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Cinnamon Apple Cake

Cinnamon Apple Cake

iamwinfred
This cinnamon apple cake is what happens when a humble snack cake meets peak apple season. It is soft, packed with tender apple pieces, and swirled with a cinnamon sugar ribbon that turns every bite into something special. This is the kind of cake you can pull together with pantry staples and whatever apples are sitting in your fruit bowl—no fancy equipment, no complicated technique, just a warm, comforting dessert that tastes like fall in every forkful.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 slices
Calories 260 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Apple peeler and corer (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wire cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for the batter
  • 3 cups apples about 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup walnuts chopped, optional

For the Cinnamon Swirl

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for the glaze

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for the swirl; set aside.
  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon for the batter.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the diced apples and chopped walnuts into the batter until evenly distributed.
  • Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar swirl, then top with the remaining batter. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top and drag a knife through the batter to swirl.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  • Cool the cake on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze, then drizzle over the slightly warm cake before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp so the pieces hold their shape while baking.
  • Dice the apples small, around a half inch, so every bite gets a piece of fruit.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added, or the cake will turn dense.
  • Let the cake cool before glazing, otherwise the glaze will melt and disappear into the cake.
  • Bring your butter and eggs to room temperature before starting for a smoother batter.
  • Swap the walnuts for pecans or leave the nuts out entirely for a nut-free version.
  • Add a streusel topping of butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon instead of the glaze for a different texture.
  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze unglazed slices for up to 3 months.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds before serving for a fresh-baked taste.
  • This cake can be made in a bundt pan for a more formal presentation—adjust baking time accordingly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 190mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26g
Keyword apple snack cake, cinnamon apple cake, easy apple cake, fall dessert
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