Bake Ina Garten’s Dreamy Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe This Fall

Warm, comforting aromas of spice fill the kitchen when you bake this delightful Ina Garten apple cinnamon cake recipe that promises pure autumn bliss.

Layers of tender apples mingle with rich, fragrant cinnamon throughout every delectable bite.

Soft and moist, this cake brings nostalgic memories of cozy weekend afternoons and sweet family gatherings.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of sweet fruit and warm spices that dance across your palate.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with classic techniques that make baking feel effortless and rewarding.

Seasonal apples take center stage, creating a dessert that celebrates the best of fall’s natural bounty.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to savor a slice of pure comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 8

Key Ingredients in Ina Garten’s Apple Cinnamon Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and soft texture for the cake's foundation.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cake's tender crumb.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and create richness and structure.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and creates a soft, tender cake texture.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess, moisture, and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic depth to the cake's flavor profile.

• Fresh Apples: Bring natural sweetness, texture, and fruity freshness to the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes and complements the apple's flavor.
• Melted Butter: Creates a rich, crumbly cinnamon topping with delightful texture.

• Icing Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet drizzle that adds final touch of sweetness.
• Milk: Adjusts glaze consistency and helps create a silky finish.

The Essentials You’ll Need to Make Ina’s Cozy Cake

• 8-inch round cake pan: Essential for baking the cake with the right shape and size.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and mixing apple pieces.
• Separate mixing bowl: Needed for whisking wet ingredients together smoothly.
• Wooden spoon: Great for gently mixing batter without overmixing.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing cinnamon topping and glaze.
• Wire rack: Helps cake cool evenly after baking.
• Skewer or toothpick: Helps check cake's doneness by testing the center.
• Whisk: Useful for blending wet ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

Follow These Instructions to Bake Like Ina

• Oven Warmup

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F and prepare a round cake pan with a light butter coating and parchment paper lining.

• Apple Dance

Toss flour, sugar, and baking essentials together, then fold in chopped apple chunks for a delightful texture surprise.

• Liquid Harmony

Whisk together eggs, yogurt, vanilla, and oil until they create a smooth, creamy blend that promises deliciousness.

• Gentle Mixing

Softly combine wet and dry ingredients, being careful not to overwork the batter. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan with love.

• Cinnamon Magic

Craft a crumbly topping by mixing sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Sprinkle this aromatic mixture across the cake surface.

• Baking Transformation

Let the cake bake for 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack, filling your kitchen with a heavenly aroma.

• Sweet Finish

Create a silky glaze by blending powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle generously over the cooled cake, adding a final touch of sweetness.

Ideas to Enhance the Spice & Sweetness Balance

• Toss chopped apples in a bit of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking during baking.
• Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream or add a handful of chopped walnuts for extra crunch and nutty depth.
• Ensure your cake stays perfectly moist by not overmixing the batter and checking doneness with a toothpick a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
• Experiment with different glazes like caramel or cream cheese, or dust with powdered sugar instead of using a traditional milk-based glaze for varied presentation styles.

How Ina Might Serve Her Apple-Cinnamon Creation

• Savor Sweet Slice Moments: Perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or tea, this apple cinnamon cake creates cozy afternoon treat vibes.
• Dress Up the Dessert: Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence and creamy contrast.
• Pair with Perfection: Serve alongside a warm caramel sauce or sprinkle some chopped toasted nuts on top to add delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Cut into elegant squares and present on a beautiful platter for weekend gatherings, impressing family and friends with its rustic charm.

Smart Storage for This Comforting Cake

• Maximize Freshness: Store the apple cinnamon cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping it moist and delicious.
• Refrigerate for Longer Life: Extend the cake's shelf life by storing it in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each piece securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake stays fresh for up to 2 months.
• Revive and Serve: Thaw frozen cake slices at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that fresh-baked texture and enhance the cinnamon aroma.

Irresistible Ina Garten Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s apple cinnamon cake blends classic fall flavors with refined baking techniques. Warm spices and tender apples create a comforting dessert that delights guests with its rich, homemade appeal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 150 grams (¾ cup) caster sugar
• 50 grams (¼ cup) caster sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (approximately 1 large) red apple, peeled and roughly chopped
• 120 milliliters (½ cup) vegetable oil
• 120 milliliters (½ cup) Greek yogurt
• 210 grams (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 30 grams (¼ cup) icing sugar

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) for standard ovens or 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced models. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line with parchment paper.
2. Dry Ingredient Composition: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar into a large mixing bowl. Incorporate diced apples, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the mixture.
3. Liquid Mixture Creation: Whisk eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and Greek yogurt in a separate bowl until smooth and slightly aerated. Combine wet ingredients with the dry ingredient mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. Transfer batter to the prepared cake pan.
4. Cinnamon Topping Assembly: Blend sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter to create a crumbly topping. Generously sprinkle the aromatic mixture across the cake’s surface.
5. Baking Process: Place cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a skewer into the center – it should come out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Finishing Touch: Prepare a glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle elegantly over the cooled cake, creating a delectable final layer.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently to keep cake tender and light, stopping when ingredients are just combined to avoid tough, dense texture.
• Apple Prep Matters: Dice apples uniformly and pat dry to prevent excess moisture from making cake soggy, ensuring perfect texture and even baking.
• Check Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to confirm actual temperature, as home ovens can vary and impact cake’s rise and golden-brown finish.
• Cooling Technique: Allow cake to cool completely on wire rack before glazing, preventing soggy bottom and ensuring glaze sets beautifully without melting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg