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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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