Cinnamon Apple Glaze Cake
Introduction:
Cinnamon Apple Glaze Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of fresh apples with the warm, comforting spices of cinnamon. Topped with a glossy, sweet glaze, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations. The moist, tender cake and rich apple-cinnamon flavor create a deliciously satisfying treat that will impress anyone who tries it.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (about 2 small apples)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter and achieving a light texture.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined. The eggs provide structure and moisture to the cake, while the vanilla enhances the flavor.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender cake.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold the diced apples into the batter using a spatula. The apples add moisture and texture to the cake, and folding them in carefully helps to distribute them evenly without overworking the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps to prevent the cake from breaking apart and ensures even cooling.
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and pourable. The glaze adds a sweet and slightly spiced finish to the cake.
Step 10: Glaze the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, place it on a serving plate. Drizzle the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. You can use a spoon or spatula to spread the glaze if needed.
Step 11: Garnish (Optional)
For an extra touch, you can garnish the glazed cake with a sprinkle of additional ground cinnamon or a few thin apple slices. This adds visual appeal and enhances the cinnamon flavor.
Step 12: Serving
Slice the cake into wedges and serve. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, and it’s a delightful treat for dessert or as an afternoon snack.
Step 13: Customizing the Recipe
Feel free to customize the cake by adding nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, to the batter. You can also experiment with different types of apples, such as Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
Step 14: Making Ahead
The cake can be baked and glazed up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you prefer, you can freeze the cake (without the glaze) for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.
Step 15: Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh the cake, you can warm it slightly in the microwave or oven. If the cake has been frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Conclusion:
Cinnamon Apple Glaze Cake is a scrumptious and versatile dessert that combines the flavors of cinnamon and apples in a moist, tender cake. Topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze, it’s perfect for any occasion and will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Additional Tips:
- For a richer glaze, add a touch more butter or a splash of heavy cream.
- To make the cake even more indulgent, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- If using pre-sweetened apples or apple pie filling, adjust the amount of sugar in the cake batter to taste.
Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Apple Glaze Cake!
