The Perfect Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Sweet, aromatic cinnamon apple cake crafts ordinary ingredients into a heavenly dessert that captures autumn’s essence.

Warm spices intertwine with tender fruit, creating a harmonious blend of comfort and flavor.

Each carefully crafted slice tells a story of rustic kitchens and cherished family traditions.

Delicate textures and rich undertones make this treat more than just a simple dessert.

Effortless preparation belies the complex layers of taste that unfold with every bite.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, promising a delightful experience that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Your taste buds will thank you for indulging in this irresistible culinary adventure.

Cinnamon, Apples, and Cake—What’s Not to Love?

• Savor Quick Comfort: This cinnamon apple cake delivers homemade warmth in under an hour, perfect for spontaneous baking moments with minimal preparation time.
• Celebrate Rustic Texture: Loaded with chunky apple pieces and crunchy walnuts, each bite offers a delightful contrast between soft cake and hearty mix-ins that dance on your palate.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: Beginners can confidently create this recipe with straightforward steps, basic mixing methods, and no complicated tools required, making it an ideal starter dessert for home bakers looking to build kitchen confidence.

All the Ingredients That Make Fall Feel Like Dessert

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the fundamental structure and texture of the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor and signature spice to the cake.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar, Dark Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, moist base with deep caramel notes.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cakes flavor profile.

• Apples, Walnuts: Bring natural sweetness, texture, and nutty crunch to the cake.

How to Bake a Cozy Slice of Spiced Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Dark brown sugar

Beat mixture until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into butter mixture on low speed until just combined.

Step 4: Add Fruity Crunch

Gently fold in chopped apples and walnuts, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.

Step 5: Transfer to Pan

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Rest

Allow cake to cool in pan for 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice cake into wedges. Optional: Serve with vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Tricks for Nailing That Moist, Fluffy Texture

• Select Perfect Apples: Choose firm, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold their shape during baking and provide balanced flavor.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss chopped apples with a little lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain their fresh, bright appearance in the cake.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level with a knife to avoid dense, heavy cake texture from compacted flour.
• Check Cake Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test near the center, ensuring it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs for optimal moisture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and other refrigerated items to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, creating smoother batter and more even baking.

Save the Leftovers Without Losing the Warmth

• Refrigeration: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture. Refrigerate for up to 5 days, keeping the cake's delicious flavor and soft texture intact.
• Counter Storage: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days if you plan to enjoy it quickly. Place a clean kitchen towel over the cake to prevent drying out and preserve its freshness.
• Reheating Method: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power to prevent toughening. Alternatively, warm slices in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, which helps restore the cake's original soft and tender crumb.

Coffee or Cider? What Sips Best with Each Slice

• Brew a Warming Companion: Pair this cinnamon apple cake with a steaming mug of chai tea or hot apple cider to enhance the cake's warm spices and complement its cozy autumn flavors.
• Scoop up Creamy Decadence: Top a slice with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, which will melt slightly and create a rich, complementary contrast to the cake's soft texture and apple chunks.
• Drizzle with Sweet Elegance: Add a light drizzle of salted caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert's richness and provide an extra layer of indulgent sweetness that highlights the cake's apple and cinnamon notes.
• Sip a Smooth Finale: Serve alongside a glass of dessert wine like moscato or a crisp apple brandy, which will beautifully echo the cake's fruity undertones and provide a sophisticated finishing touch to your dessert experience.

Toppings and Twists to Keep It Fresh Year-Round

• Autumn Harvest Cake: Replace walnuts with pecans and add a sprinkle of nutmeg for a warming seasonal flavor profile that captures fall's essence.
• Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cake and incorporate diced caramel bits into the batter for extra sweetness and depth.
• Rustic Spice Cake: Swap ground cinnamon with a blend of pumpkin pie spice and add dried cranberries for a more complex and robust taste experience.
• Gluten-Free Apple Delight: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the cake's rich texture.

Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon apple cake delivers pure comfort with sweet orchard flavors and warm spices. Rustic charm meets delightful dessert, promising a slice of pure happiness that connects family and tradition in one delectable moment.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups chopped apples (peeled, approximately 2 medium apples)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Sweeteners and Fats:

• ¼ cup softened butter
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until uniformly combined.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the butter-sugar blend, using low-speed mixing to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cake texture.
6. Carefully integrate chopped apples and walnuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean without any wet batter.
9. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, enabling it to set and cool slightly.
10. Gently remove the cake from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Slice into wedges and serve, optionally accompanying with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.

Notes

• Gathering ingredients beforehand ensures smooth cake preparation and reduces kitchen stress.
• Softening butter at room temperature helps create a light, airy cake texture with perfect consistency.
• Chopping apples into uniform small pieces guarantees even distribution and balanced flavor in every bite.
• Using dark brown sugar adds deeper caramel undertones that complement the cinnamon and apple beautifully.
• Checking cake doneness with a toothpick prevents potential overbaking and maintains moisture in the final product.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg