Cinnamon Apple Cake
Cinnamon Apple Cake is one of those desserts that makes you wonder why you’d ever bake anything else. Thank you so much for being here—truly.

Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour your baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the sour cream or yogurt until smooth. This is the secret to an ultra-moist cake!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the optional cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over the top.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cinnamon Apple Cake is one of those desserts that makes you wonder why you’d ever bake anything else. Thank you so much for being here—truly. This recipe comes from that cozy, comforting place we all crave, especially when the smell of cinnamon and apples fills the kitchen and everyone starts wandering in asking, “What are you baking?” If you love easy, crowd-pleasing desserts like this one, be sure to subscribe so you can get every recipe delivered straight to your inbox. This one is a keeper.
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is soft, moist, warmly spiced, and loaded with tender apples in every bite. It’s simple, unfussy, and completely irresistible—seriously, a total game-changer!
Overview of Cinnamon Apple Cake
This cake is the perfect balance between a classic coffee cake and a cozy fall dessert. It’s made with pantry staples, fresh apples, and plenty of cinnamon, then baked until golden and fragrant. Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with glaze, it disappears fast.
Reasons to Love Cinnamon Apple Cake
- Easy, no-fuss recipe
- Packed with real apples
- Warm cinnamon flavor throughout
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacking
- Stays moist for days
What Does Cinnamon Apple Cake Taste Like?
Every bite is tender and buttery with bursts of juicy apples and cozy cinnamon spice. The edges bake up lightly crisp while the center stays soft and moist. It tastes like autumn, comfort, and home all wrapped into one cake.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Uses simple ingredients
- Great way to use up apples
- Freezer-friendly
- Perfect for gatherings and holidays
Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
Optional Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Tools Needed to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake
- 9-inch round or square baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Peeler and knife
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Apples: Pears work beautifully as a substitute
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free yogurt
- Extra texture: Add chopped walnuts or pecans
- More spice: Add cloves or allspice for deeper warmth
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour your baking pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Add Sour Cream
Mix in the sour cream or yogurt until smooth. This is the secret to an ultra-moist cake!
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Step 7: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 8: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Pour batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the optional cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over the top.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Apple Cake
This cake pairs perfectly with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
It’s equally delicious for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Warm slices slightly before serving
General Information About Cinnamon Apple Cake
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is perfect for fall baking, holiday mornings, potlucks, or anytime you want something comforting and homemade. It’s one of those recipes that feels nostalgic and special, yet easy enough to make on a whim.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Apple Cake
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is soft, cozy, and bursting with warm spice and fresh apples. It’s the kind of dessert that everyone reaches for first—and then goes back for seconds. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and unforgettable flavor make this a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
If you loved this cake, you’ll also enjoy:
- Apple Crumb Coffee Cake
- Peach Cinnamon Bread
- Classic Apple Crisp
- Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake
Let’s Bake Together
If you try this recipe, leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest—I absolutely love seeing your beautiful bakes!
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 24g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 260mg
Tips for Success
- Use firm apples to prevent mushiness
- Dice apples evenly for consistent baking
- Don’t overmix the batter
- Let the cake cool slightly for cleaner slices
- Store covered to keep it moist
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best apples to use?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape and balance sweetness.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day.
Can I bake this in a loaf pan?
Absolutely—just increase baking time by 10–15 minutes.
Can I add a glaze?
Yes! A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze is delicious drizzled over the top.
