Old-Fashioned Apple Cinnamon Cake is a delightful dessert that brings back the warmth of home baking. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy afternoon tea, or simply a treat for yourself. With the sweet aroma of cinnamon and the tartness of fresh apples, this cake is sure to become a beloved recipe in your household. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to create a delicious Old-Fashioned Apple Cinnamon Cake that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until the batter is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of apples you prefer. Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples also work well.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Old-Fashioned Apple Cinnamon Cake stays moist for several days. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I add raisins or other fruits to the cake?
Yes, adding raisins or other dried fruits can enhance the flavor and texture of the cake. Just be sure to adjust the amount of apples accordingly.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.