Rustic Cinnamon Apple Cake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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Imagine the comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through your kitchen. This Rustic Cinnamon Apple Cake is your go-to dessert for a cozy night in or a casual get-together. It's simple to make, yet delivers a warm, inviting flavor that's hard to resist.

Ingredients for Rustic Cinnamon Apple Cake

Flour provides the structure and foundation of the cake. We use all-purpose flour for a balanced texture. Granulated sugar sweetens the cake without overpowering the natural apple flavors. Butter, when softened and creamed, gives the cake its moist and tender crumb.

Eggs are key to binding all the ingredients together, while vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor. The baking powder and baking soda work together to give the cake its rise, ensuring it's light and fluffy.

Salt enhances all the flavors, while ground cinnamon is the star spice that pairs beautifully with apples. Sour cream keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness. Finally, the apples bring a fresh, fruity flavor, and walnuts add a pleasant crunch if you choose to include them.

Tips & Tricks

  • Choose firm apples like Granny Smith for a tart contrast, or Honeycrisp for added sweetness.
  • For an even fluffier texture, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
  • Experiment with other nuts like pecans or almonds for a different crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle with caramel sauce. It also makes a delightful breakfast slice with a cup of tea or cider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, but the cake will be denser.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Rustic Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish. This step ensures your cake won't stick, making for an easy cleanup and beautiful presentation.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that added layer of flavor.

In another bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. This helps the batter to mix smoothly and evenly, without overworking it.

Gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts, if using. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep some air in the batter to ensure a light cake.

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly combines the tartness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon.
  • Uses common pantry ingredients — no last-minute grocery runs.
  • Moist and tender with a delightful crunch from optional walnuts.
  • Versatile enough for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup sour cream
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, until just combined.
6. Fold in the diced apples and walnuts, if using.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

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