Apple loaf cake is a quintessential taste of autumn. This simple yet satisfying dessert captures the essence of the season with its moist crumb, warm spices, and bursts of sweet, tender apples. A simple cinnamon-infused icing adds the perfect finishing touch to this delightful cake.
This recipe utilizes oil instead of butter, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a dairy-free option or those who simply prefer the ultra-moist texture oil provides.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Chopped cinnamon apples are layered in the middle and sprinkled on top for a burst of flavor and texture in every bite. Finished with a drizzle of cinnamon icing, this apple cake is a delicious way to celebrate the fall season.
It's also incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal prep work and readily available ingredients, making it a perfect choice for beginner bakers.
- Easy and Fuss-Free: This recipe requires minimal prep work and straightforward steps, making it a breeze to bake even for novice cooks.
- Moist and Flavorful: Using oil instead of butter keeps this cake incredibly moist, while the chopped cinnamon apples and warm spices add delightful bursts of flavor throughout.
- Perfect Coffee Cake: This apple loaf cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
- Dairy-Free Friendly: Made with oil, this recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions or those looking for a lighter alternative.
- Pareve: In Jewish cooking, you don't serve dishes using meat and dairy in the same meals. This apple loaf cake uses neither, making it Pareve, or neutral, and can be enjoyed as a dessert for any meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
Tart, fresh chopped apples are ideal, but in a pinch you could also use a canned apple pie filling. Ground cinnamon, Apple Pie Spice blend, or even Pumpkin Pie Spices can all be used interchangeably as well.
- Apples, cored and cut. Peeling is optional.
- Granulated sugar
- Cinnamon, ground
- Brown sugar
- Vegetable oil (traditionally, olive oil is used).
- Eggs, large and at room temperature.
- Vanilla extract
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Apple Juice or water
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make A Cinnamon Apple Loaf Cake
This is a very simple cake, the magic comes with the layering of the chopped cinnamon apples and the batter. The drizzle of cinnamon icing takes it to a whole new level though.
Prepare The Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour a standard 9x5” loaf pan (or liberally spray with nonstick).
- To a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon and set aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with the granulated sugar and apple pie spice; set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate medium bowl, then add to the wet mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Add in the apple juice and continue to beat until the batter is smooth. Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add half of the chopped apple mixture
Layer with Apples and Cinnamon Sugar
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture on top of the apple layer.
- Pour the rest of the batter over the apple layer and top with the remaining chopped apples. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon and brown sugar mixture.
- Lightly press the apples into the batter and gently swirl the brown sugar mixture through it, using a knife.
- Bake at 350F for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Let the loaf rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Bake and Dizzle With Icing
- Whisk the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and water together for the icing glaze together in a small bowl. Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle with glaze.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few delicious variations or substitutions when making this Jewish cinnamon apple cake recipe.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the dry ingredients.
- Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter for added texture and crunch.
- If you prefer a simpler topping, skip the cinnamon icing and drizzle the cooled cake with a simple vanilla glaze.
- Feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears, plums, or berries in place of the apples.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for making this apple cinnamon loaf cake recipe:
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough and dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using pre-cut or pre-packaged apples as they tend to brown faster.
- The best way to ensure your cake is fully baked is to use the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Serving Suggestions
While the origins of Jewish apple cake are debated, it's become a beloved dessert enjoyed by many, particularly during Rosh Hashanah and other Jewish holidays. This apple loaf cake is a delicious way to celebrate the fall harvest as a cozy treat with friends and family.
- Slow Cooker Beef Back Ribs
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Storage Options
- Easy Apple Loaf Cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, the cake can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute melted butter for the oil in a 1:1 ratio. However, the cake may be slightly less moist and have a denser crumb.
To prevent the apples from browning, toss them with a tablespoon of lemon juice after chopping. The acidity in the lemon juice will help slow down the browning process.
Absolutely! The apple loaf cake is delicious on its own, even without the icing. The icing adds a touch of sweetness and extra moisture, but it's entirely optional. You can also simply dust the cake with powdered sugar.
More Delish Ideas
- Hanukkah Lofthouse Cookies Recipe
- Slow Cooker Baked Apples with Cranberry Stuffing
- Blue Velvet Cookies
- 1 Hour Pistachio Baklava
Easy Apple Loaf Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
Cinnamon Apple Mixture:
- 2 large apples cored and chopped (peeled if desired)
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
Cake Batter:
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup apple juice
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
- 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour a standard 9x5” loaf pan (or liberally spray with nonstick)
- To a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon and set aside⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- In a separate medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with the granulated sugar and apple pie spice; set aside.2 large apples, 2 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- In a large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fluffy.½ cup vegetable oil, ⅔ cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate medium bowl, then add to the wet mixture. Beat until well combined.1 ½ cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt
- Add in the apple juice and continue to beat until the batter is smooth. Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add half of the chopped apple mixture½ cup apple juice
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture on top of the apple layer.
- Pour the rest of the batter over the apple layer and top with the remaining chopped apples. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon and brown sugar mixture.
- Lightly press the apples into the batter and gently swirl the brown sugar mixture through it, using a knife.
- Bake at 350F for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Let the loaf rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Whisk the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and water together for the icing glaze together in a small bowl. Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle with glaze.1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoon water
Notes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough and dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using pre-cut or pre-packaged apples as they tend to brown faster.
- The best way to ensure your cake is fully baked is to use the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
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