Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Set this mixture aside. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cake batter, resulting in a smooth, even texture.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes and is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which helps the cake rise.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract. The eggs contribute to the structure of the cake, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be sure not to overmix, as this can cause the cake to become dense.
Add the Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples using a spatula. The apples should be evenly distributed throughout the batter, providing pockets of sweetness and moisture in every bite.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. This will give the cake a delightful sugary, spiced crust when baked.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top. This will create a lovely, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back slightly when touched.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve. This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Optional Variations:
Add-ins: You can easily customize this cake by adding nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or dried fruit (such as raisins or cranberries) to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Glaze: If you prefer a sweeter touch, you can drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled cake.
Frosting: For a more indulgent version, you can top the cake with a cream cheese frosting, which pairs wonderfully with the apples and cinnamon.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Cake
A Comforting Dessert for Any Occasion
Apple cinnamon cake is a dessert that evokes feelings of comfort and warmth. It’s perfect for fall, especially when apples are in season, but it’s also versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, a holiday, or just as a cozy treat on a Sunday afternoon, this cake is sure to impress. Its soft, moist texture and sweet, spiced flavor make it a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Perfect for Baking with Kids
This recipe is also great for baking with kids, as it doesn’t require too much precision. They can help with peeling the apples, mixing the ingredients, and, of course, enjoying the final product! It’s a fantastic way to get children involved in the kitchen while teaching them about the joys of baking.
Apple Cinnamon Cake is a timeless, comforting dessert that brings people together. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply baking for your family, this cake will make your home smell irresistible and your guests asking for seconds. Its blend of flavors and simple ingredients make it the perfect treat for all occasions, from casual afternoons to special celebrations.
