Simple Apple Cinnamon Cake: A Cozy, Classic Dessert
One-bowl method delivers tender, spiced slices that feel like fall in every bite.
Few desserts embody comfort and warmth like a homemade apple-cinnamon cake. Bursting with tender apples, rich brown sugar, and a just-right balance of spice, this cake is perfect for chilly evenings, sharing with friends, or savoring by yourself as a cozy treat. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this cake is delightfully simple, requiring pantry staples and just one bowl for easy cleanup. Let’s explore how to make this apple-cinnamon cake, including essentials, expert tips, variations, serving ideas, and answers to your burning questions!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Cake
- Quick and easy: Only one bowl required and no special equipment.
- Classic flavors: Apples and cinnamon combine for a timeless, crowd-pleasing taste.
- Moist and tender: The perfect crumb thanks to oil and a mix of sugars.
- Flexible: Works with a variety of apples and lets you adapt to your preferences.
- Great for any occasion: Excellent as an afternoon snack, coffee-break treat, or dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Apples: Fresh, tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold their shape and add bright flavor.
- Sugar: Both granulated and light brown sugar deliver sweetness and richness. Brown sugar brings a toffee-like note.
- Oil: Neutral oils like vegetable or canola work best for a moist crumb.
- Eggs: These help set the cake’s structure.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour gives body without heaviness.
- Cinnamon & spices: Warming cinnamon is the star, but a pinch of nutmeg or allspice is welcome.
- Baking powder & salt: Ensure the cake rises evenly and tastes balanced.
- Vanilla extract: Optional but adds depth.
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apples (peeled, cored, diced) | 2–3 medium (about 2 cups) | Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith preferred |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup | |
| Light brown sugar | 1/2 cup, packed | |
| Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup | Can substitute melted butter |
| Large eggs | 2 | Room temperature preferred |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | Optional for extra flavor |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups | Spoon and level for best results |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons | |
| Salt | 3/4 teaspoon | |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 1/2 teaspoons | Use more for stronger flavor |
| Nutmeg (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon | Adds extra spice |
Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cake
- Prepare your baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square or 9-inch round cake pan and line with parchment if desired for easy removal.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, both sugars, oil, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift in flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until just combined—avoiding over-mixing for a tender crumb.
- Fold in apples: Gently stir diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 38–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Baking Tips for Success
- Choose flavorful apples: A mix of tart and sweet varieties enhances flavor and texture.
- Don’t over-mix: Stop stirring as soon as no streaks of dry flour remain for a light crumb.
- Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; moist crumbs are fine, but no wet batter.
- Let it cool: This helps set the cake and makes slicing easier.
- Add a topping: Serve as is, or sprinkle with powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Apple Varieties: What’s Best for Baking?
The type of apple you choose influences your cake’s flavor and consistency. For baking, apples that keep their shape but get tender are ideal. Here are some excellent options:
- Honeycrisp: Sweet, crisp, and hold up beautifully.
- Granny Smith: Tart and firm; pairs well with sweeter apples.
- Fuji/Gala: Mellow and sweet, become soft but not mushy.
- Mix it up: Blend varieties for depth of flavor.
Easy Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try these simple swaps:
- Oil: Use melted butter for a richer flavor, or try coconut oil for a subtle tropical note.
- Add-ins: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), or 1/3 cup golden raisins for extra texture.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for regular flour.
- Spice Boost: Add a dash of allspice or ginger for a spicier cake.
- Less Sugar: Cut sugar by 2–4 tablespoons for a less sweet cake—apples provide plenty of natural sweetness.
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Serving Suggestions
- Fresh and warm: Enjoy straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Coffee companion: Pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or chai for a morning or afternoon treat.
- Fancy touch: Sprinkle with powdered sugar or serve with a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup.
How to Store and Reheat
- Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Covered, cake keeps for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature or gently rewarm before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven if desired.
Making Ahead
You can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately a few hours ahead. Mix and bake when ready for the freshest cake. Alternatively, bake, cool, and store overnight—the flavor deepens and the cake stays moist the next day.
Apple Cinnamon Cake FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Whole wheat flour adds a pleasant nuttiness and fiber but can make the cake denser. For best results, swap in half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. You may need 1–2 tablespoons extra milk or water if the batter seems thick.
What other fruits can I add?
Pears, firm peaches, or even blueberries pair beautifully with cinnamon—use the same amount as for apples and cut fruit into bite-size pieces.
Should I peel the apples?
Peeled apples give a softer, more uniform texture. For a rustic look, leave some peel on—just be sure to scrub apples well and cut into even pieces.
What size pan is best?
This recipe works well in a square 8-inch, 9-inch round, or even a standard loaf pan (increase bake time slightly for loaf). For muffins, fill lined cups 3/4 full and bake about 20–25 minutes.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, replace eggs with flaxseed eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes) and be sure to use dairy-free sugar and oil. Results may be slightly denser but still delicious.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The top should look golden and set, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just moist crumbs. Check after 35 minutes and add more time if needed, as ovens vary.
Conclusion: The Perfect Anytime Cake
This easy apple cinnamon cake is your answer to comfort food cravings. Simple, versatile, and brimming with flavor, it’s a recipe to keep in your regular baking rotation. Whether shared with friends, made for gatherings, or stashed for weekday breakfasts, its tender crumb and warm spices never disappoint. Bake one tonight—and watch it disappear!
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