Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake

Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, here’s how you can bake your Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake from start to finish:

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using applesauce, fold it into the batter along with the grated apples.
• Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

2. Make the Apple Cinnamon Filling:

• In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the sugar forms a syrupy glaze. Remove from heat and let it cool.

3. Bake the Cake Layers:

• Bake the cake layers in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency.

5. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the cake layers have cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of the apple cinnamon filling on top of the first cake layer.
• Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Then, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting over the top and sides of the entire cake. You can use a spatula or an offset spatula for a smooth finish, or leave it a little rustic for a more homemade look.
• Garnish with extra grated apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel for a finishing touch.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

• Slice and serve the cake, enjoying the moist layers of spiced apples, sweet cinnamon frosting, and that perfect apple-cinnamon flavor. This cake is the perfect way to bring a little fall flavor to any occasion.

Tips for Success:

• Use Fresh Apples: Choose apples that are sweet but slightly tart, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for the best flavor balance in your cake and filling.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smoother batter and frosting.
• For Extra Moisture: Adding applesauce to the batter ensures an extra moist cake. If you prefer a slightly less moist cake, feel free to leave it out.
• Make Ahead: You can make the cake layers and frosting a day ahead to save time on the day you plan to serve it. Simply store the layers in an airtight container and keep the frosting in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake is a delicious and festive dessert that brings together the classic flavors of apples, cinnamon, and creamy frosting in a show-stopping dessert. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, it’s a cake that is sure to impress with its moist layers, sweet apple filling, and rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a fall celebration or simply treating yourself to a slice of comfort, this cake will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy every delicious bite!