Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake Recipe

The Most Heavenly Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake Recipe Ever

Crafting a delectable apple cinnamon layer cake can transform an ordinary afternoon into a memorable sweet adventure.

Warm spices and fresh fruit mingle beautifully in this classic dessert.

Soft, tender layers promise a delightful experience for anyone seeking comfort in baking.

Crisp autumn apples provide natural sweetness and moisture to each incredible slice.

Generous amounts of ground cinnamon create a rich, aromatic profile that makes you dream of cozy kitchens.

Baking this cake feels like wrapping yourself in a soft, fragrant blanket of flavor.

Let’s embark on a culinary journey that will fill your home with irresistible warmth and charm.

Why Apple Cinnamon Cake Hits The Spot

  • Create Delightful Layers: Enjoy the perfect balance of soft cake and juicy apple chunks that create a beautiful textured dessert with every slice.
  • Bake with Ease: Requires minimal baking skills and uses simple ingredients found in most kitchen pantries, making it accessible for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
  • Celebrate Seasonal Comfort: Captures the warm, nostalgic flavors of autumn with its classic apple and cinnamon combination, perfect for family gatherings and cozy moments.
  • Customize Your Treat: Offers flexible options like gluten-free flour substitutions, optional nut additions, and the ability to experiment with different apple varieties to suit personal preferences.

What Goes In Apple Cinnamon Cake

Core Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Essential for structure and binding the cake together.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
  • Flour: The main base that gives the cake its structure.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Milk, Vegetable Oil, Vanilla Extract: Add moisture and enhance the cake's flavor and texture.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Cinnamon Powder, Salt: Add warm spice and balance the cake's flavors.
Fruit Ingredient:
  • Apples: Bring natural sweetness, moisture, and a delightful texture to the cake.

Steps To Bake Apple Cinnamon Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Prepare your trusty oven by heating it to 170°C (340°F). Gently coat a cake pan with a light layer of oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create The Magical Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl and whip up the eggs with a tiny pinch of salt using an electric mixer. Watch them transform into a fluffy cloud.

Gradually shower in the sugar while continuing to beat until the mixture becomes light and airy. Pour in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk
  • Vegetable oil

Blend everything together until smooth and silky.

Step 3: Blend The Dry Components

In a separate bowl, dance together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder

Softly fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently – remember, less is more to keep the cake tender.

Step 4: Build Your Delicious Layers

Pour a generous layer of batter into the prepared pan. Scatter chopped apples across the surface like edible confetti.

Dust with a lavish sprinkle of cinnamon. Repeat the layers, creating a beautiful apple-studded masterpiece.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the cake into the warm oven. Let it bake for about 40 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean, revealing a golden-brown treasure.

Step 6: Cool And Celebrate

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for a few moments.

Transfer to a cooling rack and let it breathe. For an extra touch of decadence, dust with a sprinkle of sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Slice into this beauty while it’s warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes an incredible companion.

Pair with a steaming mug of coffee or tea for pure bliss.

Tips To Get Apple Cinnamon Cake Just Right

  • Prevent apple sinking by coating chopped pieces lightly with flour before adding to batter.
  • Select a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for complex, balanced flavor profile.
  • Enhance cake moisture by adding a tablespoon of yogurt or sour cream to the mixture for extra richness.
  • Experiment with texture by incorporating chopped walnuts or pecans, which add crunch and nutty depth to the cake.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with a specialized gluten-free flour blend for dietary flexibility.

Easy Ideas To Switch Apple Cinnamon Cake

  • Caramel Apple Adventure: Replace cinnamon with caramel drizzle between layers, creating a rich and gooey texture that enhances the apple's natural sweetness.
  • Nutty Apple Crunch: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the batter and between layers for an added crispy element and nutty flavor profile.
  • Spiced Autumn Blend: Mix in additional warm spices like nutmeg and cardamom alongside cinnamon to create a more complex and aromatic cake experience.
  • Berry Apple Fusion: Layer fresh or frozen berries like raspberries or blueberries between apple sections for a tangy and colorful variation that brightens the traditional recipe.

