Cinnamon Apple Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of our Cinnamon Apple Cake, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.

Adele Summers

Created by

Adele Summers

Last updated on 2025-12-21T06:05:58.610Z

This Cinnamon Apple Cake is a family favorite, filled with juicy apples and warm spices. The aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is simply irresistible!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Warm cinnamon aroma that fills your home
  • Tender apples that melt in your mouth
  • Perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors

The Perfect Fall Dessert

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Cinnamon Apple Cake wafting through your home. This cake captures the essence of fall with its rich spices and juicy apples, making it an ideal dessert for autumn gatherings or cozy evenings spent indoors. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress.

The combination of cinnamon and apples not only brings a delightful flavor but also evokes nostalgic memories of childhood baking with family. Each bite is a warm hug, transporting you back to simpler times. Serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Cinnamon Apple Cake turns out perfectly every time, start by using room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs. This helps create a smoother batter and a lighter cake. Additionally, be sure to chop your apples into uniform pieces to guarantee even distribution throughout the batter, preventing any clumping or sinking.

Another key tip is to avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, whereas gently folding the ingredients together will yield a light and fluffy texture. Keep an eye on the baking time as well; every oven is different, and you may need to adjust the time slightly based on your equipment.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once baked, this Cinnamon Apple Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it, where it can last for about a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to three months—just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.

When serving, consider drizzling a simple glaze over the top for added sweetness or pairing it with a warm beverage like spiced cider or hot tea. This cake is versatile enough to be enjoyed as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert after dinner.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups peeled and diced apples

For the Topping

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Make sure to measure all ingredients accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.

Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the diced apples.

Prepare Topping

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts (if using) for the topping.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and sprinkle the topping evenly over the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Apple Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Nutritional Information

Cinnamon Apple Cake is not only delicious but also offers a range of nutrients thanks to its wholesome ingredients. Apples provide dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making each slice a little healthier than your average dessert. The use of buttermilk adds moisture without extra fat, enhancing both flavor and texture.

While this cake is a treat, moderation is key. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet, and consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or Greek yogurt for added nutrition. This way, you can savor the flavors without compromising your health goals.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits to the batter. Pecans or almonds can add a delightful crunch, while raisins or cranberries introduce a new layer of flavor. You can also swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and added nutrition.

For a twist on the classic flavors, consider adding a splash of caramel sauce to the batter or using caramelized apples as a topping. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this Cinnamon Apple Cake uniquely yours.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, you can substitute with pears or even berries for a different flavor.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this cake?

It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Cinnamon Apple Cake

Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of our Cinnamon Apple Cake, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration40 minutes
Overall Time60 minutes

Created by: Adele Summers

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  6. 1 cup granulated sugar
  7. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  8. 2 large eggs
  9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  10. 1 cup buttermilk
  11. 2 cups peeled and diced apples

For the Topping

  1. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  2. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  3. 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 03

In a separate large bowl, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the diced apples.

Step 05

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts (if using) for the topping.

Step 06

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and sprinkle the topping evenly over the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 07

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 3g