There’s nothing quite like the warm and comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. This Apple Cinnamon Cake with Glaze is the perfect treat for fall, or any time you crave a deliciously spiced dessert. It’s a moist, tender cake filled with sweet apple chunks and infused with the warmth of cinnamon. Topped with a simple glaze, this cake is ideal for family gatherings, tea time, or a quick dessert. The balance between the sweetness of the apples, the spice of the cinnamon, and the richness of the glaze makes this cake irresistible.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

5 small apples, peeled and diced (approx. 500g)
3 tsp cinnamon

400g all-purpose flour (3 1/4 cups)
200g icing sugar (1 1/2 cups)
150g brown sugar (3/4 cup)

70g granulated sugar (1/3 cup)
70 ml milk (1/4 cup + 2 tbsp)
2 eggs

6 tbsp sunflower oil (or 120g melted butter)
2 tsp vanilla sugar
4 tsp baking powder

For the Brown Sugar Mixture:

150g brown sugar (3/4 cup)
3 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp sunflower oil

For the Glaze:

70 ml milk (1/4 cup)
200g icing sugar (1 1/2 cups)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.

Prepare the Apples: Peel and dice the apples into small chunks. Place them in a bowl and toss with 3 teaspoons of cinnamon. Set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, icing sugar, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and baking powder. Ensure there are no lumps in the mixture.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sunflower oil (or melted butter), and vanilla sugar until well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a denser cake.
Add Apples: Fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture

Mix Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, mix together the 150g of brown sugar, 3 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil until it forms a crumbly mixture.

Layer the Cake Batter: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the batter, then pour the remaining cake batter on top.
Swirl the Layers: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the brown sugar mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the 70 ml of milk and 200g of icing sugar until smooth and well combined.
Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a decorative touch.

Step 5: Serve

Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into squares or slices and serve. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea!

Cooking Tips

Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Stir until the ingredients are just combined.

Swirling Tip: When swirling the brown sugar mixture, don’t overdo it. Gentle swirls create the best marbled effect.
Optional Add-ins: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch, or raisins for added sweetness.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can store the cake in the refrigerator, where it will last up to 5 days. Just let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. The cake will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Defrost at room temperature before eating.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximation for 12 Servings)

Calories: 390 kcal

Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 13g

Sugar: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 150mg

FAQs

1. Can I use butter instead of sunflower oil?

Yes, you can substitute sunflower oil with melted butter for a richer flavor. Use 120g of melted butter in place of 6 tablespoons of oil.

2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.

3. How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure your baking powder is fresh. Also, make sure the ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.

4. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that the sweetness balances the tartness of the apples and adds flavor to the cake. You can experiment by cutting down on 20-30g of sugar.

5. Can I use a different glaze?

Of course! You can swap the milk glaze for a cream cheese glaze or even drizzle melted chocolate on top.

Conclusion

This Apple Cinnamon Cake with Glaze is a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon and the richness of a sweet glaze. It’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, this cake is bound to become a go-to favorite. Enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes and indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with every bite!