Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake will become your new best friend. Packed with tender diced apples and kissed by just the right amount of cinnamon, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and cozy. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon treat or a festive gathering, this cake’s moist crumb and delightful topping make it both comforting and impressive without any complicated fuss. Trust me, once you try this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake, you’ll find it hard to go back to anything else.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients often make the most memorable dishes, and this cake is no exception. Each component plays its role to create a tender, flavorful, and perfectly spiced Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake. From the flour that gives structure to the cinnamon that delivers its signature warmth, you’ll love how easy it is to gather everything before baking!

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Sifted for a light, airy texture that makes your cake tender.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Your secret weapon for a perfect rise and fluffy crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds the cozy, warm kick the cake is known for.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering the apples’ natural flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture to the batter.
• 2 large eggs: At room temperature for smooth blending and structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with a lovely subtle aroma.
• 1/2 cup whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender throughout.
• 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Peeled, cored, and diced for bursts of juicy sweetness and texture.
• Topping: 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter — for that irresistible caramelized crunch.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Kick off your baking adventure by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan really well, and I highly recommend lining the bottom with parchment paper for an easy release later. Having your ingredients prepped and ready means no scrambling mid-recipe, so gather them all before you start mixing.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the sifted flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Give it a good whisk until evenly distributed — this is a key step to make sure your Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake bakes with an even crumb and those lovely cinnamon notes in every bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with the granulated sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This aeration is what keeps your cake tender. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract for a subtle depth of flavor.

Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Begin folding in the dry mixture and milk alternately into your wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mix. Stir just until everything is combined — and don’t overmix, or the cake can get a little tough. Now gently fold in the diced apples with a spatula; those apples are what make this cake truly special.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping and Assemble

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top evenly. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, then sprinkle this topping evenly over the surface. This little finishing touch adds an amazing caramelized crunch once baked.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your cake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When it’s done, let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan before gently transferring to a wire rack. Waiting to cool is tough, but slicing too soon makes the cake crumbly — patience is a virtue here!

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake

Garnishes

Elevate your Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake by topping it with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple, elegant touch. If you’re feeling indulgent, a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a lovely creamy contrast to the warm spices and tender apples.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea, making for a comforting mid-morning or afternoon snack. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to balance sweetness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into small squares and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar for a charming buffet option. Or arrange wedges on a dessert platter with caramel sauce drizzled over for a show-stopping dessert that invites everyone to dive in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, it can be refrigerated, tightly wrapped, and will stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

If you want to make this cake well ahead of time, slices freeze beautifully. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to two months and thaw quickly when you need a sweet treat on the fly.

Reheating

To enjoy warmed slices, microwave briefly for 15 to 20 seconds or heat gently in a low oven until just heated through. This brings back the soft, moist texture and revives the lovely cinnamon aroma, making your cake taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate if you want to keep it longer.

What apples work best in the cake?

I recommend firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They hold their shape well during baking and provide that perfect tart-sweet balance that complements the cinnamon.

Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?

You can, but keep in mind apple pie filling is sweeter and softer, which might alter the texture and overall flavor. It’s a decent shortcut but fresh apples offer the best results.

Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?

Definitely! Kids love mixing the batter and folding in the apples. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that results in a cake everyone will be excited to eat.

Can I double the recipe to make a larger cake?

Yes, you can double it and bake in a larger pan or two standard ones. Just keep an eye on baking time — it might need a bit more or less depending on the pan size.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is one of those magical recipes that manages to be both simple and sensational. It’s fantastic for any occasion, easy enough for a weeknight, but special enough to impress guests. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Happy baking, and enjoy every warm, cinnamon-spiced bite!

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