Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight

This cinnamon apple cake is the kind of bake that makes your kitchen smell like fall and gathers everyone around the table before it has even cooled. With a tender crumb, swirls of cinnamon sugar, and plenty of juicy apples, it is the cake I rely on for family brunches and chilly afternoons. It comes together from everyday ingredients and delivers big on both comfort and flavor.

I made this cake the first time with apples picked during a family day at the orchard. Now it is the bake everyone requests when the weather cools off or anytime we have a surplus of apples.

• Butter melted and cooled: Makes the crumb rich and tender Choose a good-quality unsalted butter for best flavor
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness Use flaked kosher salt for a cleaner taste but reduce if you only have table salt
• Vanilla extract: Lends a warm background note Opt for pure vanilla if you can
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and topping Provides structure too
• Eggs: Bind everything and give lift Room temperature eggs make the cake fluffier
• Cinnamon: The heart of the cake Adds warmth and aroma Fresh cinnamon is worth seeking out since it can lose punch as it ages
• Greek Yogurt: Keeps the cake incredibly moist Pick full fat if possible for richness
• Milk: Adds tenderness Regular whole milk works best but any dairy or plant milk will do in a pinch
• Apples peeled cored and chopped: Adds juicy bites throughout the cake Firm sweet tart apples like Honeycrisp hold their shape best
• Flour: Forms the backbone of the batter Use all-purpose flour for structure
• Baking powder and baking soda: Both help the cake rise Ensures a fluffy outcome
• For the cinnamon topping: Butter sugar and cinnamon make a swirl over the top Aim for a finely ground cinnamon for the prettiest swirl
• For the glaze: Powdered sugar vanilla and milk Gloss and sweetness go on last Always sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Apples:

Peel core and chop apples into small cubes Aim for even pieces so you get apple in every bite and they bake evenly

Prepare the Pan:

Preheat your oven to 180c or 350f Line a nine by nine inch cake pan with parchment paper making sure there is an overhang for easy removal later

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl whisk together eggs melted butter cinnamon yogurt sugar milk salt and vanilla Keep whisking until everything looks smooth and creamy

Combine Dry Ingredients:

Add the flour baking powder and baking soda to the wet mixture Whisk until only a few streaks of flour remain so the cake stays tender

Add the Apples:

Gently fold in the chopped apples making sure they are evenly coated with batter Check for dry spots but do not overmix

Make the Cinnamon Topping:

In a small bowl stir melted butter sugar and cinnamon until it forms a thick sandy mixture

Assemble and Swirl:

Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface Add the cinnamon topping in dollops then use a butter knife to create swirls across the top You want visible ribbons for both looks and taste

Bake:

Place the cake in your preheated oven and bake for forty five to fifty minutes The top should spring back lightly and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with only a few moist crumbs

Prepare the Glaze:

While the cake bakes whisk together powdered sugar milk and vanilla until smooth and pourable It should fall in ribbons from the spoon

Glaze and Serve:

Once the cake cools slightly drizzle over as much glaze as you like Cut into squares and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea

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My favorite part is sneaking the glaze while the cake is still a bit warm Letting my kids help with the swirls is now part of our tradition and there is always a little extra cinnamon sugar on their fingers after

Ingredient Swaps Made Easy

If you are out of Greek yogurt sour cream makes an excellent substitute The richness is essential for that signature moist crumb Use any apple variety you love I sometimes toss in a mix of sweet and tart for dimension Pears work too but drain them well To make the cake dairy free swap the butter for a vegan baking stick and use a non dairy yogurt and milk My friend does this and it gets rave reviews

Serving Suggestions

This cake shines at brunch as a light dessert or even as a breakfast treat with coffee A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top turns it into dessert beautiful enough for company I serve it plain when it is just us and drizzle more glaze when feeling fancy

Storage and Freshness

Leftover cake stays moist covered at room temperature for two days because of the apples and yogurt For longer storage refrigerate for up to five days Make sure the cake is fully cooled before wrapping to avoid soggy spots

Cinnamon Apple Cake History

Apple cakes are popular in many cultures from Jewish honey apple cakes at Rosh Hashanah to German apfelkuchen The cinnamon sugar swirl and glaze might remind you of classic American coffee cake which is exactly the cozy mood I love in every slice

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There is something special about a cake that looks impressive but is really simple at heart Cinnamon apple cake is the one I bake when I want everyone to gather round and make memories

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What apples work best for this treat?

Firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal, as they hold their shape and add balanced flavor.

→ How do you achieve a moist crumb?

Greek yogurt, melted butter, and milk combine to keep the cake exceptionally tender and moist.

→ Can I make this with gluten-free flour?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; texture may differ slightly but the result remains delicious.

→ What is the purpose of the glaze?

The vanilla glaze adds sweetness and a silky finish, complementing the spiced cake and providing extra moisture.

→ Best way to store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.