Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Sweet Slice of Comfort

Let’s be honest, there’s something magical about a warm slice of cake, right? Especially when it’s spiced with cinnamon, loaded with fresh apples, and topped with a little sugar for that perfect, sweet finish. Whether it’s a chilly fall afternoon or a random Tuesday, this cinnamon apple cake is the kind of treat that makes your whole house smell like a bakery. You know, the one you see in movies where everyone is just hanging out, enjoying some good food, and the world seems a little bit brighter.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Another apple cake recipe?” But trust me, this isn’t just any apple cake. This one has that perfect balance of spice and sweetness, and the apples? They’re soft and juicy, but not mushy—each bite is a little piece of heaven.

Oh, and did I mention this recipe is perfect for beginners? I’m talking no fancy tools or techniques. Just a few simple ingredients and some patience (which, honestly, we can all use a little more of, right?). Let’s dive into the details and get your kitchen smelling amazing.

What You’ll Need

Okay, let’s gather up what we need for this cinnamon apple cake. I promise it’s super easy.

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour – Good ol’ flour. Nothing fancy, but it’ll hold everything together.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar – This is for sweetness, of course, but we’re also using cinnamon, so this helps balance the spice.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – Cinnamon is the MVP here. I love a generous amount. It’s warm, comforting, and smells like fall.
1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the cake rise and gives it a little fluffiness.
½ teaspoon baking soda – A little extra lift never hurt anyone.
½ teaspoon salt – Just enough to bring out the flavors, but not too much to make it salty.
2 large eggs – Eggs hold everything together and make the cake moist.
1 cup vegetable oil – For that tender, moist texture. Don’t skip this.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla to round out the flavor. You can’t go wrong.
3 cups peeled and chopped apples – These are the star of the show. You can use whatever apples you like, but I recommend something that holds up well when baked, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

For the Topping:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Just a little sprinkle to finish it off.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Because you can never have too much cinnamon!

Equipment You’ll Need:

9-inch round cake pan – The one I use is a classic, heavy-duty, non-stick cake pan, and it’s perfect for this.
Mixing bowls – One for the dry ingredients and one for the wet.
Whisk and spatula – For mixing everything together.
Peeler, knife, and cutting board – To prep those apples.

Making Cinnamon Apple Cake: Step by Step

Alright, let’s get into it! This cake is so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Grab your apron (or not, no judgment), and let’s get started.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First thing’s first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready to go when your cake batter is all mixed up. Trust me, you don’t want to delay that cake magic.

Step 2: Prep Your Apples

Now, let’s talk apples. The apples are the heart and soul of this cake, so pick ones that are firm, juicy, and slightly tart. Granny Smith apples are my go-to for this, but any variety will work as long as they hold up well in the oven. Peel, center, and chop the apples into little chunks. You want them to blend into the cake, but you also want some texture, so not too tiny!

Once your apples are prepped, set them aside. You’ll be folding them into the cake batter in just a sec.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl, and whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Just mix until everything is evenly combined. This is the base of your cake, so you want it all blended perfectly. No lumps allowed here!

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until they’re well combined. You want everything to be smooth and fully mixed. The oil makes the cake soft and moist, so don’t skimp on this step.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined. It’ll come together quickly, so be careful not to over-mix. You want that light, fluffy texture, not a dense brick.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples

Once your batter is ready, gently fold in the chopped apples. This is the fun part—getting those juicy bits of apple in every bite. Just make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, making sure it’s spread evenly. Then, sprinkle the top with a mixture of the sugar and cinnamon. This will create a nice, sweet, slightly crispy topping once baked.

Pop it into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes.I prescribe checking it around the 40-minute check. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs. If it’s not quite there yet, let it bake for a few more minutes.

Step 8: Let It Cool

Once your cake is baked to golden perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. I know, it smells so good right now, but trust me—letting it cool makes it easier to slice, and you’ll get that perfect texture.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Okay, once the cake is cool (or at least cool enough to touch), slice it up and serve. I love it plain, but you can also dust it with powdered sugar or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent. I mean, who wouldn’t love a little extra sweetness, right?

Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Apple Cake

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about a few tips to make your cinnamon apple cake even better. These are just little tricks I’ve learned over the years, and they make a big difference!

Don’t Skip the Apple Prep: Make sure you cut your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. If they’re too big, they’ll sink to the bottom of the cake. You want them evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Try a Different Spice: If you love cinnamon (who doesn’t?), try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter. It adds a little depth and gives your cake a unique flavor.
Add Walnuts or Pecans: If you like a bit of crunch, toss some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. They’ll add a nice contrast to the soft apples.
Use Room Temperature Eggs: I know it sounds a little extra, but bringing your eggs to room temperature before using them helps the batter mix together better. It’s one of those little things that produces a huge contrast.
Check the Cake Early: All ovens are a little different, so keep an eye on your cake after about 40 minutes. You don’t want it to dry out, but you do want that golden-brown crust.
Make It Ahead: This cake really tastes indeed way better the another day. So, if you’re planning to serve it for a special occasion, make it a day ahead and let the flavors meld together overnight.

FAQs: All Your Cinnamon Apple Cake Questions Answered

What is the secret to super moist cake?

Honestly, the secret to a super moist cake is in the fat and the liquid. Using ingredients like vegetable oil (as we do in this recipe) or butter makes a huge difference. Oil keeps things tender, while eggs help bind it all together. Too, be beyond any doubt not to overmix the player. Overmixing can make the cake dense and dry, which is a major bummer. And don’t forget—using room temperature ingredients helps everything combine more smoothly, giving your cake that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Which apples are best for apple cake?

When it comes to apple cake, you want apples that are both tart and firm enough to hold their shape while baking. Granny Smith apples are always a great choice because they’re tart and hold up well in the oven. If you’re looking for a sweeter option, Honeycrisp apples are delicious too. They add a bit more sweetness without being overly sugary, which balances out the cinnamon perfectly. And honestly, any apple that’s a bit firmer will work—just steer clear of overly soft ones like Red Delicious, as they tend to get mushy.

How to make box cake taste from scratch?

If you’re in a pinch and have a box of cake mix on hand but want it to taste like it came straight from scratch, it’s all about the little upgrades. Start by substituting the water in the box recipe with milk for a richer flavor. Swap out the oil for melted butter to give it that homemade, buttery taste. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra depth of flavor, and if you want a boost of moisture, mix in an extra egg. Toss in a pinch of salt and you’re good to go—trust me, no one will be able to tell the difference!

Should I cook apples before adding to cake?

Good question! For this cinnamon apple cake, you don’t need to cook the apples before adding them to the batter. In fact, adding them raw helps maintain their texture and juiciness, which gives the cake that delicious apple flavor. When baked, the apples soften just enough without turning to mush. But if you’re making a cake where you want softer, more caramelized apples, you can cook them first, but for this recipe, raw apples are perfect! Just make sure to chop them up into small pieces so they bake evenly into the cake.

Why This Cinnamon Apple Cake Is a Must-Try

I’ll be honest with you—this cake is so easy to make, but the result is something you’ll be proud of every time. It’s perfect for casual get-togethers, cozy afternoons at home, or even a sweet treat to have on hand when the mood strikes. The best part? It’s a total crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves a good slice of cake, and when it’s packed with cinnamon-spiced apples? Forget it—it’s a hit.

And let’s talk about that smell. The moment you pull this cake out of the oven, your house is going to smell like cinnamon and apples. I guarantee it’ll make you feel all cozy and nostalgic, even if you’re just hanging out on a Tuesday night.

So, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you need something sweet in your life, give this cinnamon apple cake a try. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to create you are feeling all warm and fluffy interior.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of easy and delicious desserts, you’re in for a treat! After enjoying this cinnamon apple cake, why not try making something equally tasty? For a refreshing, tropical twist, check out my Pineapple Fluff. It’s light, creamy, and packed with fruity goodness—perfect for warm days or whenever you’re craving something sweet without the fuss. Or, if you’re in the mood for fall flavors, give my Irresistible Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread a go. It’s soft, moist, and combines the perfect amount of spice with a creamy, dreamy texture. Both of these recipes will add a little more yum to

Enjoy!