Old-Fashioned Apple Cinnamon Cake with Vanilla Glaze

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OLD-FASHIONED APPLE CINNAMON CAKE WITH VANILLA GLAZE

Introduction

Few desserts capture the warmth of home baking like an Old-Fashioned Apple Cinnamon Cake. Soft, moist, and bursting with the natural sweetness of apples, this cake is layered with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and finished with a silky vanilla glaze. It’s the kind of dessert that reminds you of fall evenings, family gatherings, and the timeless comfort of a homemade cake. Perfect for serving with coffee or tea, this cake is rustic yet elegant—an old-fashioned treat with a touch of modern sweetness.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice (optional, for warmth)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are best)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Vanilla Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk or cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
  5. Stir in sour cream (or yogurt) and milk.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
  7. Fold in chopped apples and nuts (if using).

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  1. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  2. Bake 40–45 minutes (for 9×13 pan) or 50–55 minutes (for bundt pan), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let cake cool slightly before glazing.

Step 3: Make the Vanilla Glaze

  1. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Drizzle glaze over warm (not hot) cake so it sinks slightly into the surface.

History

Apple cakes have a rich tradition across Europe and America. In Germany, apfelkuchen (apple cake) is a household staple, while in England, apple spice cakes have been enjoyed since the Middle Ages. In the United States, apple cakes rose in popularity during the 19th century, when apples became widely available, and home bakers embraced spiced desserts as comforting family treats. This old-fashioned apple cinnamon cake embodies those timeless traditions—simple ingredients, warm spices, and the natural sweetness of orchard-fresh apples.

Benefits

  • Wholesome sweetness: Apples add natural moisture and reduce the need for excess fat.
  • Warm spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring comfort and aid digestion.
  • Versatile dessert: Works as breakfast, snack, or after-dinner treat.
  • Homemade goodness: No artificial preservatives or flavors.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Loved across generations, from kids to grandparents.

Formation

The formation of this cake relies on three key steps:

  1. Creaming butter and sugar creates a light texture.
  2. Apples release moisture during baking, keeping the cake soft and tender.
  3. The vanilla glaze forms a sweet, glossy finish that elevates the rustic cake into something elegant.

Conclusion

The Old-Fashioned Apple Cinnamon Cake with Vanilla Glaze is more than just a dessert—it’s a memory baked into every slice. Moist, spiced, and sweet, it captures the heart of traditional home baking while remaining simple enough for any occasion. It’s the kind of cake you’ll want to make again and again, especially in the cozy months of fall and winter.

Lovers

  • Families: who enjoy a comforting homemade dessert together.
  • Tea and coffee lovers: who need the perfect cake to pair with a hot drink.
  • Traditionalists: who love old-fashioned recipes with simple, real ingredients.
  • Bakers: who find joy in rustic, seasonal treats.
  • Apple lovers: who can never resist a spiced apple dessert.

Final Conclusion

The Old-Fashioned Apple Cinnamon Cake with Vanilla Glaze is the definition of timeless comfort. Its history is rooted in tradition, its flavors are full of warmth, and its texture is soft and moist thanks to apples. From the kitchen aroma of cinnamon to the final drizzle of vanilla glaze, every step feels like a celebration of homestyle baking. This cake isn’t just food—it’s a piece of tradition served on a plate.

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