Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Hey there! If you’re anything like me, the smell of cinnamon and fresh apples baking together is pure comfort in a cake. This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want a dessert that’s cozy but not overly sweet, perfect for fall afternoons or casual get-togethers. I love how the apples keep the cake moist, and that cinnamon topping? It’s like a warm hug on every bite.

Whether you’re baking for family or just because you deserve a treat, this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is straightforward yet impressive enough to wow your friends. Plus, it’s one of those recipes where you don’t have to fuss over complicated steps, so you get more time to enjoy the process and less time stressing in the kitchen.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s chat about the ingredients you’ll need for this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe—and why they’re important. Each has a role that helps create the cake’s wonderful texture and flavor, so it’s worth picking good quality when you can.

• Plain flour or all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cake and holds everything together but don’t forget to sift to avoid lumps.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake to rise nicely and be fluffy.
• Baking soda: Works with the yogurt’s acidity to tenderize and tender crumb.
• Salt: A tiny pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Caster sugar or granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the apple’s natural tartness.
• Red apple (peeled and roughly chopped): Adds moisture, texture, and that fresh fruity flavor—Fuji or Gala work great here.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and give structure. I always bring mine to room temperature for better blending.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the cinnamon and apple flavors.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without flavor interference.
• Greek yogurt: Adds a lovely tang and richness; plus it helps tenderize the crumb.
• Cinnamon: The star spice for that warm, cozy flavor we all adore in apple desserts.
• Butter (for topping): Makes the cinnamon sugar topping luscious and melt-in-your-mouth.
• Icing sugar and milk (for glaze): The sweet finishing touch that gives a gentle shine and an extra hint of sweetness.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe my own by swapping in different apples or adding a handful of chopped nuts for crunch. You might find you prefer a little less sugar or want to try a splash of almond extract instead of vanilla—it’s all about what makes you smile in every bite.

• Variation: Once, I added some chopped walnuts and it created a delightful crunch that everyone asked for seconds on.
• Dietary swaps: You can use dairy-free yogurt and oil to make it vegan-friendly—just opt for a flaxseed egg to replace the eggs.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon can give a richer spice profile.

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

Step 1: Get Prepped and Mix Dry Ingredients

First things first: preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C fan-forced. While it warms, grease your 8-inch round cake pan and line it with baking paper — this step saves you from stuck-on cake later. Then, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Toss in your chopped apple and stir briefly. This helps the apples distribute evenly without settling at the bottom.

Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, crack in the eggs, add vanilla, oil, and Greek yogurt. Whisk just enough to break up the yolks and combine everything smoothly—you don’t want to overdo it here. The wet mix is the key to the cake’s moist texture.

Step 3: Combine and Fill the Pan

Add the wet ingredients to the dry bowl and gently fold together with a wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing because you want a tender cake, not a tough one. Spoon the batter into your prepared cake tin and smooth out the top.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Topping

Mix the caster sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. It should look a bit lumpy but wet. Sprinkle this delicious topping over the cake batter evenly—it’s what makes this cake extra special. Then slide the cake into the oven.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. I always test it by inserting a skewer in the middle—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Once out of the oven, transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely before glazing.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Mix the sifted icing sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk to make a smooth glaze. If it’s too thick, just add a bit more milk. Drizzle it all over your cooled cake for a beautiful, sweet finish that’s just the right balance to the cinnamon-sugar topping.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top for an added crunch or add a handful of chopped toasted pecans for texture. Sometimes, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level, especially for chilly evenings.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with hot beverages like coffee, chai tea, or even a spiced apple cider. For brunch, I love serving it alongside crispy bacon and scrambled eggs—sweet and savory balances perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holiday tables, I’ve added a dusting of edible gold dust over the glaze or topped with thin apple slices fanned out beautifully across the surface. Even a drizzle of caramel sauce can make it feel festive and indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container on the counter if I plan to eat within two days—this keeps the cake moist without drying out. If your kitchen’s warm, refrigeration works but be sure to bring it back to room temp before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

This Cinnamon Apple Cake freezes beautifully. I usually slice it before freezing and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It helps to defrost quickly when I want a single serving.

Reheating

When reheating, I pop a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm it briefly in a low oven wrapped in foil to keep it moist. It tastes almost as fresh as the day it was baked!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe has become such a comforting favorite for me—whether I’m baking for friends or just sneaking a slice with my afternoon tea. It’s simple yet so satisfying, the kind of recipe you keep coming back to because it hits all the right cozy notes. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own little slice of happiness too!

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