Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that instantly brings the warmth of fall into your kitchen, this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. I remember making it for the first time on a blustery weekend, and the whole house filled with the delicious aroma of cinnamon and fresh apples—it felt like a warm hug right out of the oven. It’s an easy, no-fuss cake that combines tender apples with a spicy cinnamon topping and a simple sugar glaze that ties it all together beautifully.

What I love about this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re serving it for a casual coffee catch-up or a special occasion, it hits that perfect balance of sweet and comforting without being too heavy. Plus, it uses straightforward ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a go-to when you want something impressive but simple. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your new autumn classic.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is chosen to create a perfect balance of flavor and texture, so you get a moist, tender cake with just the right hint of spice and fruit. Here are some insights that make shopping and preparing this cake easier for you.

• Plain flour (or all-purpose flour): Forms the cake’s soft structure; make sure it’s fresh for lightness.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise gently for that perfect fluffy crumb.
• Baking soda: Works with yogurt’s acidity to add extra lift and tenderness.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet and cinnamon flavors, so don’t skip it.
• Sugar (caster or granulated): Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the apples and spice.
• Red apple: Using a tart variety adds great flavor and moisture—peeling it helps keep the texture even.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness to the batter.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that makes the cake taste homemade and inviting.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender—avoid strongly flavored oils to let cinnamon shine.
• Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang that balances sweetness beautifully.
• Cinnamon (ground): The star spice of the topping, critical for that warm, cozy flavor.
• Butter (melted): Mixes into the cinnamon topping to add richness and help it caramelize.
• Icing sugar: Creates a smooth glaze that brings a lovely sweet finish without cloying.
• Milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency for just the right drizzle—whole or low-fat works fine.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to fit your tastes or whatever you have at hand. I often jazz it up or lighten it depending on the occasion and what I’m in the mood for—so don’t hesitate to get creative yourself.

• Variation: Sometimes I swap out the plain flour for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, and it comes out just as lovely.
• Dairy-free option: Replacing Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and using a neutral oil means everyone can enjoy this cake.
• Extra crunch: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter is something I do when I want more texture and a little nutty goodness.
• Spice it up: You can mix ground nutmeg or cloves into the cinnamon topping for an even deeper warm spice vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) standard or 160°C (320°F) if you use a fan-forced oven. Greasing and lining your 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper really helps the cake come out cleanly, so don’t skip that step. I like to press the paper right into the corners so it fits snugly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients & Apple

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Then toss in your peeled and roughly chopped apple pieces. Stir just enough to coat the apple chunks in flour; this little trick stops them from sinking to the bottom of the cake as it bakes.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients Separately

Grab another bowl and quickly whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and Greek yogurt together until the egg yolks just break up. You don’t want to overmix here; just enough to get a smooth blend. This keeps the batter light and prevents any toughness in your cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold with a wooden spoon until just combined. This part is key—overmixing can make the cake dense and chewy, so once you don’t see any more flour, stop mixing. Then, spoon the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top a bit.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Topping

Mix the caster sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter together until it looks lumpy but moist—this is what makes that irresistible crunchy topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the cake batter, and don’t be shy with it! This topping adds a delicious texture contrast and the signature cinnamon flavor.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your cake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Use a skewer to test by poking the center; when it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely—this step helps the glaze stick better later.

Step 7: Drizzle with Sugar Glaze

Finally, mix the sifted icing sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk and stir until smooth. If the glaze feels too thick, add another tablespoon of milk until it reaches a drizzle-friendly consistency. Pour it all over the cooled cake in a beautiful pattern, and let it set for a few minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this cake, I like to keep it simple with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon powder or a few thin apple slices fanned out on top for a rustic touch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is my favorite indulgent upgrade that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and apple flavors.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own, but for brunch or teatime, I often serve it alongside a hot cup of spiced chai tea or some freshly brewed coffee. If you want more, a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the sweetness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this cinnamon apple cake with some cream cheese frosting in a trifle dish for a stunning, rustic dessert. You might also try mini versions baked in muffin tins topped with a cinnamon swirl glaze—cute for parties or gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, and it stays moist and delicious. If your kitchen is warm, keeping it in the fridge works too—just let it come back to room temp before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save portions for later, this cake freezes beautifully. I slice it into pieces, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, and it tastes almost as fresh as the day you baked it.

Reheating

To refresh leftover cake, I pop slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them gently in a low oven. Adding a smidge of butter or a drizzle of honey before reheating brings back that fresh-baked flavor and a touch of melty indulgence.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe has become one of those comforting, dependable recipes I reach for when I want to bake something I know will delight friends and family. Its humble ingredients and easy steps never fail to deliver a tender, warmly spiced cake that tastes like a little slice of home. I genuinely hope you give it a try—and when you do, please savor the cozy, cinnamon-kissed moments it brings to your kitchen as much as I do.

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