Perfect Sides For Apple Cinnamon Cake

  • Savor Perfect Pairings for Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake
  • Brew Cozy Coffee Match: Pair with a warm cappuccino or medium-roast coffee to complement the cake's sweet and spicy notes, enhancing the cinnamon's warmth and apple's natural sweetness.
  • Scoop Creamy Companion: Top with vanilla bean ice cream or rich mascarpone cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast between the warm cake and cool, smooth topping.
  • Sip Spiced Beverage Blend: Enjoy with hot apple cider or chai tea, which echo the cake's apple and cinnamon flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience that feels like a comforting autumn embrace.

How To Keep Apple Cinnamon Cake Fresh

  • Refrigeration Method: Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Room Temperature Storage: Keep cake at room temperature in a sealed container for 2 days. Place a piece of bread inside to help retain softness and prevent staleness.
  • Freezing Method: Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-7 minutes. Add a small dish of water in the oven to prevent drying and maintain moisture.

Apple Cinnamon Cake FAQ

  • What makes the apples stay in the cake layers?

Toss chopped apples in a little flour before adding to the batter. This simple trick prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

  • Can I adjust the cinnamon flavor?

Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the amount of cinnamon powder to suit your taste preferences. Start with a small amount and add more gradually.

  • Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Yes, this cake is perfect for novice bakers. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are common kitchen staples. Just follow the recipe carefully and you’ll create a delicious dessert.

  • How can I enhance the apple flavor?

Use a mix of apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination provides a balance of tartness and sweetness, making the cake more complex and flavorful.

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Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Comforting layers of spiced apple cinnamon cake promise a delightful dessert experience that celebrates autumn’s warmth. Fragrant spices and tender apple pieces create a delectable treat you’ll savor with each memorable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 300 grams (about 2 1/2 cups) flour
  • 23 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 135 grams (about 2/3 cup) sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 135 grams (about 1/2 cup) milk

Leavening and Spices:

  • 15 grams (about 1 tablespoon) baking powder
  • Cinnamon powder, to taste

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 70 milliliters (about 1/3 cup) oil
  • 1/3 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • Additional sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your kitchen workspace and preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
  2. Thoroughly grease a cake mold with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cake removal.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip eggs with a pinch of salt until they become light and frothy, creating a smooth base for the cake batter.
  4. Gradually incorporate sugar into the egg mixture, continuing to beat until the volume increases and the texture becomes pale and fluffy.
  5. Introduce vanilla extract, milk, and vegetable oil to the egg mixture, blending until the ingredients are fully integrated and smooth.
  6. In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder to eliminate any potential lumps and ensure uniform distribution of leavening agents.
  7. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using a spatula and taking care not to overmix, which could result in a dense cake texture.
  8. Pour half the batter into the prepared cake mold, creating an even base layer.
  9. Distribute chopped apples across the initial batter layer, ensuring even coverage and maximum flavor distribution.
  10. Generously sprinkle ground cinnamon over the apple layer, creating a warm and aromatic flavor profile.
  11. Cover the apple and cinnamon layer with the remaining cake batter, creating a complete seal.
  12. Add a final layer of chopped apples on top, with an additional dusting of cinnamon for enhanced visual appeal and flavor intensity.
  13. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and dry.
  14. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest in the mold for several minutes to stabilize its structure.
  15. Transfer the cake to a wire cooling rack, letting it cool completely to room temperature before slicing.
  16. Optional: Dust the top with powdered sugar for added sweetness and an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Prevent apple sinking by lightly coating chopped apples in flour before adding to batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the cake.
  • Experiment with apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp to create a complex, balanced flavor profile that adds depth to the dessert.
  • Enhance moisture by incorporating a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream, which helps create a tender and soft cake texture.
  • Customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutty undertones, elevating the overall taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 17g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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