As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven, infused with the comforting scents of baked apples and warm spices. This quest for the best apple cinnamon cake led me to create a truly special recipe that beautifully marries moist, tender cake with a luscious spiced German buttercream. Each bite is reminiscent of cherished family gatherings and festive cheer, making it perfect for your Christmas celebrations.
While gingerbread often takes the spotlight during this time, I wanted to spotlight the humble apple, a fruit that steals the show with its sweet-tart essence. Paired with fragrant cinnamon and enveloped in a creamy buttercream, this cake not only looks stunning but delivers in flavor and texture. Whether you’re impressing guests or simply indulging on a quiet evening, this cake is sure to evoke warmth and joy. Join me in crafting this delightful dessert that’s bound to become a seasonal favorite!
Why is this the best apple cinnamon cake?
Irresistible Aroma: The delightful scent of cinnamon and baked apples fills your kitchen, transporting you to holiday festivities.
Mouthwatering Layers: Soft, moist cake combined with deliciously spiced German buttercream makes for a truly decadent indulgence.
Festive Appeal: Perfectly designed for holiday celebrations, this cake becomes the centerpiece of your seasonal gatherings.
Versatile Recipe: Customize with your favorite apples or spices, and even try a different buttercream for an exciting twist!
Effortless Elegance: Impress friends and family with a stunning cake that’s surprisingly simple to make; it’s a joy to share!
This festive treat is bound to put a smile on everyone’s face, so why not bake it today?
Best Apple Cinnamon Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
• Apples – Use tart apples for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Sugar – Brown sugar provides a deeper flavor; feel free to experiment!
• Eggs – Fresh eggs are crucial for structure and moisture.
• Flour – All-purpose flour gives the cake its necessary structure; gluten-free options work too!
• Baking Powder – Ensure it’s fresh for a beautifully risen cake.
• Cinnamon – Adjust according to your taste; it’s the star of the show.
• Speculoos Spice – Unique flavor boost; swap for pumpkin pie spice if needed.
• Butter – Use unsalted, room temperature butter for rich flavor and moistness.
For the German Buttercream
• Cornstarch – Essential for a creamy, thick custard; no perfect substitute exists.
• Milk – Whole milk will create a richer custard; never skip this ingredient!
• Vanilla Pod or Flavor – Fresh vanilla adds aromatic sweetness; extract is a fine substitute.
For the Baked Apples
• Additional Sugar – Enhances the natural sweetness of the apples when baked.
• Cinnamon – A sprinkle enhances the flavor, keeping it warm and comforting.
Craft this best apple cinnamon cake for unforgettable holiday gatherings!
How to Make the Best Apple Cinnamon Cake
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Prepare the Cake: Whisk together the eggs and sugar until frothy and pale. Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, speculoos spice, and melted butter. Divide the batter evenly among three greased 17 cm round pans and bake at 160°C (320°F) for about 12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
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Make the German Buttercream: Combine milk, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. In a separate bowl, whip the room temperature butter until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate the cooled custard until smooth and creamy.
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Prepare Baked Apples: Dice apples into small cubes, then mix with additional sugar and cinnamon. Sauté in a pan over medium heat until the apples are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.
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Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of German buttercream followed by a layer of baked apples. Add the second cake layer and repeat the process. Finish with the final layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining buttercream. Decorate with leftover baked apples and pipe additional buttercream for a lovely touch.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Apple Cinnamon Cake?
As you dive into the delightful world of sweet, spiced baking, imagine a cozy gathering filled with the scent of warm apples and festive cheer.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully atop this moist cake, balancing the spiced flavors with cool sweetness.
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Hot Spiced Cider: Sipping on this comforting beverage complements the cake’s seasonal spices, enhancing the overall festive experience.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a luxurious touch to each slice, making it even more indulgent.
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Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet cake, adding a pop of color and flavor to your plate.
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Espresso or Coffee: A rich cup of espresso or brewed coffee harmonizes perfectly with the spices, making each bite more satisfying.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cake offers a decadent twist, appealing to those with a proclivity for richer flavors.
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Pecan Pie: Pairing it with a slice of pecan pie adds a nutty crunch, creating a delicious dessert duo that’s perfect for sharing during holiday festivities.
This cake is designed to shine on your holiday table, surrounded by warming companions that elevate every bite!
