The Best Apple Cake with Cinnamon Magic: Foolproof Recipe

Warm, comforting aromas of baking cinnamon apple cake will instantly fill your kitchen with pure magic.

Sweet autumn memories dance through this simple, rustic dessert that brings comfort in every bite.

Apples nestled perfectly in a soft, tender cinnamon apple cake create a melody of flavors that sing of home and hearth.

Each slice promises a delightful balance between tartness and sweetness, with tender fruit chunks scattered throughout the soft crumb.

The golden-brown top hints at the delectable layers waiting beneath, promising a dessert that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Seasonal ingredients come together effortlessly, transforming basic pantry staples into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this delightful treat that celebrates the best of fall’s bounty.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 9

Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Ingredient Rundown

• Apples: Sweet and crisp apples create the heart of the cake, adding natural moisture and bright flavor; choose firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and balanced sweetness.

• Butter, Eggs: Softened butter ensures a rich, tender crumb while eggs provide structure and help bind ingredients smoothly; use room temperature butter and eggs for optimal mixing.
• Sugar, Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar adds deep caramel notes and moisture, while white sugar provides sweetness and helps create a delicate cake texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides essential structure and creates a tender cake base; sift to remove lumps and ensure even distribution.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and become light and fluffy; ensure it's fresh for maximum leavening power.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that perfectly complements apple's natural sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and rounds out the cake's flavor profile.
• Walnuts: Introduce delightful crunch and nutty richness; toast briefly to intensify their flavor before adding.

Tools for Making Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy, and blending ingredients smoothly.
• Large mixing bowls: Two are needed – one for wet ingredients, another for dry ingredients to keep everything organized.
• 9-inch round baking pan: Perfect size for creating this delicious apple cake with even baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements to ensure recipe success.
• Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients and creating smooth, lump-free mixtures.
• Spatula: Helps fold in apples and walnuts gently without overmixing the batter.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
• Toothpick: Useful for checking cake doneness by testing center for clean release.

How to Bake an Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Oven Warmup Prep

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a round cake pan and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter so your cake slides out smoothly.

• Creamy Sugar Base

Blend softened butter with white and brown sugars until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Drop in eggs one by one, stirring after each. Splash in vanilla for extra warmth.

• Dry Ingredient Magic

Whisk flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt together in a separate bowl. Slowly fold these into your creamy mixture, keeping everything gentle and smooth.

• Apple and Nutty Adventure

Sprinkle chopped apples and walnuts throughout the batter, making sure they’re evenly tucked in without disturbing the delicate mix.

• Baking Transformation

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide into the preheated oven and let the magic happen for 40-45 minutes.

• Cooling Moment

Once a toothpick comes out clean, remove the cake. Let it rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Serving Delight

Slice into wedges and serve. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of caramel sauce makes this cake extra special.

Cinnamon Apple Cake: Flavor Tips & Extras

• Experiment with different apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji to create unique flavor profiles and textures in your cake.
• Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds, or toast them beforehand to intensify their rich, earthy flavor and add extra crunch to each bite.
• Enhance the cinnamon's warmth by adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to create a more complex and aromatic dessert experience.
• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation, ensuring a delicious treat is always within reach.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Cozy Coffee Companion: Slice a wedge alongside a steaming mug of chai or espresso for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up that complements the cake's warm cinnamon notes.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Dust the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with thinly sliced fresh apple rings or caramelized apple chunks to create a stunning visual appeal that enhances both taste and presentation.
• Decadent Ice Cream Pairing: Top each slice with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to introduce a creamy contrast against the cake's tender crumb and nutty texture.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Serve this apple cake as a centerpiece during weekend gatherings, offering guests a delectable sweet option that pairs perfectly with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Store Cinnamon Apple Cake for Later

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days using an airtight container to maintain moisture and soft texture.
• Refrigeration Strategy: When storing longer than 3 days, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 5 days, allowing cake to reach room temperature before serving for best flavor.
• Freezing Technique: Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices remain delicious for 2-3 months – perfect for future dessert emergencies.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cake batter one day in advance and refrigerate overnight. Simply bring to room temperature before baking for incredibly convenient preparation, ensuring fresh taste and minimal morning effort.

Irresistible Cinnamon Apple Cake

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon apple cake delivers classic comfort with rich fall flavors and simple ingredients. Sweet apple slices nestled in warm spiced batter create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with pure pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups (188 g) chopped apples (peeled, approximately 2 medium apples)
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts
• ¼ cup (57 g) softened butter
• ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
• ¼ cup (55 g) dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Creaming: Whip softened butter with granulated and dark brown sugars until light and fluffy, creating a smooth, aerated base.
3. Wet Ingredients Integration: Introduce eggs one at a time, thoroughly incorporating each, then blend in vanilla extract to elevate the flavor complexity.
4. Dry Ingredient Combination: Sift together flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
5. Batter Assembly: Delicately fold dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, using gentle strokes to maintain the cake’s tender crumb structure.
6. Fruit and Nut Incorporation: Gently fold chopped apples and walnuts throughout the batter, creating a harmonious distribution of textures.
7. Baking Process: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface for an even bake, and place in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes.
8. Doneness Check: Verify cake is fully baked by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free of raw batter.
9. Cooling and Serving: Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
10. Final Presentation: Serve in wedges, optionally embellishing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a luxurious caramel sauce drizzle.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients to maintain a soft, tender cake texture and avoid tough, dense results.
• Apple Selection Matters: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in the cake.
• Ingredient Temperature: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake consistency.
• Cooling is Crucial: Let the cake rest in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack to prevent breaking and maintain structural integrity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg