Ina Garten’s Cozy Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe for Fall

Ina Garten’s apple cinnamon cake transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary sensory experience that dances between comfort and culinary artistry.

Warm spices and sweet fruit converge in this delectable dessert, promising a moment of pure indulgence.

Each carefully measured ingredient contributes a unique layer of complexity to the final creation.

Rustic yet refined, the cake embodies the essence of home baking with its inviting aroma and tender crumb.

Seasonal apples bring natural sweetness and moisture, elevating the recipe beyond a simple treat.

Her signature approach ensures a foolproof method that welcomes bakers of all skill levels.

The result is a nostalgic journey that connects memories and flavors in one delightful slice: prepare to be enchanted.

Why You’ll Keep Making Apple Cinnamon Cake

• Burst with Apple Goodness: Packed with chunks of fresh apples, this cake delivers a delightful fruity punch that brings natural sweetness and juicy textures in every single bite.
• Effortless Cinnamon Comfort: The warm, aromatic cinnamon topping creates a rustic, homemade feel that transforms an ordinary cake into a cozy, comforting dessert perfect for relaxed afternoons or casual gatherings.
• Quick and Simple Baking: Requiring just basic ingredients and minimal technical skills, this recipe welcomes both beginner and experienced bakers to create a delicious treat in under an hour with straightforward mixing and baking techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for multiple occasions like afternoon tea, potlucks, family desserts, or weekend brunch, this apple cinnamon cake adapts beautifully to different settings while guaranteeing widespread enjoyment from kids to adults.

Ingredients for the Best Apple Cinnamon Combo

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the cake, all-purpose flour works best for a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization and moisture.

• Apple: Fresh, crisp apples add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, preferably a firm baking variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple flavor and adds depth to the cake.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure and richness to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste profile.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, creates a softer texture compared to butter.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and creates a tangy richness to the cake.

• Sugar, Ground Cinnamon, Melted Butter: Creates a crumbly, sweet cinnamon topping that adds texture and flavor.
• Icing Sugar, Milk: Makes a simple glaze to drizzle over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.

How to Whip Up This Spiced Favorite

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350°F (180°C) for standard ovens or 320°F (160°C) for fan-forced. Coat an 8-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar

Toss in chopped apples and gently mix to distribute evenly.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil
• Greek yogurt

Blend until egg yolks break and ingredients are just combined.

Step 4: Merge Cake Batter

Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture. Softly fold with a wooden spoon until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. Transfer batter to prepared cake pan.

Step 5: Create Cinnamon Crunch Topping

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Melted butter

Stir until mixture becomes slightly lumpy. Sprinkle generously over cake batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide cake into preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer – it should come out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Drizzle Sweet Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk

Stir until smooth and slightly runny. Add extra milk if needed. Drizzle elegantly over cooled cake.

Serving Tip: Best enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Stores wonderfully for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Tips to Nail the Apple Cake Every Time

• Pick Peak-Season Apples: Select crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for maximum flavor and perfect cake texture.
• Gently Fold Ingredients: Stir batter with a light hand to keep the cake tender, preventing tough, dense results from aggressive mixing.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cinnamon intensity by gradually adding more, tasting as you go to match your personal spice preference.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss chopped apples with a splash of lemon juice to maintain their fresh, bright appearance in the cake.
• Cool Cake Strategically: Allow cake to rest on a wire rack for even cooling, which helps prevent soggy bottoms and ensures clean glaze application.

Storing Apple Cinnamon Cake Without Drying Out

• Preserve Flavor Integrity: Transfer cooled cake to an airtight glass container with a tight-sealing lid, which prevents moisture loss and maintains the cake's delicate cinnamon-apple essence. Place parchment paper between cake layers to prevent sticking and preserve texture.
• Freeze for Long-Term Enjoyment: Slice cake into individual portions before freezing, enabling convenient single-serving thawing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and preserve moisture for up to 3 months.
• Counter Storage Strategy: If consuming within 2 days, keep cake loosely covered with a clean kitchen towel at room temperature. Choose a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to prevent rapid staleness and maintain the cake's soft crumb.

Spicy-Sweet Variations to Enjoy

• Nutty Apple Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and a rich, earthy flavor. Sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top of the cinnamon topping before baking.
• Caramel Apple Classic: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cooled cake instead of the traditional glaze. Incorporate small cubes of caramel into the batter for bursts of sweet, buttery goodness.
• Spiced Autumn Remix: Enhance the spice profile by adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients. Top the cake with a cream cheese frosting infused with a hint of cardamom.
• Rustic Berry Blend: Fold 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen mixed berries into the batter just before pouring into the pan. Replace half of the apples with raspberries or blueberries for a vibrant, fruity variation.

Recap of a Spiced, Sweet Classic

Culinary magic emerges from Ina Garten’s apple cinnamon cake, blending rustic charm with sophisticated flavors.

Sweet apple chunks nestle within a tender crumb, while cinnamon’s warm embrace creates a comforting sensory experience.

Delicate glaze cascades across the cake’s surface, elevating each slice into a memorable moment.

Home bakers can explore this recipe’s nostalgic roots and contemporary elegance.

Garten’s masterful approach transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that speaks directly to your soul.

Regional orchards and seasonal harvests shine through this delightful dish.

You’ll want to share this recipe, capture its essence in photos, and spark conversations around your baking adventure.

Ina Garten Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Apple Cinnamon Cake delivers classic autumn comfort with layers of warm spices and tender fruit. Rustic yet elegant, this dessert invites home bakers to savor a slice of seasonal perfection that delights from first bite to last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 210 grams (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 150 grams (¾ cup) caster sugar
• 50 grams (¼ cup) caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 30 grams (¼ cup) icing sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 120 milliliters (½ cup) vegetable oil
• 120 milliliters (½ cup) Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1–2 tablespoons milk

Fruit Ingredient:

• 1 cup (approximately 1 large) red apple, peeled and roughly chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 180°C (350°F) for standard ovens or 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced models. Carefully coat an 8-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray, then line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by sifting together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold in diced apples, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
3. Craft the liquid component by whisking fresh eggs, pure vanilla extract, neutral vegetable oil, and creamy Greek yogurt in a separate vessel until the ingredients form a harmonious, slightly frothy blend.
4. Merge the dry and wet ingredients with a gentle hand, using a wooden spoon to combine until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s delicate texture. Transfer the batter smoothly into the prepared cake pan.
5. Construct a rustic cinnamon topping by blending granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted unsalted butter until it creates a crumbly, moist mixture. Sprinkle this aromatic topping evenly across the cake’s surface.
6. Position the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a clean skewer into the center – it should emerge without any raw batter clinging to it. Once baked, transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow to reach room temperature completely.
7. Finalize the dessert with a delicate glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk, adjusting the liquid to achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency. Artfully cascade the glaze over the cooled cake, creating an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Whip up ripe, crisp apples just moments before folding into the batter to lock in their vibrant color and prevent unsightly browning.
• Stir wet and dry ingredients gently, stopping the moment everything blends smoothly to maintain the cake’s delicate, airy texture.
• Peek into the oven around 25 minutes, testing with a slender skewer that should emerge nearly clean, signaling perfect baking without dryness.
• Wait patiently for the cake to cool completely, allowing the glaze to set beautifully and cling elegantly to each delectable slice.
• Experiment boldly with spice levels, sprinkling extra cinnamon or introducing a whisper of nutmeg to transform the topping’s warm, inviting profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg