Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of pure heaven - a moist, golden cake bursting with tender apple chunks and swirled with a tantalizing cinnamon-sugar coating that will transport you straight to dessert paradise! This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake isn't just a recipe; it's an experience that combines the warmth of home baking with irresistible flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe promises to become your new go-to dessert for every occasion.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the peeled and diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for the topping.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the cake from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent batter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough texture.
- Even Apple Distribution: Gently fold apples into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs when the cake is perfectly baked.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 85mg
