EASY CINNAMON APPLE CAKE

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through the house. It’s the kind of smell that instantly evokes memories of cozy autumn afternoons, family gatherings, and holidays spent baking together. This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is one of those timeless recipes that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Whether it’s a simple afternoon treat with a cup of tea or a dessert to impress guests, this cake never fails to deliver.

I first encountered this recipe in my grandmother’s kitchen. She had a knack for turning simple ingredients into mouthwatering delights, and her apple cake was no exception. The cake was always perfectly moist, with tender chunks of apple and the irresistible flavor of cinnamon. Over the years, I’ve made this cake countless times, tweaking it here and there to make it even easier and more delicious. Now, it’s a staple in my own kitchen, and I’m excited to share this beloved recipe with you.
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

2 eggs

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups chopped and peeled apples (about 2 medium apples)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven is fully preheated is essential for even baking.

Grease the Pan:

Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray. This helps prevent the cake from sticking and makes for easy removal once baked.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Cream the Butter and Sugars:

In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened butter with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of dark brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Add the Eggs:

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps maintain the mixture’s smooth and creamy texture.

Stir in the Vanilla Extract:

Add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter and mix until combined. Vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake.

Combine the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

Fold in the Apples and Walnuts:

Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of chopped and peeled apples and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. The apples should be evenly distributed throughout the batter, providing moisture and flavor, while the walnuts add a delightful crunch.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Transfer to the Pan:

Spoon the batter into the prepared 9-inch round cake pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Bake:

Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Baking times can vary slightly based on your oven, so start checking at the 40-minute mark.