Picture this: the warm, cozy aroma of cinnamon swirling through your kitchen, sweet tender chunks of apple baked into a golden cake, and the soft crumb that melts in your mouth with every bite. Apple Cinnamon Cake is more than a dessert, it’s an experience, a hug on a plate, and the perfect treat for breakfast, tea time, or dessert after dinner.
Whether you’re baking on a crisp fall day or just craving a little homemade comfort, this cake brings moist, tender texture with the perfect balance of sweet apples and warm spice. And the best part? It’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional for extra warmth)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk, room temperature
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping (Optional):
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Kitchen Tools
- Loaf or round cake pan (8–9 inch recommended)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Cooling rack
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cake
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C. Grease your cake pan and lightly dust with flour or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step gives the cake a tender, airy texture.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract to infuse the batter with warmth and depth.
5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients alternately with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
6. Fold in Apples
Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. These juicy apple chunks will bake into soft pockets of sweet, tart flavor.
7. Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping (Optional)
If using, mix sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle evenly on top of the batter before baking. This gives a slightly crunchy, spiced finish to the cake’s surface.
8. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Pro Tip: If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
9. Cool & Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Cake
Use firm apples — keeps texture and prevents mushiness.
Room temperature ingredients — ensures smooth batter and even baking.
Don’t overmix — Preserves a soft, fluffy crumb.
Cinnamon sugar topping — optional, but adds a lovely crunch and aroma.
Storage — store in an airtight container for 3–4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Fun Variations
- Caramel Apple Cinnamon Cake – Drizzle caramel sauce over baked slices.
- Nutty Apple Cake – Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Spiced Apple & Raisin Cake – Add ½ cup raisins and a pinch of ground cloves for extra warmth.
- Mini Bundt Apple Cakes – Perfect for gifting or tea-time treats.
Apple Cinnamon Cake is comforting in every bite. The soft, moist crumb, tender apple pieces, and warming spices make it a dessert that feels homemade, heartfelt, and perfect for sharing. Baking this cake turns your kitchen into a cozy haven, filling the air with the smell of baked apples and cinnamon that instantly lifts your spirits.
From casual family breakfasts to festive gatherings, this cake proves that simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavors. One slice, and you’ll see why apple and cinnamon have been a classic pairing for generations.
