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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup unsweetened applesauce - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) - Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch. - Powdered sugar helps with presentation. - You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. - Swap granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor. - Applesauce can be replaced with mashed bananas for a twist. - Use any baking nut you like, such as almonds or hazelnuts. - If you want a dairy-free cake, try coconut oil instead of butter. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Next, grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal. 3. In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to blend everything well. 4. In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce until it’s nice and smooth. 5. Add 3 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat it all together until it’s well blended. 6. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mix. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. 7. Now, fold in 2 cups of diced apples. If you like, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. The batter will be thick and chunky with apple pieces. 8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. 9. Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! 10. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This helps it set. 11. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. 12. For a nice touch, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate your dessert! To make your cake moist, use applesauce. It adds moisture without extra fat. Use fresh, sweet apples like Granny Smith. These apples keep their shape and add texture. Also, don’t overmix your batter. Mix just until combined. This keeps the cake light and airy. Another tip is to bake the cake at the right temperature. Too hot can dry it out. Make sure your oven is set to 350°F (175°C) for the perfect bake. Enhance your cake’s flavor with spices. Adding a bit of nutmeg or ginger can make a big difference. Use fresh vanilla extract instead of imitation. It gives a richer taste. You can also add a splash of lemon juice. This brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness. If you like nuts, try adding walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch and flavor. Avoid common mistakes to ensure a great cake. First, always measure your ingredients correctly. Too much flour can make the cake dense. Second, check your baking powder and soda. They should be fresh. Old leavening agents won't make your cake rise. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step. Let the cake cool before slicing. This helps it set and stay moist. Following these tips will help you create a delicious moist cinnamon apple cake every time. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during baking and complement the sweetness of the cake. Don't Overmix the Batter: To ensure a tender cake, mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking the cake at around 35 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when the cake is done. Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or even add raisins or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture. Just keep the total volume of add-ins similar to the original recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily swap some ingredients in this cake. If you want to reduce sugar, use less granulated sugar or try a sugar substitute. For a rich taste, you can use brown sugar instead. Need a dairy-free option? Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free spread. Applesauce is a great moisture booster, but you could also use pureed bananas or pumpkin if you like. Choosing the right apple makes a big difference. Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness that balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp apples are juicy and sweet, making them a favorite for this cake. You can also try Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter flavor. Mixing different types of apples can add depth to the taste. Making this cake gluten-free is simple. Just swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Ensure the blend is suitable for baking. To make it vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with two and a half tablespoons of water for each egg. You can also use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk. This way, you can enjoy this cake while meeting dietary needs! After you bake your cake, let it cool completely. Once cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Storing it this way keeps the cake moist. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing. To freeze your cake, slice it first. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place the slices in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. Your cake can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy it, just take out a slice! To reheat, place the slice in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This warms it nicely without drying it out. If you prefer, you can also use an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the slice in foil and heat for about 10 minutes. Enjoy it warm, and maybe add a dollop of whipped cream! To make your cake more flavorful, try adding spices. You can use nutmeg or allspice. These spices pair well with apples. You can also mix in some lemon zest for a fresh taste. Adding a splash of caramel sauce will give it a sweet twist. Using high-quality vanilla extract can improve the flavor too. Yes, you can use different types of nuts in the cake. Walnuts and pecans are great choices. If you want a crunchier texture, try almonds. You can even skip the nuts if you prefer. The cake will still taste amazing without them. Just remember to adjust the baking time if you add more ingredients. The cake stays fresh for about three days at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container to keep it moist. You can also store it in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, freeze individual slices. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving. In this post, we covered key ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and tips for great results. You learned about ingredient substitutions and tricks to avoid common mistakes. We explored different variations, storage methods, and answered your burning questions. Baking can be simple and fun if you follow these guidelines. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to try new ideas. Your baking journey starts here, and I’m excited for what you’ll create next!

Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake

A deliciously moist cake featuring apples and a hint of cinnamon, perfect for dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 0.5 cups chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • to taste powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.
  • In another bowl, mix the softened butter and applesauce until smooth.
  • Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and applesauce mixture. Beat until well blended.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using). The batter should be thick and chunky with apple pieces.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • If desired, dust the top of the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Slice the cake into squares and garnish with powdered sugar and whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Keyword apple, cake, cinnamon, dessert