Of course. Here is a comprehensive guide to Apple and Cinnamon Cake, structured to your request.
Introduction
Apple and Cinnamon Cake is the epitome of warmth and comfort in baked form. This humble yet deeply satisfying cake combines tender, spiced batter with soft, sweet chunks of apple, resulting in a moist, fragrant, and utterly delicious treat. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples that fills your kitchen is almost as rewarding as the first bite. It’s a versatile cake that is perfect for an afternoon coffee break, a simple dessert, or a welcoming gift.
Origin and Cultural Significance
While not attributed to a single inventor, apple cakes have roots in European baking traditions, particularly from countries like Germany (Apfelkuchen) and England, where apples and warming spices like cinnamon have been staples for centuries. This cake is a testament to frugal home baking, often created to utilize a seasonal abundance of apples.
Its cultural significance lies in its role as a staple of home cooking and community gatherings. It’s the cake you bring to a potluck, serve to guests with a cup of tea, or bake on a weekend to make the house feel like a home. It represents simplicity, warmth, and the comforting flavors of autumn.
Ingredients & Quantities
(For one 9-inch round or square cake)
For the Cake:
· All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
· Baking Powder: 2 tsp
· Baking Soda: 1/2 tsp
· Salt: 1/2 tsp
· Ground Cinnamon: 2 tsp
· Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp (optional, but recommended)
· Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened
· Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup
· Light Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, packed (adds moisture and flavor)
· Large Eggs: 2, at room temperature
· Vanilla Extract: 2 tsp
· Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (adds incredible tenderness)
· Apples: 2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped (about 2 medium apples)
For the Topping (Optional but highly recommended):
· Demerara or Coarse Sugar: 2 tbsp (for a crunchy top)
· Additional Cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
Optional Additions
· Nuts: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans folded into the batter.
· Raisins or Dried Cranberries: 1/2 cup for added sweetness and chew.
· Glaze: A simple glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar and 2-3 tbsp milk or apple cider, drizzled over the cooled cake.
· Streusel: A crumb topping made with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter for a coffee-cake style finish.
· Orange Zest: 1 tablespoon of zest added to the batter for a citrus note.
Tips for Success
- Apple Selection: Use a firm, flavorful apple that holds its shape when baked. Granny Smith (tart), Honeycrisp (sweet-tart), or Braeburn (sweet) are excellent choices.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, yogurt/sour cream, and butter are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify and incorporate air, resulting in a lighter, more even crumb.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough, dense cake.
- Toss Apples in Flour: Tossing the chopped apples in a tablespoon of the measured flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
- The Toothpick Test: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. This allows the structure to set and prevents it from breaking.
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into 1/2-inch chunks. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of the flour mixture until coated. This prevents sinking.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Combine: With the mixer on low, add the dry flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the yogurt/sour cream in two parts, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in Apples: Use a spatula to gently fold the flour-coated apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. If using, sprinkle the top evenly with coarse sugar and extra cinnamon. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Description
The finished cake is rustic and inviting, with a cracked, sugary top that hints at the moistness within. Slicing into it reveals a tender, golden-brown crumb speckled with soft, steaming pieces of apple. The aroma is the very essence of comfort—warm cinnamon, sweet baked apples, and rich vanilla. The first bite is a perfect textural harmony: the cake is supremely moist and soft, punctuated by the tender, slightly tart apple pieces, all wrapped in the warm, familiar embrace of cinnamon. It’s not overly sweet, making it perfect for any time of day.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per slice, 12 slices)
· Calories: ~280-320 kcal
· Fat: ~10-12g (Saturated Fat: ~6g)
· Carbohydrates: ~45-50g
· Sugar: ~28-32g
· Protein: ~4g
· Fiber: ~2g
Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and additions like nuts or glaze.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Apple and Cinnamon Cake is a timeless, foolproof recipe that delivers maximum comfort and flavor with minimal effort. It’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
I highly recommend this cake for:
· Weekend Baking: A rewarding and aromatic project.
· Potlucks and Gatherings: Easy to transport and always a hit.
· Everyday Dessert: Simple enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for company.
· Gifting: A homemade cake is a wonderful gift of kindness.
Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, with a dollop of whipped cream, or à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This cake can be easily adapted for a more mindful approach:
· Whole Grains: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber.
· Reduce Sugar: You can reduce the total sugar by 1/4 cup without drastically affecting the texture.
· Healthy Fats: Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce or a neutral oil like avocado oil.
· Boost Nutrition: Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats to the batter for more fiber and a heartier texture.
This allows you to enjoy the classic, comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon in a way that aligns with a balanced lifestyle.