Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Apples & Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper and spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.
Make the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup melted butter until a thick, crumbly paste forms. Set aside.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Make a well in the center.
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Batter
- Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients. Mix with a whisk or spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are okay. Gently fold in the prepared cinnamon apples.
Assemble the Cake
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the swirl layer and spread gently to cover. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture on top.
Bake the Cake
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Cool & Glaze
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes. While the cake cools, prepare the glaze.
Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk/cream, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, if a thinner glaze is desired, or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
Finish the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, generously drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For the best apple texture, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. This cake is best served warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a quick reheat, microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds.
