Quick Description
This Apple Cinnamon Cake is soft, tender, and filled with warm cinnamon flavor and juicy apple pieces. Made with a simple batter and topped with a sweet cinnamon–brown sugar layer, it’s the perfect cozy dessert for fall days, holidays, or anytime you want a comforting homemade cake.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 10–12 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients List
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
-
2 cups apples, peeled and diced
(Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work best)
For the Cinnamon Topping
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Batter
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
Fold in diced apples gently.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Topping
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
Sprinkle cinnamon topping evenly over the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Additional Notes
- Apple choice matters — crisp apples hold their shape and prevent sogginess.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Extra moisture: Add ¼ cup applesauce to the batter if desired.
Dietary Info
- Vegetarian
- Contains gluten & dairy
- Classic comfort dessert
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Apple Walnut Cake: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Glazed Version: Drizzle with vanilla glaze after baking
- Spiced Cake: Add nutmeg or allspice
- Serve with: whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or coffee
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Room Temperature: Store covered up to 2 days
- Fridge: Up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze slices up to 2 months
FAQs
Q: Can I use apples with the skin on?
Yes, but peeling gives a softer texture.
Q: Can I make this in a loaf pan?
Yes — bake 50–55 minutes, checking for doneness.
Q: Why is brown sugar used in the topping?
It adds moisture and rich caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
