Apple hazelnut cake with cinnamon

There is something incredibly comforting about the smell of apples, cinnamon, and toasted hazelnuts dancing through the kitchen. This Apple Hazelnut Cake with Cinnamon brings that warm, cozy aroma to life, and every bite feels like a sweet hug on a chilly day. The moment you slice into it, you get that tender crumb, the soft apples, and the nutty crunch that makes you want to savor the moment. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Behind the Recipe

This cake was inspired by the kind of desserts that make family gatherings feel extra special. I remember standing near the oven just to get the first whiff of that cinnamon glow filling the room. Over time, I added hazelnuts, which added an earthy depth that turned a simple apple cake into something unforgettable. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Apple cakes have roots in many European countries, especially Germany and Austria, where apples were plentiful and often baked into rustic sweets. Hazelnuts, which grow abundantly in regions like Italy and Turkey, eventually found their way into many dessert traditions. When combined with cinnamon, these ingredients create a trio of flavors that feel nostalgic, homely, and deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Apple Hazelnut Cake with Cinnamon

This cake brings together comfort and simplicity in a way that feels almost magical. Before we get into the details, let me walk you through exactly why this recipe is a total game changer.

Versatile: This cake works as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert after dinner. It also pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

Budget-Friendly: Apples, cinnamon, and nuts stretch a long way and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.

Quick and Easy: The steps flow naturally and everything comes together without complicated techniques.

Customizable: You can switch the apple variety, adjust sweetness, or tweak spices to your liking.

Crowd-Pleasing: The aroma alone makes people gather around, and the flavors never disappoint.

Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavor deepens as it rests, making it even more delicious the next day.

Great for Leftovers: It stays moist and tender, so you can enjoy it for several days without losing quality.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Before you begin, here are a few insider tips that help elevate this cake to bakery-level goodness.

1. Use tart apples for the best flavor balance since they hold their shape and contrast beautifully with the sweetness.
2. Toast the hazelnuts lightly before chopping them. This boosts their nutty aroma which blends perfectly with cinnamon.
3. Don’t overmix the batter because a gentle hand keeps the cake tender and soft.
4. Let the cake cool before slicing so the crumb stays intact.
5. Sprinkle a touch of cinnamon sugar on top just before baking to add a delicate crisp finish.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make this cake smoothly and enjoyably, keep the following tools nearby.

Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
Whisk: Ensures smooth blending without lumps.
Spatula: Helps fold ingredients gently.
Cake Pan: A standard 9 inch round pan works perfectly.
Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for prepping apples and chopping hazelnuts.

Ingredients in Apple Hazelnut Cake with Cinnamon

As we start gathering ingredients, you’ll notice how each one plays its own little role in building depth and warmth. Here is what you need.

1. All Purpose Flour: 1 and 1 half cups which provides structure for the cake.
2. Baking Powder: 1 and 1 half teaspoons which helps the cake rise softly.
3. Salt: a pinch which balances the sweetness.
4. Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon which brings warmth and coziness to every bite.
5. Granulated Sugar: 1 cup which sweetens and adds moisture.
6. Eggs: 2 large which bind the batter and create tenderness.
7. Milk: 1 half cup which keeps the cake moist.
8. Vegetable Oil: 1 third cup which adds softness with a neutral flavor.
9. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon which enhances aroma.
10. Apples: 2 medium peeled and diced which add juicy sweetness and texture.
11. Hazelnuts: 1 half cup chopped which bring crunch and nuttiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

When you need a little flexibility, these swaps come in handy.

Milk: Almond milk or oat milk.
Vegetable Oil: Melted butter or light olive oil.
Hazelnuts: Walnuts or pecans.
Apples: Pears for a softer, floral twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Apples: They give the cake moisture, natural sweetness, and soft pockets that make every slice delightful.

Hazelnuts: They add depth, crunch, and a warm roasted aroma that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Instructions for Making Apple Hazelnut Cake with Cinnamon

Here comes the fun part where everything starts coming together. Follow these steps and you’ll have a warm, fragrant cake in no time.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350 F so the cake bakes evenly from the start.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in one bowl. In another bowl whisk sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Fold the dry mixture into the wet until just combined.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Grease your 9 inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment if you prefer easy release.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped hazelnuts. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before unmolding. Dust lightly with cinnamon sugar if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with coffee, warm milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Texture and Flavor Secrets

This cake gets its tender crumb from the mix of milk and oil, and the apples melt slightly during baking creating juicy pockets throughout. The hazelnuts stay crunchy and contrast beautifully with the soft apple pieces, while cinnamon ties the whole flavor profile together with warm sweetness.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

When you want to guarantee the best results, these little reminders help keep everything smooth.

• Use apples that are firm and tart for the best flavor.
• Chop the hazelnuts into medium pieces so the crunch is noticeable.
• Let the batter rest a couple minutes before baking which allows the flour to hydrate.

What to Avoid

Sometimes just knowing what not to do saves the day.

• Avoid overmixing the batter because it makes the cake dense.
• Don’t use apples that are too soft since they break down too much during baking.
• Avoid cutting the cake too soon which can cause crumbling.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 290
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This cake actually tastes even better the next day because the spices settle and the apples moisten the crumb. You can wrap it tightly and keep it at room temperature for two days or refrigerate it for up to four days. It also freezes well for up to three months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven to bring back the soft and warm texture.

How to Serve Apple Hazelnut Cake with Cinnamon

Serve this cake plain, sprinkled with powdered sugar, drizzled with honey, or with a small spoonful of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with chai tea, coffee, or warm spiced milk. You can also serve it with a simple fruit compote for a brighter twist.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftover cake is a gift and here are a few fun ideas.

• Warm it up and top with yogurt for a breakfast bowl.
• Turn slices into a rustic trifle with cream and berries.
• Toast slightly and enjoy with nut butter.

Additional Tips

Feel free to use different types of apples for complexity. Grate a little fresh nutmeg into the batter for a deeper spice aroma. And if you like a crisp top, sprinkle coarse sugar before baking.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve it on a cake stand with extra chopped hazelnuts scattered around. Add a drizzle of warm caramel for a glossy finish. A cinnamon stick on the side makes the presentation feel cozy and welcoming.

Variations to Try

Here are a few fun twists if you want to switch things up.

1. Add grated carrots for extra moisture and sweetness.
2. Add orange zest to the batter for a fresh citrus lift.
3. Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for deeper caramel notes.
4. Add a handful of raisins or cranberries for extra pops of flavor.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make this cake gluten free
A1: Yes, simply use a 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend.

Q2: Can I reduce the sugar
A2: You can reduce it by up to one third without affecting texture.

Q3: What apples work best
A3: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady are great choices.

Q4: Can I bake this in a loaf pan
A4: Yes but increase the baking time by about ten minutes.

Q5: Can I add more spices
A5: Absolutely, nutmeg or cloves work well in small amounts.

Q6: How do I keep the cake moist
A6: Store it wrapped tightly so the apples keep the crumb soft.

Q7: Can I make this without nuts
A7: Yes, simply leave them out or replace them with seeds.

Q8: Can I use whole wheat flour
A8: Use half whole wheat and half all purpose for best results.

Q9: Why is my cake dense
A9: Usually because of overmixing or too much flour.

Q10: Can I freeze this cake
A10: Yes, freeze slices individually for easy thawing.

Conclusion

This Apple Hazelnut Cake with Cinnamon brings comfort, warmth, and simple joy to any day. Whether you serve it warm from the oven or enjoy it as a sweet treat later in the week, every slice delivers that cozy, homemade magic. Trust me, once you make it, it will become one of those recipes you come back to again and again.

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