Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my infatuation with this delightful recipe for **Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake**! It’s like all my favorite breakfast indulgences melded together into one glorious bite—but it’s actually perfect for any time of the day! I still remember the first time I whipped this up for a brunch gathering at my place. The cozy aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafted through the kitchen, and my friends swooned over the first slice like it was royalty on a platter!
What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly easy it is. You basically get the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls without all the fuss of rolling and cutting dough. It’s a one-pan wonder that looks fancy, but don’t worry—I promise it’s foolproof! Each bite is an explosion of spices, sweet apples, and that luscious cream cheese frosting—what more could you ask for?
What’s in Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake?
Let’s break down what makes this cake so mouth-watering:
Apples: I usually prefer using Granny Smith apples for this recipe because their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweet cake. Plus, they hold their shape well when baked!
Cinnamon: Ah, the key spice that makes everything cozy! I use Ceylon cinnamon, which is a touch sweeter and more aromatic than regular cinnamon. But feel free to use what you have on hand—it’ll still taste delicious!
Butter: Because butter makes everything better! I use unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness of the cake.
Sugar: I typically use granulated sugar for sweetness, but brown sugar can give it a lovely caramel flavor. Sometimes I even mix the two!
Eggs: These are crucial for binding everything together and give the cake a beautiful texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is what you need here to bring everything together into a soft, delightful crumb.
Baking powder & Baking soda: These are the dynamic duo that gives the cake a nice lift.
Cream Cheese: The star of the show when it comes to frosting! It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-yummy!
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavors and adds warmth to the cake.
Is Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake Good for You?
Now, before we dive into the sugar and butter bliss, let’s talk about what this cake has to offer!
Apples: These are packed with fiber and vitamins. Eating apples can support heart health and help keep your digestive system happy.
Cinnamon: Besides its delightful flavor, cinnamon is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and may even help lower blood sugar levels.
Now for the ‘but’—while this cake does have some nutritious ingredients, it’s definitely more of a treat than a health food. It’s rich in sugar and butter, so I’d say enjoy this in moderation and maybe save it for special occasions or a weekend brunch!
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 12 slices. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar (or a mixture with brown sugar)
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I suggest Ceylon!)
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith works wonders)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake?
Alright, let’s get baking!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Trust me, you want to grease this or you might lose a piece of cake to the pan!
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good whisk to mix everything together.
3. In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (don’t overmix, my friends!). Gently fold in the chopped apples.
5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. It may seem thick, but just spread it out. Trust me; it’ll bake up beautifully!
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen is going to smell heavenly!
7. While the cake cools a bit, let’s whip up that creamy frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until it’s fluffy and heavenly!
8. Once the cake has cooled for about 15-20 minutes, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top. Cut into squares, serve, and watch them disappear!
Tips & Twists for the Perfect Cake Experience!
Feel free to get a little adventurous with this recipe! Here are some of my favorite variations and tips:
– **Add nuts:** If you love a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans with the apple mixture.
– **Spices:** Want a kick? A dash of nutmeg or ginger can add delightful layers of flavor.
– **Serve it warm:** This cake is absolutely divine when served warm from the oven, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
– **Switch up the fruits:** Don’t have apples? Pears, peaches, or berries can also work. Just make sure they’re ripe and sweet!
I truly hope you give this **Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake** a try. Trust me; it’s going to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection, much like it is in mine! When you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you—feel free to drop a comment or share a picture! Happy baking, my friend!