Cinnamon Apple Cake
Soft, moist, and full of warm cinnamon-apple flavor
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is a perfect dessert for cozy afternoons or family gatherings. Tender apples, fragrant cinnamon, and a soft cake base make it irresistible. You can serve it plain, dust it with powdered sugar, or top with caramel glaze.
Ingredients (8-inch cake)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or any tart apple)
Optional Topping
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- Powdered sugar or caramel sauce for serving
Directions
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars
- In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Add vanilla extract and mix.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry
- Add dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with milk (start and end with dry).
- Fold gently until combined.
Step 5: Add Apples
- Fold in chopped apples gently.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- If using topping, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, and sprinkle over batter.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 7: Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle caramel sauce.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Best Results
- Use tart apples for balanced flavor.
- Chop apples small to distribute evenly.
- Do not overmix batter to keep cake soft and tender.
- Optional: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Variations
- Apple Cinnamon Swirl Cake: Swirl cinnamon sugar inside batter before baking
- Gluten-Free: Replace flour with almond flour + 2 tsp baking powder
- Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and coconut oil instead of butter
Storage
- Keep covered at room temperature for 2 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Freezes well up to 1 month (wrap tightly)