Recipe

Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

farhanmohla October 9, 2026

If there is one homemade cake that makes the kitchen smell absolutely amazing, honestly, it has to be cinnamon apple cake. The combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and soft, buttery cake is hard to beat. I love how the apples become tender while baking and add little pockets of sweetness throughout every slice.

I usually make this cake when I have a few apples sitting in the fruit bowl and want to turn them into something special without spending hours in the kitchen. You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated ingredients, either. Just a mixing bowl, a few basic pantry staples, and fresh apples.

This cinnamon apple cake is moist, slightly spiced, and delicious with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Serve it warm with coffee, enjoy a slice as an afternoon treat, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Cake

Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
Moist and tender: Fresh apples help keep the cake soft and flavorful.
Perfectly spiced: Cinnamon adds a cozy, sweet flavor without overpowering the apples.
Great for any occasion: Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or dessert.
Made with everyday ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your kitchen.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
Total Time: 55–65 minutes
Servings: 8
Baking Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Cake

Here is everything you need to make this delicious homemade apple cake.

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs, at room temperature
½ cup milk
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar, for extra flavor
1 tablespoon powdered sugar, optional, for dusting

Best apples to use: Granny Smith apples are excellent if you enjoy a slightly tart flavor. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples also work well for a naturally sweeter cake.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray, then lightly dust it with flour. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper to make removing the cake easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Wash, peel, and core the apples. Cut them into small, bite-sized cubes so they distribute evenly throughout the cake.

In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with the brown sugar and about ½ teaspoon of the cinnamon. I usually do this because it gives the apples an extra layer of sweetness and warm spice.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining cinnamon. Whisk everything together until evenly mixed.

Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps distribute the baking powder and cinnamon throughout the cake.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

If you don’t have an electric mixer, a sturdy whisk and a little extra effort will work, too.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add about half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and stir gently. Pour in the milk, then add the remaining flour mixture.

Mix just until everything is combined. The batter should be thick but easy to spread. Try not to overmix it, as that can make the finished cake dense.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the cinnamon-coated apple pieces into the batter using a spatula. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed so every slice gets plenty of fruit.

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40–50 minutes.

The cake is ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Once the cake has cooled slightly, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired.

Slice and serve it warm or at room temperature. Honestly, the smell alone is enough to make everyone want a piece!

Cooking Tips for the Best Apple Cake

Choose the Right Apples

Use firm apples that hold their shape during baking. Granny Smith apples add a pleasant tartness, while Gala and Fuji apples give the cake a sweeter flavor.

Cut the Apples into Small Pieces

Smaller apple cubes cook more evenly and make the cake easier to slice. Avoid very large chunks, which can create overly wet pockets inside the cake.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Once the flour is added, mix only until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can develop too much gluten and make the cake less tender.

Measure the Flour Correctly

Too much flour can make the cake dry. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than packing it down.

Check Before Removing from the Oven

Ovens can vary, so start checking the cake around the 40-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center is the easiest way to check for doneness.

Let It Cool Before Slicing

Allowing the cake to rest helps it set and makes cleaner slices. If you prefer a warm dessert, serve it slightly warm rather than straight from the oven.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Apple Cake

This cake tastes wonderful on its own, but there are plenty of easy ways to make it even more special.

Coffee or tea: A slice alongside your favorite hot drink makes a lovely afternoon snack.
Vanilla ice cream: Serve a warm slice with a scoop of ice cream for a comforting dessert.
Whipped cream: Add a spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a simple finishing touch.
Greek yogurt: Enjoy a smaller slice with plain or lightly sweetened yogurt for breakfast.
Caramel sauce: Drizzle a little caramel over the top when serving it as a dessert.
Chopped walnuts or pecans: Sprinkle toasted nuts over each slice for extra crunch.

How to Store Cinnamon Apple Cake

At room temperature: Store the completely cooled cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days in a cool environment.

In the refrigerator: Keep the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

In the freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for best quality.

To reheat: Warm an individual slice in the microwave for about 10–20 seconds, adjusting as needed. If frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, assuming the cake is divided into 8 slices:

Calories: 300
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Fat: 13 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 150 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the apples, butter, sugar, and portion size used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make cinnamon apple cake without a mixer?

Yes! You can make this cake with a large bowl, a whisk, and a spatula. Make sure the butter is softened so it is easier to combine with the sugar. The texture may be slightly different, but the cake will still taste delicious.

2. Should I peel the apples before adding them?

I usually peel the apples because it gives the cake a softer, more uniform texture. However, you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic cake and don’t mind the added texture.

3. Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute a neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable oil, for the butter. Use approximately ⅓ cup of oil instead of ½ cup of butter. The texture and flavor will be a little different, and the cake may be less buttery.

4. How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If you see wet batter, bake for another 5 minutes and check again.

5. Can I make cinnamon apple cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day ahead and store it in an airtight container once completely cooled. I often find that the cinnamon flavor tastes even more developed the next day. Add powdered sugar just before serving for the freshest appearance.

Final Thoughts

This easy cinnamon apple cake is one of those homemade treats that makes simple ingredients feel special. Between the tender apples, warm cinnamon, and soft cake, every slice delivers that classic homemade flavor we all love.

I usually serve it with a cup of coffee in the afternoon, but it is just as lovely after dinner with a little vanilla ice cream. You can keep it simple with powdered sugar or dress it up with caramel and whipped cream.

The best part is that you don’t need a special occasion to make it. If you have a couple of apples and a few baking basics, you are already halfway there.

Give this cinnamon apple cake a try, and let me know: would you enjoy a slice warm from the oven, or would you save it for tomorrow’s coffee break?