Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
This easy cinnamon apple cake combines the airy texture of a classic sharlotka with the comforting sweetness of cinnamon-sugar apples. Perfect for any occasion, this moist and tender cake features a delightful crumb and balanced sweetness.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter for greasing
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large Granny Smith apples about 2 pounds, peeled, cored, quartered, and sliced into ¼-inch-thick pieces
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and line it with parchment paper. Do not grease the sides of the pan, as the cake needs to "cling" to rise evenly. Set aside.
- Mix the Eggs and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), beat the eggs on high speed for about 1 minute until frothy. Gradually add 1 cup of the sugar while continuing to beat for 6–8 minutes. The mixture should thicken and become pale, forming ribbons when drizzled back onto itself.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sift this mixture into the beaten eggs in three portions, folding gently with a spatula after each addition. Be careful not to overmix. Add the vanilla extract and fold just until incorporated. Set aside ½ cup of the apple slices for the topping, and fold the remaining apple pieces into the batter.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Arrange the reserved apple slices evenly over the top in a single layer. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. While it cools, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar with the cinnamon. Run a thin knife or spatula along the edges of the cake to loosen it, then carefully remove the springform collar. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cake to a serving plate and let it cool completely before slicing. This allows the flavors and texture to set properly.
Notes
Greasing Tip: Only grease the bottom of the pan to help the sides of the cake hold their shape during baking.
Beating the Eggs: Properly aerating the eggs is key to the cake's texture and rise. If using a hand mixer, beat the eggs for an additional 2 minutes to achieve the same results.
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