Apple Cinnamon Cake
Nothing quite says comfort like the aroma of a freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Cake wafting through your kitchen. This cake is an inviting, sweet, and subtly spiced dessert that combines the wholesome goodness of apples with the warming notes of cinnamon. Not only is this cake simple to make, but it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. From birthdays to holiday gatherings, this cake serves as a delightful treat that complements both formal meals and casual snacking.
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With just a few essential ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, even novice bakers can whip up this delectable dessert in no time. Let’s dive into the details of how you can bake this delightful cake from scratch.
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Ingredients for the Perfect Apple Cinnamon Cake
Before you start, gather the following basic ingredients:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apples (medium-sized, 500g) | 4, diced, with the skin on |
| Large eggs | 3 |
| Milk | ¾ cup (180 ml) |
| Cane sugar | 150g (¾ cup) |
| Sea salt | A pinch |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups (300g) |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp (10g) |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Vegetable oil (mild flavor) | ⅓ cup (80 ml) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Lemon zest | From 1 lemon |
These ingredients come together to create a moist, tender cake that combines the bright tartness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the refreshing zest of lemon.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (360°F). Prepare your baking pan by greasing it with vegetable oil and dusting it lightly with flour, or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Prepare the Apples
Dice the apples into small, even pieces, keeping the skins on. The skin not only adds texture but also provides extra nutrients, such as fiber and vitamins. Set the diced apples aside for later.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a light and tender cake. Next, stir in the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of sea salt. Continue whisking until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so stir just until the ingredients are combined.
5. Add the Apples
Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The apples will add moisture and sweetness to the cake, balancing the spices and lemon zest.
6. Pour the Batter into the Pan
Once the batter is ready, pour it into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan, ensuring that the top is smooth and level.
7. Bake the Cake
Place the cake in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and your kitchen will be filled with the delicious scent of cinnamon and apples.
8. Cool and Serve
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving.
