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe in parfait glasses with whipped cream for a stunning trifle. Or serve mini cake cubes on a dessert platter with tiny forks and toothpicks—it’s a gorgeous party trick that always gets everyone talking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For extra moisture retention, keep it in the fridge, especially if your kitchen is warm—the flavors are even better the second day!
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place in a zip-top bag. It will last up to three months in the freezer, perfect for when you need a last-minute dessert or treat.
Reheating
For that freshly-baked warmth, pop a slice into the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. If serving to guests, a warm slice with ice cream or caramel is always met with cheers!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are my top picks for the Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe, feel free to use whatever apples you have on hand—Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala all work well, each lending a unique sweetness or tartness.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute and adds the same tender texture and subtle tang. If you opt for regular yogurt, just be sure it’s not too runny, or drain off excess liquid for the best results.
Can I double the Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you sure can! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—start checking at 40 minutes but know that it might need an extra 5–10 minutes.
Why is my cake dense or dry?
Two common reasons: over-mixing the batter and over-baking. Mix until just combined, and always test your cake a few minutes before the minimum bake time. Your Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe should be moist and tender!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that gluten-free versions may be a little more delicate, so handle with a gentle touch.
Final Thoughts
Every time I bake the Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe, it brings out smiles and happy sighs. If you want to savor a dessert that feels homemade in the best way, bursting with flavor and warmth, treat yourself to this gem. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this delightful Cinnamon Apple Cake. Moist and flavorful, this cake is perfect for a cozy dessert or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla, then mix in sour cream. Gradually add dry ingredients and fold in apples.
- Spread Batter: Spread batter in the pan. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar topping.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.
Notes
- This cake is delicious warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
