Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

ByMaya bella
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Introduction

Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is a cozy, moist dessert perfect for any occasion. With warm cinnamon and tender apple chunks, it’s a delightful treat that’s simple to bake and sure to please your family and friends.

A close-up of a cinnamon roll cake square with three visible layers: a thick, light golden sponge cake base, a middle swirled cinnamon brown layer with a soft texture, and a top layer of cinnamon sugar crumb with a drizzle of white icing glaze. The cake is placed on a wooden tray with two cinnamon sticks in front. The background shows blurred apples and more cake pieces on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to evenly mix the dry ingredients.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, then blend in the vanilla extract.
  4. Step 4: Alternately add the dry mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry. Stir gently until just combined, then fold in the diced apples.
  5. Step 5: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the topping, then sprinkle evenly over the batter.
  6. Step 6: Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

  • Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
  • Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
  • For a vegan version, substitute plant-based butter, flax eggs, and almond milk.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for extra warmth.
  • Top with homemade caramel sauce after baking for a richer dessert.
  • Mix in blueberries or cranberries with the apples for a tart contrast.
  • Double the topping mixture and sprinkle as a streusel topping for a coffee-cake style.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to restore warmth and softness.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a square piece of cinnamon apple cake resting on a wooden board. The cake has two main layers: the bottom layer is a light, soft, and fluffy beige cake, while the top layer is thick with baked apple chunks and a generous mix of brown cinnamon crumb topping. The crumb is textured with visible cinnamon spices and sugar, creating a slightly rough surface. A light drizzle of white icing zigzags across the top, adding a sweet contrast to the warm brown tones. The background is softly blurred, hinting at more pieces of the same cake. Two cinnamon sticks lie next to the cake on the wooden board. The surface underneath is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

It’s best to use fresh apples for this recipe since frozen ones can release extra moisture and make the cake soggy. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well before folding into the batter.

How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the diced apples in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps keep them suspended evenly throughout the cake.

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Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is a moist, flavorful autumn dessert featuring tender apples and warm cinnamon spices. Perfect for cozy gatherings or comforting treats, this cake is topped with a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar crust for a delightful crunch. Its versatility allows for gluten-free, vegan, and nutty variations, making it suitable for diverse tastes.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8–10 slices 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted for lightness
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

For the Topping

  • 2 tablespoons (25g) brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking. Gather all ingredients before starting.
  2. Mix the Dry Stuff: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined for even distribution and a fluffy cake texture.
  3. Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Combine and Fold: Alternately add the dry mixture and the whole milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir gently just until combined to avoid a tough cake. Fold in the diced apples carefully with a spatula to distribute them evenly.
  5. Add the Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the topping, then sprinkle evenly over the batter to create a sweet, crunchy crust.
  6. Bake and Cool: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Avoid rushing to prevent burns and ensure the cake sets perfectly.

Notes

  • For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
  • Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
  • To make vegan, substitute plant-based butter, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and replace milk with almond milk.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
  • Top with homemade caramel sauce after baking for added richness.
  • Try mixing blueberries or cranberries with the apples for a tart contrast.
  • Double the topping ingredients for a thicker streusel-style topping, perfect for brunch.

Keywords: easy apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, moist apple cake, autumn dessert, cinnamon cake, homemade cake, fall baking

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