Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake – Page 2

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples and Cake Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper circles to ensure the cakes come out easily.
If you’re making the optional apple filling for added texture, sauté the apples: In a small pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples soften slightly and become caramelized. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the chopped apples, being careful not to break them down too much.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition.
Add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, and beat for another minute.
If the frosting is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

If you made the apple filling, spread a thin layer of the cinnamon cream cheese frosting on the first layer of the cake. Then, spoon the sautéed apples on top of the frosting and spread evenly.
Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Be generous with the frosting for a smooth, thick coating.
For added decoration, you can sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top or even garnish with extra thinly sliced apples.

Tips for Making the Perfect Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake

Choosing the Right Apples: When selecting apples for the cake, choose a firm variety like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious. These hold up well in baking and balance sweetness with a bit of tartness, which complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
Adding Texture: To give the cake an extra dimension of flavor, try adding toasted nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) to the batter. You can also fold in some raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy, fruity texture.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the cake layers ahead of time. Just store the cooled cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Frost just before serving.
Frosting Variations: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can swap it out for a classic buttercream frosting flavored with cinnamon or even a whipped cream frosting for a lighter touch.
Garnishes: For a festive touch, garnish the top of the cake with apple slices dusted with cinnamon, or add a few candy apples for an extra-special touch during the holidays.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cake

This Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake is everything you love about fall in a dessert—spiced, moist, and utterly delicious. It brings together the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of apples and the richness of cream cheese frosting. Whether you serve it at a holiday gathering or as a cozy weekend treat, this cake is bound to impress. With its soft, tender layers and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire.

So the next time you’re craving a dessert that’s as comforting as it is decadent, give this Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake a try. Trust us, you won’t regret it!

Happy baking!

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