This chunky apple and cinnamon cake is a perfect treat for your next tea time. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how delicious the warm, spiced apples taste in every bite. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of cake recipes for tea time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture. You can use softer apples, but they might become mushier.
- Cinnamon: Essential for that cozy flavor. Nutmeg or a pumpkin pie spice blend can also be used.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard for baking. A gluten-free 1:1 baking blend can work, but adjust liquids if necessary.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel note. Granulated sugar can be used, but the cake will be less moist.
- Oil: Vegetable oil or canola oil keeps the cake moist. Melted butter can be substituted, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Eggs: Provide structure. Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) can be used for a vegan option.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (about 2-3 medium apples)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking pan, large mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This step prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delicious cake.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined. Setting these aside prepares them for the wet mixture.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the flavorful base of your cake.
4. Incorporate Dry into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so stop as soon as the flour streaks disappear.
5. Fold in Apples
Gently fold the diced apples into the cake batter. Ensure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. These chunky apples are what make this a truly special cake for tea time.
6. Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
- Streusel Topping: Mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup cold butter, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle over the batter before baking.
- Caramel Drizzle: After the cake cools, drizzle with store-bought or homemade caramel sauce.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover chunky apple and cinnamon cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days, though the texture might firm up slightly. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use any type of apple?
Firmer, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best as they hold their shape during baking. Softer apples can be used but may become mushier.
- My cake looks dry, what went wrong?
This often happens from overmixing the batter or baking for too long. Ensure you mix until just combined and check for doneness with a wooden skewer.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake stores well and its flavors can even deepen overnight. It’s a great make-ahead option for cake recipes for tea time.
- How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?
Tossing the diced apples with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter can help prevent them from sinking.
- Can I bake this in a different pan size?
Yes, you can use a Bundt pan or an 8×8 inch square pan, but you may need to adjust baking times. An 8×8 pan will likely require a longer baking time.
- What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can use all granulated sugar, but the cake might be slightly less moist and have a different flavor depth. You could also make your own brown sugar by mixing granulated sugar with a small amount of molasses.