Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dessert that smells like fall in every bite, this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s that kind of cake that makes your kitchen feel warm and inviting, perfect for sharing over coffee or tea with friends. The combination of soft apples, fragrant cinnamon, and just the right sweetness makes it a go-to whenever I want something that feels both homey and special.

What I love most about this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is how easy it is to pull together, yet it tastes like you spent hours baking. The yogurt keeps it wonderfully moist, and the cinnamon topping adds a lovely touch of texture and spice. Whether you’re baking for a casual weekend or a holiday gathering, this recipe is a sure winner—you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

All these ingredients come together beautifully to create a cake that’s soft, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. You’ll want to pick good-quality apples that hold their shape and are juicy, plus fresh baking essentials to ensure the cake rises and tastes just right.

• Plain flour: Provides the structure; all-purpose flour works best for a tender crumb.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise and keep it fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Caster sugar: Creamy texture and sweetness that dissolves easily; granulated sugar works too.
• Red apple: I love using crisp apples like Fuji or Gala since they add a sweet-tart bite without turning mushy.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Brings out the warmth in this cake, rounding out the spices and fruit.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender; avoid anything too strongly flavored.
• Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and moisture, making this cake extra soft and less dense.
• Cinnamon: The star spice here—freshly ground gives the best aroma and taste.
• Butter: For that rich, melt-in-your-mouth buttery crunch on the topping.
• Icing sugar: Used in the glaze to give a delicate sweetness and pretty finish.
• Milk: Helps adjust the glaze to perfect drizzling consistency.

Tweak to Your Taste

While I love sticking to the original, I’ve found a few tweaks that let you make this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe feel like you. Whether you want it a bit healthier, more decadent, or suited for dietary needs, it’s easy to adjust.

• Gluten-Free Variation: I swapped plain flour for a gluten-free blend once, and it worked beautifully—just be sure to add a little xanthan gum if your blend needs it for structure.
• Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves amps up the cozy, autumnal vibes—great if you want a bit more complexity.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based yogurt and oil to make it vegan-friendly; the cake still stays nicely moist and soft.
• Extra Crunch: I sometimes throw in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful surprise of texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Ingredients and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (or 160°C if you use a fan-forced oven). Grease your 8-inch round cake pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This little step saves your cake from heartbreak later—I learned this the hard way with an earlier batch that stuck embarrassingly!

Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients and Apples

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Toss in the peeled, roughly chopped apple pieces and stir so they’re coated evenly. This helps keep the apples from sinking to the bottom during baking, which I always find annoying and messy.

Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and Greek yogurt. You just want to break up the yolks and combine everything, no need to get too vigorous here. This keeps the batter smooth and easy to fold into the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

Carefully pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently mix just until combined – don’t over-mix or your cake might turn dense. The batter should be thick but spoonable, with apple pieces visible throughout.

Step 5: Adding the Cinnamon Topping and Baking

Mix together the caster sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until a lumpy, wet topping forms. Sprinkle this evenly over the cake batter in the pan. This topping forms that signature crisp, spicy layer I look forward to. Pop your cake in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cooling and Glazing

Once baked, transfer your cake to a wire rack to cool completely. For the glaze, stir the sifted icing sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk; add a little more milk if needed to get a nice drizzling consistency. Drizzle it gently all over the cooled cake for a beautiful, sweet finish that takes it over the top.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with this cake—a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or a few thin apple slices arranged on top makes it look inviting without stealing the spotlight. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns it into a cozy treat, especially on chilly evenings.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or fresh-brewed coffee. For a brunch spread, I sometimes serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a honey-roasted nut mix to balance sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered thin apple slices in a fan pattern on top before adding the cinnamon sugar topping—it creates a striking look that impresses guests. Serving individual slices with edible flowers or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add an elegant touch for holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist without drying out. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration works too but bring it back to room temp before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully! I slice it into portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then foil, and pop them in the freezer. When you want a cozy treat, just thaw at room temp or warm gently in the microwave—almost as good as freshly baked.

Reheating

To refresh leftover cake, I warm a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (about 150°C/300°F) wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. This revives the moist texture and softens the cinnamon topping without drying the cake out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe has become a bit of a kitchen favorite for me—whether for a casual snack or a festive treat. Its simplicity, balanced flavors, and that lovely cinnamon crunch make it feel like a warm hug on a plate. I really encourage you to try it out for yourself—you might just find it becoming your next comfort dessert to share with friends and family, too.

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