Welcome to the delicious, warm world of Apple and Cinnamon Cake, where cozy flavors meet light, fluffy textures. This cake is perfect for a crisp autumn day, a holiday gathering, or just when you want something homemade that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas. Combining juicy apples, warm spices, and a moist crumb, it’s everything you want in a cozy dessert!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for your apple cinnamon cake. Each item adds flavor, texture, or nutritional value to this cake, creating a balanced, moist, and tasty treat.

For the Cake Batter:

2 cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of the cake, creating a soft yet sturdy base.
2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps lift the cake and create an airy texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda – Adds a bit more leavening and works well with the sour cream to create a tender crumb.
½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and a cozy aroma.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Deepens the flavor, complementing the cinnamon and apples.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Contributes to a rich, moist texture.
1 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness and a touch of caramelization.
2 large eggs – Adds structure and richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and adds a delicious aroma.
1 cup sour cream – Adds moisture, tang, and a soft crumb, thanks to its acidity.
2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups) – Apples bring natural sweetness, moisture, and a lovely texture. Use tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweeter ones like Honeycrisp for different flavor profiles.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds a bit of sweetness to the topping.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Complements the apples and gives the cake a warm, spiced crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through each step, ensuring your Apple Cinnamon Cake turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and irresistible.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven 🍂

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan or use a similar-sized cake pan. This ensures that your cake doesn’t stick, making it easy to remove and serve later.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients 🌿

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. This step combines the dry ingredients, ensuring the baking soda and baking powder are evenly distributed for even baking.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar 🍞

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step adds air to the batter, making the cake tender and airy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla 🍪

Once the butter and sugar mixture is light and fluffy, add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to add a lovely aroma and enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients 🎂

To create a smooth batter, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Alternate between adding the dry mixture and 1 cup of sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This helps prevent over-mixing, resulting in a cake with a tender crumb.

Tip: Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cake dense. Just fold gently until the ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples 🍏

Gently fold in the 2 cups of diced apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The apples provide a burst of sweetness and a lovely texture to every bite.

Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping 🍯

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter to add a delicious cinnamon sugar crust that enhances the cake’s texture and flavor.

Step 8: Bake the Cake 🍰

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, with a slightly firm crust.

Tip: Start checking the cake around the 35-minute mark. Each oven bakes differently, so this helps ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Step 9: Cool and Serve 🌬️

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’d like, drizzle a simple icing over the cake made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk for extra sweetness.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Apple Cinnamon Cake 🍎

Choose Your Apples Wisely: Granny Smith apples add a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add a natural sweetness. Mixing apple varieties can also give a unique flavor profile.
Sour Cream Substitute: If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute. It has a similar tangy flavor and texture.
Add an Icing or Glaze: For a sweeter presentation, drizzle an icing made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk or apple cider over the cooled cake.
Toast the Topping: For an even richer flavor, toast the cinnamon sugar topping lightly before sprinkling it on the cake batter. This adds a deeper caramelized flavor to the crust.
Make it Ahead: The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week. It also freezes well; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months.

Why You’ll Love This Cake 🍏

This Apple Cinnamon Cake combines the best of autumn’s flavors in every slice. The mix of warm spices, tender apple pieces, and a moist cake base makes it a favorite dessert for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or fall celebrations. The cinnamon-sugar topping creates a slightly crunchy crust, adding texture that pairs beautifully with the tender cake underneath. Plus, the fragrance alone is enough to make you feel warm and comforted.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

Pair this Apple Cinnamon Cake with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or warm apple cider for an autumn-inspired treat. It’s also wonderful served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. For a special occasion, dress up the cake with an icing drizzle and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Health Benefits of Apples and Cinnamon 🍎

Not only is this cake delicious, but it also has some healthful benefits from its star ingredients:

Apples are packed with dietary fiber, particularly if you leave the skin on. They also contain antioxidants, vitamin C, and flavonoids, which support heart health.
Cinnamon has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may support blood sugar regulation. It also adds a naturally sweet flavor, allowing for reduced sugar content in the cake.
Sour Cream provides beneficial probiotics if used in its cultured form, contributing to a healthy digestive system.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days.
Refrigerator: Keep the cake refrigerated for up to one week, especially if you add icing.
Freezer: This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It’ll keep for up to three months in the freezer. To serve, let it thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.