If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is just what you need. This delightful cake combines tender apple chunks with the cozy flavors of cinnamon and sugar, creating a simple yet irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon snack or a festive gathering, this recipe delivers comforting sweetness and spice in every bite. Its easy preparation and satisfying texture make it a favorite for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless baking: The recipe uses straightforward steps and common ingredients, perfect for any level of baker.
Comfort in every bite: The blend of cinnamon and sugar with juicy apples offers classic cozy flavors that feel like home.
Versatile for any occasion: Whether it’s a quick dessert or part of a holiday spread, this cake fits every table.
Moist and tender texture: The apples keep the cake soft and full of natural moisture without extra fuss.
Customizable flavor: You can easily tweak spices or add nuts to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping things simple is the secret behind Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake’s charm. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in developing the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and aroma that makes this cake stand out.

Fresh apples: Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice tangy contrast and firm texture.
Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and sweetness without overpowering the apples.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness while helping create a lightly crisp top layer.
Flour: All-purpose flour ensures a tender crumb and solid structure.
Baking powder: Essential for making the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture to keep the cake soft.
Eggs: Help bind the batter and add stability to the final texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and complements the cinnamon and apples.
Milk: Moistens the batter and creates a smooth consistency for easy mixing.

Variations for Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

This recipe invites creativity, so whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or just feel like mixing flavors, it’s wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ideas to tailor it to your preferences:

Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for delightful crunch and extra depth.
Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend for an allergy-friendly treat.
Extra spice: Boost with nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to deepen the warm spice profile.
Sweet glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze on top for added sweetness and shine.
Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based butter and flax eggs to make the cake animal-product-free without losing flavor.

Why Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Will Delight You

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the apples

Start by peeling and chopping your apples into small, even pieces so they cook evenly within the cake, releasing their juicy sweetness without making the batter soggy.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sugar. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices throughout the cake batter.

Step 3: Cream butter and eggs

In a separate bowl, beat softened butter with eggs until fluffy. The creaming process adds air to your batter, which helps create a light texture.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and egg mixture, alternating with milk and vanilla. Stir gently to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.

Step 5: Fold in apples

Carefully fold your prepared apples into the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure every slice is bursting with fruit.

Step 6: Bake and cinnamon sugar topping

Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, sprinkle the top generously with cinnamon sugar, then bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Use room temperature ingredients: Butter and eggs mix more smoothly when not cold, improving batter texture.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until combined to keep the cake tender and airy.
Choose the right apples: Firmer apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn hold up well and provide the best texture.
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top: Adding the topping right before baking creates a deliciously crisp, caramelized crust.
Check doneness early: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking your cake 5 minutes before the recipe’s suggested time.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Garnishes

Brighten up each slice with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, enhancing the cake’s sweet cinnamon aroma without overpowering the apple flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of spiced yogurt for a creamy, cool contrast that complements the warm spices perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices on rustic wooden boards with slices of fresh apple and cinnamon sticks for a cozy, seasonal feel that impresses guests visually and taste-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully—wrap it well and freeze slices individually or as a whole cake for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave or oven to bring back that freshly baked warmth, ensuring each bite is just as comforting as the first.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely! Pears or peaches can be wonderful substitutes, though cooking times and moisture levels may vary slightly.

Is this cake suitable for kids?

Yes, the simple sweet flavors and soft texture make it a perfect treat for children and adults alike.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, try swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend; just ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

How long does the cake take to bake?

The baking time is usually around 40 to 50 minutes, depending on your oven and cake pan size, so keep an eye starting at 35 minutes.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of simple, comforting flavors anyone can master. With its straightforward ingredients and inviting aroma filling your kitchen, it’s a perfect treat to share with family and friends. So grab those apples, dust off your baking pan, and dive into a slice of cozy sweetness that’s bound to brighten your day.

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Print Recipe

The Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is a comforting and moist dessert featuring tender pieces of fresh apples blended with warm cinnamon and sugar. This simple yet flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a soft texture and a lightly crisp cinnamon sugar topping. Ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers, it can be customized with nuts, extra spices, or made gluten-free or vegan to suit your preferences.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with flour substitution)

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

3 cups fresh apples (peeled and chopped, preferably Granny Smith or similar firm tart apples)

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
2 tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for vegan option)
2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
½ cup milk (or plant-based milk for vegan option)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the apples: Peel and chop the apples into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly within the cake and release their juicy sweetness without making the batter soggy.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sugar for even distribution of leavening and spices.
Cream butter and eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with the eggs until fluffy, incorporating air to create a light texture.
Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and egg mixture, alternating with milk and vanilla extract. Stir gently to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
Fold in apples: Carefully fold the chopped apples into the batter to distribute them evenly throughout.
Bake and add cinnamon sugar topping: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, sprinkle the top evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture, then bake in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40-50 minutes.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother mixing and better texture.
Do not overmix the batter; stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for best texture results.
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking to create a crisp, caramelized crust.
Check cake for doneness 5 minutes before the minimum baking time to avoid overbaking.
Optional variations: add chopped nuts, extra spices like nutmeg or cloves, a powdered sugar glaze, or vegan substitutions.
Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of cake)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 120 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: apple cake, cinnamon sugar cake, easy apple dessert, moist apple cake, cozy desserts, gluten-free apple cake, vegan apple cake