Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Apple Mixture
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples and Cinnamon Sugar: Peel, core, and dice fresh apples into small, uniform pieces about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Toss the diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated, creating the signature sweet-spiced layer for the cake.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures an even distribution of leavening and spice throughout the cake batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which contributes to a tender crumb and subtle sweetness.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract to add aromatic depth to the cake base.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix just until incorporated to avoid overmixing which can make the cake dense.
- Layer Batter and Cinnamon Apple Mixture: Pour half of the batter into a prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar coated apples over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and apples. Use a knife to gently swirl the apple mixture into the batter, creating a cinnamon sugar swirl effect.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before removing and serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Use room temperature butter, eggs, and milk for a smoother batter and better texture.
- Check oven temperature with a thermometer to ensure even baking.
- Let the cake rest 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing to maintain moisture and shape.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Gluten and Dairy (with gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions possible)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: apple fritter cake, apple cake, cinnamon cake, easy dessert, fall dessert, moist cake, cinnamon apple cake