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If you have a soft spot for cozy, comforting desserts that fill your kitchen with warm aromas, you are going to absolutely adore this Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe. It’s a tender, moist cake layered with juicy chunks of red apple and a lovingly spiced cinnamon topping that creates the perfect balance between sweet and gently tangy. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or a charming treat to share with friends, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and an easy method that anyone can master, resulting in a cake that tastes like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this recipe is simpler than you might think, but each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect texture, flavor, and inviting appearance. From the fluffy all-purpose flour to the fragrant cinnamon and fresh apple, these ingredients combine to make a cake that’s both classic and unforgettable.
- 210 grams (1 and 1/2 cups) plain flour or all-purpose flour: Forms the soft, fluffy structure of the cake.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully with a light crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds an extra lift and reacts well with the yogurt for a tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- 150 grams (3/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while making it moist and soft.
- 1 cup (approximately 1 large) red apple, peeled and roughly chopped: Adds juicy bursts of flavor and beautiful texture throughout the cake.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together and enriches the cake’s softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to each bite.
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil or flavorless oil: Keeps the cake moist without overpowering any flavors.
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and tenderness to the cake’s crumb.
- 50 grams (1/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar: Used for the cinnamon topping, bringing sweetness and crunch.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this cake its signature warmth and character.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted: Helps bind the cinnamon topping with a rich, buttery flavor.
- 30 grams (1/4 cup) icing sugar or powdered sugar, sifted: For the light, sweet glaze on top.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze perfectly for drizzling.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit) or 160 degrees Celsius (320 Fahrenheit) if using a fan-forced oven. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line it with baking or parchment paper to ensure your cake lifts out easily once baked. This simple prep makes a big difference in the final presentation.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Apple
In a large bowl, mix together the plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 150 grams of caster sugar until well combined. Gently fold in the chopped apple. The flour will lightly coat the apple chunks, helping them stay suspended throughout the cake rather than sinking to the bottom.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This mixture brings moisture and tangy richness, which complements the sweet apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are perfectly okay and will help keep the cake tender. Then, spoon the batter evenly into your prepared cake pan.
Step 5: Prepare and Sprinkle the Cinnamon Topping
Mix the remaining 50 grams of caster sugar with the ground cinnamon and melted butter until the mixture is lumpy but combined. Sprinkle this generously over the top of the cake batter, creating that signature sweet-and-spiced crust that makes this cake so irresistible.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a skewer in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once baked, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before moving on to the finishing touches.
Step 7: Finish with a Sweet Glaze
Mix the sifted icing sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled cake to add a lovely sheen and an extra hint of sweetness. This finishing touch is what elevates the Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe from great to unforgettable.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe
Garnishes
The classic approach is to let the cinnamon sugar topping and glaze shine on their own, but you can always add a dusting of extra cinnamon or a few thin apple slices arranged prettily on top for an extra touch of charm. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside is a game-changer for serving.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a soothing chai tea. For an afternoon treat, serve alongside a small bowl of spiced fruit compote or a wedge of sharp cheddar cheese for a delightful sweet-and-savory combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce or honey and some toasted nuts for crunch. You can also slice the cake into squares and serve on a dessert platter with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a festive touch at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pieces tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to keep the cake moist and flavorful for up to 3 days at room temperature. Refrigeration is optional but will extend freshness if your home is warm.
Freezing
You can freeze the Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe for up to 2 months by wrapping it well in cling film and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying, and reheat gently or serve at room temperature for best texture.
Reheating
To warm slices, pop them in a low oven (about 150 degrees Celsius or 300 Fahrenheit) for 10-15 minutes or microwave briefly for 20-30 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked warmth and melt-in-your-mouth softness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While red apples are recommended for their sweetness and texture, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great alternatives that can add a nice tartness and hold their shape well during baking.
Is Greek yogurt essential in this recipe?
Greek yogurt adds moisture and a tender crumb with a slight tang, but you can substitute with sour cream or buttermilk for a similar effect. Just make sure the texture is similar to keep the cake moist.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon of it for structure. The cake may be slightly denser but still delicious.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best sign is a skewer inserted into the center coming out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden and the cinnamon topping slightly crisp.
Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?
Yes! Just double all ingredients and use a larger pan or two pans. Adjust baking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a skewer after about 40 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe is the kind of dessert that becomes a heartfelt tradition in your home. Its perfect balance of cinnamon spice, sweet apple bites, and tender crumb invites comfort with every bite. I encourage you to bake it soon, share it with the people you love, and make sweet memories around the table.
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Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight is a moist and flavorful baked treat featuring tender chunks of apple infused with warm cinnamon spice. The cake is topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble and finished with a sweet glaze, making it perfect for dessert or afternoon tea. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it combines simple ingredients for a comforting classic.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 210 grams (1 and 1/2 cups) plain flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 150 grams (3/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 cup (approximately 1 large) red apple, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil or flavorless oil
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) Greek yogurt
Cinnamon Topping
- 50 grams (1/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Glaze
- 30 grams (1/4 cup) icing sugar or powdered sugar, sifted
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) standard or 160°C (320°F) fan-forced. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with baking or parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Add in the chopped peeled apple and stir briefly to evenly distribute the fruit among the dry ingredients.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and Greek yogurt until well combined to ensure a smooth batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and tender.
- Prepare the Cake Pan: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Make Cinnamon Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cake batter for a flavorful crust.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted icing sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze of drizzling consistency.
- Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the prepared glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to set before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use a tart red apple like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- To make the cake gluten-free, substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
