Apple and cinnamon cake

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### **Instructions for Making Apple and Cinnamon Cake**

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Apples**
1. Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into small chunks. Set them aside to add to the batter later.

#### **Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan**
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

#### **Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients**
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set this bowl aside.

#### **Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar**
4. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

#### **Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla**
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

#### **Step 6: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients**
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

#### **Step 7: Fold in the Apples**
7. Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter. This ensures that the apples are evenly distributed throughout the cake.

#### **Step 8: Bake the Cake**
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly. If you like, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top for added flavor and texture.
9. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should feel firm to the touch.

#### **Step 9: Cool and Serve**
10. Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, slice and serve! You can enjoy it as is or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a little extra sweetness.

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### **Serving Suggestions**

– **Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream:** A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect finishing touch to this cake. It adds a creamy contrast to the soft, spiced cake.
– **Pair with Tea or Coffee:** This cake is ideal for afternoon tea or as a comforting dessert after a meal. The flavors of apple and cinnamon go perfectly with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
– **Add a Glaze:** For an extra layer of sweetness, drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or apple cider.

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### **Tips for the Perfect Apple and Cinnamon Cake**

– **Choose the Right Apples:** Use firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
– **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be sure not to overmix the batter. This can cause the cake to become dense instead of light and fluffy.
– **Adjust the Cinnamon:** If you love cinnamon, feel free to increase the amount in the batter or sprinkle more on top. For a subtle flavor, reduce the amount to suit your taste.
– **Add Nuts for Texture:** For an added crunch, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans. These will complement the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully.
– **Make It Gluten-Free:** If you need a gluten-free version, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may be slightly different.

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### **Storage and Leftovers**

– **Room Temperature:** This cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It will stay moist and delicious, making it perfect for snacking throughout the day.
– **Refrigeration:** If you want to keep the cake fresh longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure it’s covered well to prevent it from drying out.
– **Freezing:** You can freeze this cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw at room temperature for several hours.

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### **Final Thoughts**

**Apple and Cinnamon Cake** is the epitome of comfort food. With its soft, moist texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and sweet apple chunks, it’s a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a special event or simply indulging in a cozy treat at home, this cake is sure to impress. Its simplicity, combined with the irresistible flavors of apple and cinnamon, makes it a timeless classic. Give it a try, and let this delightful cake become a staple in your baking collection!