This Easy Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake is such a treat! It’s packed with delicious apple pieces and spices, making it perfect for any day of the week.
Plus, the aroma while it bakes is simply wonderful! I love having a slice with a cup of tea—it feels like a warm hug on a plate. 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cake. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works surprisingly well!
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice contrast against the sweetness of the cake. If you prefer a sweeter cake, feel free to use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala.
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt works great as a substitute. You can even use unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option.
Cinnamon: A must-have for flavor! If you love spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar is key to a fluffy cake texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with softened butter at room temperature. It should feel slightly squishy when pressed.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat the butter until it’s light and pale, about 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually add sugar while continuing to mix. This step helps incorporate air, which makes your cake rise!
Remember, don’t rush this process; it’s worth the time!
How Can I Tell When the Cake is Done?
The best way to check if your apple cake is done is by testing it with a toothpick. Insert it in the center, and if it comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs), your cake is ready!
A good tip is to keep an eye on the time—start checking a few minutes before the baking time ends to avoid overbaking.
Easy Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (about 2 medium apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Optional topping: powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus around 40-50 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 15 minutes for cooling before slicing. Total time from start to enjoying a slice is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, take a 9-inch round or square baking pan and grease it with butter or non-stick spray, then lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended, and then set the bowl aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Mix on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is fully incorporated.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to mix in the dry ingredients and sour cream. Alternately add the dry mixture and sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, just stir until combined.
6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apples with a spatula. This will distribute the apples throughout the batter without breaking them up too much.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and use a spatula to smooth the top for even baking.
8. Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The cake is done when you insert a toothpick in the center and it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Cooling Off:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
After cooling, you can dust the top with powdered sugar or sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar if you like! Then slice, serve, and enjoy this lovely, moist apple cake!
Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are great choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can also use Fuji, Gala, or even a mix of apples for added flavor and texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap before freezing!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just be sure to let it cool completely before covering and storing it. This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together!
What If I Don’t Have Sour Cream?
No problem! You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt, or even unsweetened applesauce for a lighter alternative. Both will keep your cake moist and delicious!
