Hi everyone! If you’ve got any apples left over from apple season, you’ve got to try my cinnamon apple cake! It’s a sweet, moist treat bursting with the cozy flavors of cinnamon and apples. I love sharing this cake because it brings a little taste of fall to any day, and it’s perfect for a special treat or dessert.
Method
Preheat the Oven
I start by preheating my oven to 350°F. This step is important because it ensures that the oven reaches the perfect temperature before I mix everything together, setting the stage for an even bake and a moist, delicious cake.
Prepare the Apples
Next, I focus on the apples. I peel and dice two honeycrisp apples into small, bite-sized pieces, which makes them easy to mix into the batter. Then, I add 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to the diced apples. I toss them well so that each piece gets a light coating of sweetness and spice, and I set them aside, allowing the flavors to blend and enhance the taste of the cake.
Make the Cinnamon Topping
In another bowl, I create the cinnamon topping by combining ¼ cup of melted butter with ½ cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. I stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved, forming a smooth and delicious topping. This mixture is reserved for later, when I’ll drizzle it over the cake batter to create a lovely swirl of cinnamon flavor.
Mix the Cake Batter
Now it’s time to make the cake batter. I take a large bowl and mix together 1 box of vanilla cake mix, 4 eggs, 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of oil, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. I whisk these ingredients until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Once the batter is ready, I gently fold in the prepared apple pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout without overmixing, which keeps the cake light and tender.
Assemble and Bake
After the batter is mixed, I pour it into a greased baking dish. I then drizzle the cinnamon topping mixture evenly over the top. Using a knife, I carefully swirl the topping into the batter, creating a marbled effect that not only looks attractive but also infuses the cake with extra cinnamon flavor. I place the dish in the preheated oven and bake it for 40 to 45 minutes. To check if it’s done, I insert a toothpick into the center of the cake if it comes out with a few crumbs clinging to it, the cake is perfectly baked.
Make the Glaze
While the cake is baking, I prepare a simple glaze by mixing ¾ cup of icing sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth. Once the cake is finished baking and has cooled slightly, I drizzle the glaze over the top. This glaze not only adds a shiny, sweet finish but also enhances the overall flavor, making every bite irresistibly delightful.
Necessary Tools
- Oven
- Mixing bowls (at least three)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Greased baking dish
- Spatula or knife (for swirling the topping)
- Small bowl for the glaze
Cinnamon Apple Cake
Cuisine: EuropeanDifficulty: Easy11
servings20
minutes45
minutes1
hour5
minutesIngredients
For the Cake:
1 box vanilla cake mix
4 eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup oil
1 tbsp cinnamon
For the Apples:
2 honeycrisp apples, diced
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Topping:
¼ cup butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
For the Glaze:
¾ cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)
2 tbsp milk
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: I begin by preheating my oven to 350°F. This step is key because it makes sure the oven is ready for baking as soon as I mix everything together.
- Prepare the Apples: Next, I peel and dice the honeycrisp apples and place them in a bowl. I add 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to the apples, tossing them well so that every piece gets a light coating of sweetness and spice. Then, I set this mixture aside to let the flavors blend.
- Make the Cinnamon Topping: In a different bowl, I mix together ¼ cup of melted butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. I stir these ingredients until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This tasty topping will later be drizzled over the cake batter to create a delicious swirl.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, I combine 1 box of vanilla cake mix, 4 eggs, 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of oil, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. I whisk these together until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Then, I gently fold in the prepared apple pieces so that they are evenly spread throughout the batter without overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Once the batter is ready, I transfer it into a greased baking dish. I drizzle the cinnamon topping mixture evenly over the cake and then use a knife to swirl it into the batter, creating a pretty marbled effect. I place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. I check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few crumbs, the cake is just right.
- Make the Glaze: While the cake is baking, I prepare the glaze by mixing ¾ cup of icing sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth. When the cake is finished baking and has cooled slightly, I drizzle this glaze over the top to add a shiny, sweet finish.
Notes
- When folding the apples into the batter, be gentle so you don’t overmix the cake. Overmixing can make the cake tough. Also, be careful when swirling in the cinnamon topping; you want pretty patterns without completely blending the flavors. Finally, always test the cake with a toothpick before taking it out of the oven to ensure it’s baked perfectly
Serving Suggestions
I love to serve this cinnamon apple cake with a cup of warm milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sometimes, I enjoy it with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top. It makes a perfect dessert for a cozy afternoon snack or a special treat after dinner.
Fun Fact
Did you know that apples have been a symbol of knowledge and health in many cultures? Not only are they delicious, but they also pack a lot of vitamins that are great for you!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and eating this cinnamon apple cake as much as I do. It’s a fun, flavorful treat that brings the best of apple season into your kitchen. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
