Description
A moist and flavorful Cinnamon Apple Cake packed with tender diced apples, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a tender crumb enriched with buttermilk and walnuts. This comforting dessert is perfect for autumn or anytime you crave a sweet, spiced treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Add-ins
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step creates a light texture in the cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix only until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold in the peeled and diced apples along with the chopped walnuts if using. This ensures they are evenly distributed without breaking down the fruit too much.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Dusting: Once completely cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired for a pretty and sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Walnuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted or substituted with pecans if preferred.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent it from melting.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
