Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm spices and tender fruit in my Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe. This cake strikes a perfect balance between moist, tender crumb and a fragrant cinnamon-sugar topping that makes every bite so cozy and satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch or an afternoon coffee chat, this cake always hits the spot and evokes that homemade warmth we all crave.

I love how adaptable this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is—it’s straightforward enough for beginners yet bursting with flavors that make it memorable. Plus, with fresh apples tucked inside, it feels just special enough for holidays or casual gatherings alike. Trust me, once you give this a try, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for seasonal treats and sweet moments.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe plays a key role to create that perfect harmony between flavor and texture. Knowing a bit about why helps you shop smarter and even tweak the recipe without going off track.

• Plain Flour: Gives structure but keeps the cake tender when balanced with yogurt and oil.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Work together to give just enough lift and a light crumb.
• Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Sugar (Caster or Granulated): Sweetens the cake delicately; caster sugar dissolves faster for a finer crumb.
• Red Apple (peeled and chopped): Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and little bursts of texture inside the batter.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and enrich the cake for tenderness.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist without adding any competing flavors.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds a subtle tanginess and helps keep the crumb soft and tender.
• Cinnamon: Essential for that signature warm, spicy note in the topping.
• Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon topping crisp up.
• Icing Sugar & Milk: For the final glaze that lends a lovely sheen and a touch of sweetness.

Tweak to Your Taste

Personally, I love to experiment by adding a handful of chopped walnuts or substituting part of the oil with melted butter for an even richer crumb. Don’t hesitate to adjust the cinnamon level or try different apple varieties to suit what you have on hand or prefer flavor-wise.

• Nutty Variation: Adding toasted walnuts gives a nice crunch and earthy balance that I’ve grown to adore over the years.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the yogurt for coconut yogurt and use a dairy-free butter alternative for a great allergy-friendly version that still tastes fantastic.
• Spice it Up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice with the cinnamon for an extra layer of warm spices I sometimes throw in when I want to impress guests.
• More Apples: For a sweeter, juicier cake, just toss in an extra apple—especially if your apples are a bit tart.

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) or 160°C (320°F) if you’re using a fan oven. I always grease my 8-inch cake pan with a little butter, then line it with parchment paper—that way, the cake releases easily without sticking or breaking apart.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Apples

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Then, toss in the peeled and roughly chopped apple pieces. Stir just enough to coat those apple bits with flour—this prevents them from sinking straight to the bottom of the cake while baking.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, crack your eggs and add the vanilla extract, oil, and Greek yogurt. I like to whisk lightly just to break the yolks and get everything evenly combined, but there’s no need for a full whisking frenzy.

Step 4: Gently Bring It Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry apple-flour mix and stir gently with a wooden spoon. Here’s a helpful tip: don’t over-mix. As soon as you see the batter come together, stop. Overworking the batter can make the cake tough, and that’s the last thing we want.

Step 5: Add Cinnamon Topping and Bake

Mix the sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until you get a lumpy, buttery cinnamon topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake batter once it’s in the pan. Pop the pan into your oven and bake for around 30-35 minutes. I usually start checking at 30 minutes with a cake tester or skewer—it should come out clean or with just moist crumbs attached.

Step 6: Cooling and Glazing

Once out of the oven, transfer your cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely. For the glaze, whisk together icing sugar and milk until smooth, adjusting with a little more milk if needed to get a perfect drizzle consistency. Drizzle your glaze generously over the cooled cake for that classic sweet finish.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple by sprinkling a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts right before serving. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla yogurt on the side adds a lovely creamy contrast that I can’t resist.

Side Dishes

This Cinnamon Apple Cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. If it’s breakfast, some fresh fruit salad or crispy bacon balances the sweetness perfectly, making for a cozy morning treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I’ve styled the cake with thin apple slices arranged in a rose pattern on top before adding the cinnamon topping for a stunning effect. You could also serve individual slices with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for an extra special dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Cinnamon Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the crumb moist and fresh without drying out.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months and thaws quickly in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I like popping a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds or into a warm oven for 5 minutes. This revives that freshly-baked feeling and melts the cinnamon topping just right.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is one of those comfort classics I always come back to because it’s simply delicious and forgiving. It’s the kind of cake that makes your kitchen smell like home and your guests ask for seconds with a smile. I really hope you give it a try—it’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with those you love or savoring with a quiet cup of tea.

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