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Apple Cinnamon Cake

Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Cake with Gooey Caramel Magic

Enjoy this Apple Cinnamon Cake with gooey caramel and fall flavors, perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Topping
  • 0.25 cup Unsalted Butter Provides moisture and richness; feel free to substitute with salted butter but reduce additional salt.
  • 0.67 cup Dark Brown Sugar Adds sweetness and depth from molasses; light brown sugar can be used as a substitute.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Enhances warmth and spiciness; try using Vietnamese cinnamon for a bold flavor.
  • 2 large Apples Peeled, cored, and sliced; Granny Smith, Jonagold, or Honey Crisp are perfect for baking.
For the Cake
  • 1.33 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure and texture; use a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make it gluten-free.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Acts as a leavening agent for a light and fluffy cake.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor; you may skip it if using salted butter.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cake; consider using coconut sugar for a richer taste.
  • 2 Eggs Binds all the ingredients together while adding moisture; no substitutes recommended.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Imparts aromatic flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract for the best results.
  • 0.25 cup Whole Milk Contributes to the tenderness of the cake; dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk work well.

Equipment

  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric Mixer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and baking spray.
  2. Melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in ⅔ cup of dark brown sugar, whisking continuously until boiling, about 3–5 minutes. Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and pour into prepared pan, arranging sliced apples in the syrup.
  3. Whisk together 1⅓ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt in a mixing bowl.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup of granulated sugar and ¼ cup of softened unsalted butter until fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the sugar mixture, alternating with ¼ cup of whole milk, mixing until just combined.
  6. Pour the batter over the arranged apple slices and spread evenly. Bake in preheated oven for 40–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, invert onto a serving platter, and remove the pan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable fall dessert.

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