Cinnamon sugar apple cake has a special place in my heart and my kitchen. There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm, sweet aroma that fills the house as it bakes, a scent that reminds me of crisp autumn days and cozy evenings. This easy cinnamon apple cake recipe is a game-changer, turning simple ingredients into a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant. I first made this homemade cinnamon sugar apple cake for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit – the tender apples and the perfectly spiced crumb disappeared in minutes! Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. Get ready to fall in love with this delightful treat:
- Incredible Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet apples and warm cinnamon spice creates a taste sensation you won’t forget.
- Quick Prep Time: You can have this cake mixed and in the oven in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dessert.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making it an affordable way to enjoy a delicious homemade dessert.
- Family Favorite: This easy cinnamon apple cake is a hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for dessert or even a special breakfast.
- Moist and Tender: The combination of ingredients ensures a wonderfully moist crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile Treat: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a holiday meal, this easy cinnamon apple cake fits right in.
- Simple to Make: No fancy techniques needed – it’s a straightforward recipe anyone can master.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious spiced apple cake with cinnamon sugar. The apples are the star, providing moisture and natural sweetness, while the cinnamon and sugar topping adds that irresistible crunch and warmth. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, using common pantry staples for a truly satisfying bake.
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced – about 2 cups, use your favorite variety like Gala or Fuji
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our tender cake
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness in the cake batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – contributes to a moist and rich texture
- 2 large eggs – help bind the cake ingredients together
- 1/2 cup milk – adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – our leavening agent for a light rise
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – essential for that classic warm spice flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavors
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping) – creates a lovely sweet crust
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping) – pairs with the sugar for that signature cinnamon sugar finish
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Let’s get started on this incredibly easy and rewarding bake. Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious cinnamon sugar apple cake from scratch.
- Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature for baking. Next, generously grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisking them together now helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly.
- Step 3: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Whisk together the 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 cup milk until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay. Then, gently fold in the 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced. The batter will be thick.
- Step 5: Carefully pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to fill the corners. In a small bowl, mix together the topping ingredients: 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter. This topping will caramelize beautifully as it bakes.
- Step 6: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly!
- Step 7: Once baked, carefully remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before attempting to slice and serve. This brief cooling period helps the cake set, making it easier to cut. This is how to make cinnamon sugar apple cake that’s perfectly tender and flavorful!
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Want to make your apple cake absolutely perfect? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that really make a difference, ensuring you get that delicious, homemade taste every time.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the wet ingredients to the dry; this is key to a tender cake.
- For an even better topping, mix a tablespoon of melted butter with the topping cinnamon and sugar before sprinkling.
- Ensure your apples are diced evenly so they cook through at the same rate as the cake.
- Using parchment paper in your baking pan makes removing the finished cake a breeze.
What’s the secret to perfect Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake?
The secret to a truly perfect and moist cinnamon sugar apple cake lies in not overmixing the batter and using the right apples. Dicing them evenly ensures they bake beautifully within the cake, releasing their natural moisture and sweetness. For more baking tips, check out these baking tips.
Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the batter and pour it into the pan up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just before baking, mix the topping and sprinkle it on. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the batter is cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake?
A common pitfall is overmixing, which leads to a dense cake. Also, avoid packing too many apples into the batter, as this can make the cake too moist and heavy. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate for even baking. You can find more information on proper baking techniques from various culinary resources, such as those found on culinary websites.
Best Ways to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
This delightful cake is fantastic on its own, but I love dressing it up a bit to make it even more special. It’s truly the best cinnamon sugar apple cake for any occasion, especially when paired with a few simple additions.
- Warm & Cozy: Serve slices warm, perhaps with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream. The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is divine!
- Morning Delight: This cake is also perfect as a sweet treat for breakfast or brunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup makes it feel extra special.
- Perfect Pairing: For a truly memorable apple cinnamon cake for dessert, I like to serve it alongside a warm cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea. Consider pairing it with other delicious recipes like our caramel brownie cheesecake for a dessert spread.
Nutrition Facts for Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Per serving (recipe makes 8 servings):
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For other healthy options, explore our weight loss recipes.
How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Properly storing your homemade cinnamon sugar apple cake ensures it stays delicious for days. After baking, always let the cake cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation, which can make the cake soggy. Once cool, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This method helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from drying out. If you need to keep your cinnamon apple cake from scratch even longer, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap it well, as mentioned, and it should keep nicely in the freezer for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is simple. For a slice that’s just slightly warm, microwave it for about 10-20 seconds. If you want it a bit warmer or have a larger piece, a low oven temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes works wonders. For more storage tips, you might find our guide on storing meatloaf helpful, as similar principles apply to baked goods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
What is cinnamon sugar apple cake?
A cinnamon sugar apple cake is a delicious baked dessert that features tender pieces of apple baked into a moist cake batter, topped with a sweet mixture of cinnamon and sugar. It’s a comforting and flavorful treat, often enjoyed during autumn or any time a warm, spiced dessert is desired.
Why is cinnamon sugar apple cake popular?
This cake’s popularity stems from its incredible flavor combination – the natural sweetness of apples enhanced by the warm, aromatic spice of cinnamon, all topped with a delightful crunchy sugar crust. It’s also incredibly versatile, easy to make, and brings a cozy, nostalgic feeling, making it a beloved dessert for many. If you enjoy comforting flavors, you might also like our beef and bowtie pasta.
Can I use different types of apples in my cake?
Absolutely! While some apples hold their shape better than others, most varieties work well. Granny Smith offers a nice tartness that balances the sweetness, while Fuji or Gala apples provide a sweeter flavor. The key is to dice them evenly so they cook through nicely.
How do I ensure my cake is moist?
To guarantee a wonderfully moist cake, be careful not to overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Also, ensure you’re using the correct amount of liquid ingredients like milk and melted butter as specified in the recipe. Dicing the apples evenly also helps them release their natural moisture into the cake as it bakes. For other moist recipes, consider our keto cottage cheese bread.
Variations of Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many delicious ways to put your own spin on this classic treat. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next bake:
- Glazed Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake: After the cake cools, whisk together a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or apple cider. Drizzle it over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
- Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake: For a delightful textural contrast, create a streusel topping! Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter until crumbly, then sprinkle generously over the batter before baking. It adds a wonderful crunchy layer to your sweet cinnamon apple cake.
- Dietary-Friendly Options: Make it vegan by swapping the butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine and using flax eggs (1 tbsp flax meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) instead of chicken eggs. You can also try using whole wheat flour for a denser, nuttier cake.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the batter along with the cinnamon for a deeper spice profile. Chopped walnuts or pecans can also be folded in with the apples for added crunch.
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake: 7 Simple Steps
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy cinnamon sugar apple cake is a simple and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. It’s moist, tender, and full of apple flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and milk until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Mix the topping sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of white sugar, or a mix of both.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted for butter.
- Whole wheat flour can be used for a denser cake.
- Adding extra apples may result in a mushy texture.
- The cake is best eaten fresh but can be stored at room temperature for a day or two.
- For a different flavor, try adding a pinch of ginger or chopped walnuts.
- The cake can be made vegan by swapping butter for coconut oil or margarine and eggs for flax eggs.
- Leaving the apple skins on can add texture if desired.
- The cake can be frozen if wrapped well.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
- Using parchment paper in the pan makes removal easier.
- Double the recipe for a larger crowd, using a bigger pan.
- The cake is suitable for breakfast.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260 calories
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
