There is something truly comforting and utterly irresistible about this Cinnamon Apple Teacake Recipe. Combining the warm spice of cinnamon with the tart sweetness of fresh Granny Smith apples, this cake offers a tender crumb layered with moist, flavorful fruit. Whether you’re starting your morning with a slice and a cup of tea or sharing it as a welcoming treat with guests, this teacake manages to feel both cozy and special. It’s the perfect balance of simple ingredients coming together in a way that delights every bite, making it an ideal recipe to keep in your baking repertoire all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward ingredients is the secret to the success of this Cinnamon Apple Teacake Recipe. Each item plays an essential role, whether adding moisture, texture, flavor, or that beautiful golden color you crave from a home-baked cake.
- 600g Granny Smith apples: their tartness cuts through the sweetness and adds fresh moisture.
- 2 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder: infuses the cake with the signature warm spice that defines the flavor.
- 50g unsalted butter, melted (for apples): helps soften the fruit and adds a subtle richness.
- 2 tbsp white sugar (for apples): balances the tartness of the apples with gentle sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups plain flour: provides the structure for a tender, yet sturdy crumb.
- 2 tsp baking powder: gives the cake lift and lightness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: enhances all the other flavors.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for batter): adds richness and moistness.
- 1/2 cup oil (canola or vegetable): keeps the cake soft and tender.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: bind all ingredients and add fluffiness.
- 3/4 cup white sugar (caster preferred): delivers sweetness that complements the apples and cinnamon.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: deepens the flavor profile with a lovely aromatic note.
- 1 1/2 tbsp apricot jam: brushed on top for a shiny, sweet finish.
- 1 tbsp water: thins the jam so it glazes beautifully over the baked cake.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Teacake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C or 350°F, which is perfect for an even bake. Grease your 20cm springform pan with butter and line it with parchment paper, ensuring your teacake will pop out easily once baked. These simple preparations make a big difference when it’s time to remove your cake from the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Mixture
Peel, core, and dice your Granny Smith apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with the cinnamon powder, melted butter, and white sugar. This mixture will soften and caramelize during baking, infusing the cake with that signature cinnamon-apple warmth and gentle sweetness.
Step 3: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients create the foundation of the batter, ensuring your teacake has a tender crumb and beautiful rise. Mixing these first also helps distribute the baking powder evenly, giving a perfect texture.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients and Form the Batter
In a separate bowl, beat together the melted butter, oil, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the cake, so keep it light. Finally, fold the cinnamon-coated apples into the batter, distributing them evenly for apple goodness in every slice.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for around 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. While the cake is still warm, gently warm the apricot jam combined with water and brush it on top to give your Cinnamon Apple Teacake Recipe a glossy, sweet finish that also locks in moisture.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Teacake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving by dusting a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or powdered sugar over the top. Fresh apple slices or a small dollop of whipped cream add an elegant yet simple touch that complements the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This teacake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai or classic black tea, perfect for cozy afternoon breaks. For breakfast, serve it alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperatures.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a handful of toasted nuts for added texture and sweetness. Cutting the cake into small, bite-sized squares makes it ideal for parties or picnic treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist and fresh, perfect for enjoying the next day with your morning coffee.
Freezing
You can freeze this Cinnamon Apple Teacake Recipe by wrapping slices individually or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a low oven at 150°C/300°F for 10 minutes. This will refresh the soft, tender crumb and warm the luscious apple bits.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this teacake?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide the perfect balance of tartness and firmness, you can substitute red or golden apples. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may make the cake more sugary.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for the best texture in this Cinnamon Apple Teacake Recipe, but if you prefer to keep the skins on for extra fiber and color, that works too—just chop the apples finely.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and ensuring your baking powder is gluten-free, you can enjoy this recipe without gluten while maintaining delicious flavor.
Is it better to use melted butter or softened butter?
Melted butter is best here as it helps combine the wet and dry ingredients smoothly and contributes to the moist texture of the cake, especially when combined with oil.
Can I replace apricot jam with another flavor?
Definitely. Apricot jam provides a light, sweet glaze, but you can swap it for orange marmalade or clear honey for different but equally lovely finishes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about baking this Cinnamon Apple Teacake Recipe fresh from your own oven. Its inviting aroma and tender crumb make it an unforgettable treat that you’ll want to share again and again. So grab those apples, dust off your baking pan, and dive into this delightful recipe—you won’t regret it.
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Cinnamon Apple Teacake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Teacake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for cozy afternoons or teatime gatherings. Made with fresh Granny Smith apples, aromatic cinnamon, and a tender crumb, this cake combines the warmth of spices with the natural sweetness of apples. Topped with a shiny apricot glaze, it’s a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Apples and Spice
- 600g (1.2 lb) Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored (approximately 4 large or 5 small/medium apples)
- 2 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 2 tbsp white sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups plain/all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 50g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted (for apples)
- 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter, melted (for batter)
- 1/2 cup oil (canola or vegetable)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature (~55g/1.95 oz each)
- 3/4 cup white sugar (caster/superfine preferred)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 1/2 tbsp apricot jam (or other flavor)
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for all oven types to ensure an even bake.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 20cm (8-inch) springform pan with butter and line it with baking paper (parchment paper) to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the teacake.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop the Granny Smith apples into small pieces. Toss the apples with 2 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon powder, 2 tablespoons of white sugar, and 50g (3 tablespoons) of melted unsalted butter. Set aside to marinate the flavors.
- Make Batter: In a large bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups of plain flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In another bowl, whisk 4 tablespoons (60g) of melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup oil, 2 large room temperature eggs, 3/4 cup white sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a smooth batter forms.
- Combine & Bake: Gently fold the cinnamon-coated apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution without overmixing. Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Glaze: While the cake is baking, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of apricot jam with 1 tablespoon of water in a small saucepan until melted and smooth. Once the cake is out of the oven, brush the glaze over the top while the cake is still warm to give it a glossy finish.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the teacake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing the springform ring. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve with tea or coffee for a comforting treat.
Notes
- You can use any variety of apples such as red, green, or golden apples based on your preference.
- For best texture, make sure eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
- Using caster or superfine sugar helps dissolve sugar quickly and provides a finer crumb.
- This teacake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the baking powder is gluten-free.
