Are you craving a dessert that combines the warm, comforting embrace of cinnamon with the sweet, juicy burst of fresh apples? Look no further! This Cinnamon Apple Snack Cake is about to become your new obsession. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, tender cake studded with tender apple chunks, with a hint of warming cinnamon that will transport you to cozy autumn afternoons. Whether you're looking for a delightful afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy every sweet tooth.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined and free of lumps.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Gently fold in the peeled and diced apples using a spatula. If using, add the chopped nuts and distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to slice.
- Once cooled, cut the cake into 12 equal squares. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that will hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add a streusel topping, cream cheese frosting, or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
