This Caramelized Apple Cinnamon Cake is the perfect dessert to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The delightful combination of cinnamon, caramelized apples, and soft, moist cake makes it a comforting treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering or simply to enjoy as a snack, this cake is sure to become a favorite. The addition of caramelized apples brings a natural sweetness and a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm spices in the cake.
Let’s dive into how you can recreate this delicious, heartwarming dessert at home.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- ½ cup white sugar
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup canola oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ½ tbsp vinegar
For the Caramelized Apples:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
Directions
Caramelized Apples:
- Melt the Butter: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Cook the Apples: Add the peeled and diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir occasionally and cook for about 8-10 minutes until the apples soften and caramelize. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Cake Batter:
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon powder.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the white sugar, dark brown sugar, and canola oil until smooth and well-combined.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Prepare the Milk and Vinegar: In a small bowl, combine the evaporated milk and vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the evaporated milk mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the caramelized apples into the batter to evenly distribute them.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
- Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness and richness.
- Powdered Sugar: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- Whipped Cream: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance the flavors.
Cooking Tips
- Well-Caramelized Apples: Ensure that the apples are properly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness and deep flavor. The cooking process should take 8-10 minutes.
- Apple Varieties: A mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, will give the cake a wonderful balance of flavors.
- Moist Cake: For a moister cake, try adding a tablespoon of applesauce to the batter to keep it soft and tender.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the evaporated milk with almond or coconut milk and use plant-based butter to make the cake dairy-free.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be sure not to overmix the batter, as it can result in a denser cake.
Nutritional Benefits
- Apples: High in fiber and vitamin C, apples support digestive health and immunity.
- Cinnamon: Known for its antioxidant properties, cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar and promote heart health.
- Canola Oil: A healthy fat, canola oil is low in saturated fat and supports overall heart health.
- Eggs: Rich in protein and vitamins like B12 and D, eggs contribute to muscle repair and overall wellness.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, containing no meat products.
- Nut-Free: The recipe does not contain any nuts, making it safe for those with nut allergies.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter for a dairy-free cake.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those following a gluten-free diet.
- Lower Sugar Option: Use coconut sugar or stevia to reduce the sugar content without compromising the flavor.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 29g
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this cake?
Yes! A combination of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, works best for a balanced flavor. You can also experiment with other apple varieties based on your taste preferences.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cake can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for better texture and structure.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it comes out with batter, bake the cake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Conclusion
This Caramelized Apple Cinnamon Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of caramelized apples together in perfect harmony. It’s easy to make and offers endless opportunities for customization based on your dietary preferences. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this cake is sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.