It's that time of year when the leaves start to turn, and the air gets a little crisper – perfect for cozying up in the kitchen and baking something warm and delicious. This cinnamon sugar apple cake is just the ticket. It's simple, it's comforting, and it fills your home with the most wonderful aroma.
What makes this apple cake so special? For starters, it's incredibly easy to make. You probably have most of the ingredients on hand already, which makes it a great last-minute treat. The cake itself is light and fluffy, and it's loaded with fresh apples. The real magic, though, is in that crunchy cinnamon sugar layer on top. It adds the perfect amount of sweetness and texture.
The Magic of Apples
The type of apples you use can really make a difference in this cake. While any apple will work, I personally prefer honeycrisp or granny smith apples. Honeycrisp apples bring a sweet-tart flavor and a satisfying crunch that holds up beautifully in baking, while Granny Smiths give a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake. Whether you like them diced, sliced, or shredded, just don't peel them!
The Perfect Topping
That cinnamon sugar topping isn't just sprinkled on – it's gently melted butter and mixed into the sugar and cinnamon. This creates a delightful, crunchy topping that's just irresistible.
More than just a Cake
This apple cake is more than just a dessert; it's a feeling. It's the warmth of the oven on a cool day, the happy chatter of friends and family, and the comforting taste of home. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or honey butter, and you have a treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
Here’s what you need to make this delightful cake:
- Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are top-notch!)
- Basic baking ingredients: flour, baking soda, brown sugar
- Wet ingredients: egg, oil, buttermilk, vanilla
- Cinnamon and sugar for the crunchy topping
- And, of course, a little bit of butter
How to cut your apples:
- Diced: Classic apple cake vibe, with small pockets of juicy apple.
- Thinly Sliced: My personal favorite for even apple distribution.
- Shredded: Apples melt into the cake, adding natural sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What kind of flour? All-purpose flour works best.
- Can I skip the crumb topping? You can, but why would you?! It's so good!
- Can I make it Vegan? Yes, just replace the egg, butter and milk with vegan alternatives.
- Best apples? Honeycrisp for a perfect blend of tartness and sweetness, or Granny Smith if you want more zing!
Ways to serve this apple cake:
- Whipped Cream: Simple and classic.
- Honey Butter: A touch of sweet and salty.
- A light glaze: Like the one from these muffins, delicious!
- Vanilla ice cream: For a decadent dessert.
Recipe Variations:
- Different Pans: Try it in a loaf or bundt pan (though you may have to adjust baking time).
- Muffins: Perfect for a grab-and-go option.
- Other fruits: Mix it up with pears, peaches, or berries.
This cake is the perfect thing to bake this fall. Enjoy every warm, cozy bite!
Ingredients:
-
Apple Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1 egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 2 1/2 cups chopped Honeycrisp apples (or your favorite)
-
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Mix all the cake ingredients in a large bowl until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour the batter into a buttered 9x13 inch pan (or line with parchment paper for easier removal)
- Combine the topping ingredients, and sprinkle/spread it evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm with a dollop of honey butter or whipped cream, if desired.
Enjoy your delightful fall treat!