Apple Cinnamon Cake with Strawberry Puree Recipe

 

This Apple Cinnamon Cake with Strawberry Purée is the perfect fusion of autumn and summer flavors. The warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples pairs beautifully with the refreshing sweetness of a homemade strawberry purée, making it a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a treat to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or a show-stopping dessert for a gathering, this cake is sure to delight.

Ingredients

For the Apple Cinnamon Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Strawberry Purée:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For Garnish (optional):

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Fresh strawberries or apple slices, for decoration

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Purée

1. Blend the Strawberries: In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the Purée: For a smoother sauce, strain the purée through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Set aside the purée to drizzle over the cake later.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and finely dice the apples. Toss them in 1 tbsp lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
7. Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the Batter: Pour the apple cinnamon batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Drizzle with Strawberry Purée: Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the homemade strawberry puréegenerously over the top, letting it cascade down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
2. Optional Garnish: Dust the cake with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, and decorate with fresh strawberries or apple slices if desired.

Why This Cake is Irresistible

• A Blend of Seasons: The cozy cinnamon apple flavors remind you of autumn, while the fresh, tangy strawberry purée brings in a burst of summer, making this cake perfect for any time of year.
• Texture Delight: The softness of the cake is complemented by the slight crunch from the diced apples, creating a lovely contrast in every bite.
• Simple Elegance: With minimal decoration needed, the natural beauty of the strawberry purée cascading over the golden-brown cake makes it a stunning centerpiece.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the fruit! Try a blueberry purée or even a caramel drizzle for a different flavor twist.

Tips for the Best Cake

• Choose the Right Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best as they balance the sweetness of the cake.
• Strain the Strawberry Purée: For a smoother, more elegant finish, strain the strawberry purée to remove the seeds.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Cake with Strawberry Purée is a delightful way to enjoy the best of both fruity and spicy flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a light dessert or an indulgent snack with tea, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The homemade strawberry purée adds a fresh, sweet element that pairs perfectly with the warm spices and soft apples, ensuring that each slice is as delicious as it is beautiful.

Enjoy a slice of this sweet, seasonal masterpiece and share the recipe with friends—they’ll thank you for it!