Expert Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Cake
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Egg Whisking: Beat eggs until they are pale yellow and frothy to achieve a light, airy cake, enhancing the overall texture of the best apple cinnamon cake.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and custard are at room temperature before mixing. This prevents separation in your German buttercream, leading to a creamy, cohesive frosting.
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Baking Time Check: Keep an eye on the clock! Bake your layers for around 12 minutes, but always check with a toothpick for doneness to avoid overbaking.
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Moisture Retention: Wrap your cooled cake layers in cling film immediately to lock in moisture. This keeps your cake tender and prevents it from drying out.
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Flavor Adjustments: Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices! A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can uniquely elevate your apple cinnamon cake experience.
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Decoration Ideas: When assembling, pipe a border of buttercream around the apple filling to contain its moisture, preventing sogginess and creating a lovely presentation.
Make Ahead Options
This best apple cinnamon cake is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its lovely flavors without last-minute stress! You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days in advance; just wrap them tightly in cling film after cooling to maintain moisture. The prepared German buttercream can also be made 1-2 days before, stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To ensure everything stays fresh, allow the buttercream to come to room temperature before using. When you’re ready to assemble, simply layer the cooled cake with the buttercream and baked apples, building your cake moments before serving for that just-baked taste!
Storage Tips for Best Apple Cinnamon Cake
Room Temperature: Keep the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days, covered with a cake dome or wrapped in cling film to retain moisture.
Fridge: Store leftover cake in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out and absorbing odors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cake wrapped in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy slices warm, briefly microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds. This creates a lovely, fresh taste for your best apple cinnamon cake!
Best Apple Cinnamon Cake Variations
Get ready to explore delightful twists that will elevate your apple cinnamon cake experience!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a cake that everyone can enjoy without compromising flavor or texture.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch and added depth to each bite. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the spices!
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Maple Drizzle: Finish with a homemade maple syrup drizzle for a touch of sweetness that brings an earthy tone to your cake’s richness.
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Zesty Citrus: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon into the batter. This brightens the flavors, giving a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.
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Chocolatey Delight: Fold in dark chocolate chips for a delicious surprise. The rich chocolate adds a decadent touch to the already delightful cake.
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Spicy Kick: Introduce a hint of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter for an unexpected heat that plays beautifully against the sweetness of the apples.
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Fruit Explosion: Mix in a combination of fruits like cranberries or pears for a more festive vibe and complementary flavors that celebrate the season.
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Almond Cream Frosting: Swap the German buttercream for an almond cream frosting for a nutty twist that enhances the overall experience. Each bite becomes a flavor adventure!
These variations invite creativity and personalization. Enjoy custom-making your cake into something uniquely yours!
Best Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the best apple cinnamon cake?
Absolutely! I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their sweet-tart balance adds depth to the cake’s flavor, cutting through the richness of the buttercream.
How should I store the best apple cinnamon cake?
For up to 3 days, keep the cake at room temperature, covered with a cake dome or wrapped in cling film to maintain moisture. If storing leftovers, refrigerate it, wrapped tightly, for up to a week to prevent drying out and odor absorption.
Can I freeze the best apple cinnamon cake?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving, ensuring it retains its moistness.
What should I do if my cake turns out too dense?
If your cake ends up denser than expected, it could be due to overmixing the batter or using outdated baking powder. Make sure to mix just until combined and check that your baking powder is fresh. For future baking, remember to beat the eggs until frothy for added lightness!
Can I modify the recipe to make it gluten-free?
Very much so! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends for the best apple cinnamon cake. Just make sure to use a blend designed for baking that includes a leavening agent, and you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
Are there any allergy considerations for the best apple cinnamon cake?
Absolutely! This recipe contains eggs, butter, and milk, which are common allergens. For dairy-free options, you can substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or coconut milk. Always check labels when substituting ingredients to ensure they meet dietary restrictions.
Best Apple Cinnamon Cake with Decadent German Buttercream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together the eggs and sugar until frothy and pale. Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, speculoos spice, and melted butter. Divide the batter evenly among three greased 17 cm round pans and bake at 160°C (320°F) for about 12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
- Combine milk, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. In a separate bowl, whip the room temperature butter until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate the cooled custard until smooth and creamy.
- Dice apples into small cubes, then mix with additional sugar and cinnamon. Sauté in a pan over medium heat until the apples are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of German buttercream followed by a layer of baked apples. Add the second cake layer and repeat the process. Finish with the final layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining buttercream. Decorate with leftover baked apples and pipe additional buttercream for a lovely touch.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish before serving.