How to Make Apple and Cinnamon Cake:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch round cake pan or 8×8-inch square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step helps create a soft, tender crumb in the cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma and flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until the batter is smooth.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter. The apples will provide moisture and texture to the cake, creating juicy bursts of flavor in every bite. If you’re adding chopped nuts, now is the time to fold those in as well.
Step 7: Transfer the Batter and Add Topping
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. For an extra burst of cinnamon sweetness, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the cake.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and your kitchen will smell amazing by this point!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice the cake and serve. Enjoy it as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added decadence.
