Apple Cinnamon Cake with Sweet Glaze

For the Sweet Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for added flavor)

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cake with Sweet Glaze:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This will coat the apples and ensure that they infuse the cake with cinnamon flavor as it bakes. Set them aside.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cake batter.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring that your cake has a light, airy texture.

Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 6: Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the cinnamon-coated apples into the cake batter. The apples should be evenly distributed, but don’t overwork the batter. This helps keep the cake light and fluffy.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make the Sweet Glaze

While the cake cools, prepare the sweet glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you want to add a little extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

Step 10: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. You can use a spoon to spread the glaze for an even coating or let it naturally drip down the sides for a more rustic look.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Cut the cake into squares and serve. The sweet glaze pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced cake, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Cake:

• Choose the Right Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great for this cake because they hold their shape well and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake. If you prefer a sweeter apple, go with Fuji or Gala apples.
• Make Ahead: This cake can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for 2-3 days. The flavors only get better as it sits. If you’d like to store it for longer, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
• Add-ins: If you want to take the cake to the next level, consider adding chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Glaze Variations: You can change up the glaze by adding a bit of maple syrup or brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or even a bit of cream cheese for a tangy twist.

Why This Cake is Perfect for Every Occasion:

This Apple Cinnamon Cake with Sweet Glaze is the ideal dessert for any time of the year. Its rich, spiced flavors make it perfect for fall, but it’s also light enough to enjoy in the spring and summer. The combination of soft apples, fragrant cinnamon, and a sweet glaze makes it the perfect treat for family gatherings, holiday meals, or just a cozy night at home.

Whether you’re serving it after dinner or enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee in the morning, this cake is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Its simplicity, comforting flavors, and versatility make it a dessert that everyone will ask for again and again.

Conclusion:

This Apple Cinnamon Cake with Sweet Glaze is everything you want in a dessert—easy to make, full of warm, spiced flavors, and topped with a sweet glaze that takes it over the top. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just for a treat to enjoy at home, this cake will always bring a smile to your face.

So, preheat your oven, grab some apples, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure comfort!