If you are looking to bake something that fills your home with warm, inviting aromas while treating everyone to a moist, flavorful delight, this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is just what you need. It’s a beautiful marriage of tender cake infused with bursts of sweet-tart apple pieces and that cozy, spicy cinnamon touch, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends at your next gathering, this cake balances simplicity and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe lies in its use of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role—from the flour that forms the cake’s soft structure to the cinnamon that brings that unmistakable warmth, plus the apples adding moisture and natural sweetness.
- Plain flour (1 and 1/2 cups): Provides the perfect base for a tender, moist crumb.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances leavening for a soft texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor.
- Caster sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cake with a fine grain that blends easily.
- Red apple (1 large, peeled and chopped): Adds juicy bursts of flavor and moisture.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and contribute richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a lovely aromatic note.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake wonderfully moist without overpowering taste.
- Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Adds tenderness and a slight tang for balance.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The star spice that adds warmth and depth.
- Sugar for topping (1/4 cup): Combines with cinnamon for a crunchy, sweet crust.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Helps create that rich, cinnamony topping.
- Icing sugar (1/4 cup): For the delicate glaze to finish the cake.
- Milk (1-2 tablespoons): Used to achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) if you’re using a fan-forced oven. Grease and line your 8-inch round cake pan with baking or parchment paper to ensure the cake lifts out effortlessly after baking. This simple step sets the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Apples
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until combined. Toss in the peeled, chopped apple pieces to coat them lightly in the dry mix—this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom while baking and ensures even distribution throughout the cake.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, quickly whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and Greek yogurt. You just want to break up the yolks at this stage—overmixing is not necessary. These wet ingredients add richness and moistness, which makes the cake irresistibly tender.
Step 4: Gently Mix Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold together with a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the cake dense. Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared cake pan, spreading it out gently to fill the pan.
Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Topping
Mix the butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until the mixture looks lumpy and moist. This topping adds a sweet, crunchy layer that pairs perfectly with the soft cake underneath. Sprinkle it generously over the surface of the batter.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the cake in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have a golden-brown top with a lovely, cinnamony crust. Once done, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before the final touch.
Step 7: Drizzle the Icing Glaze
Whisk together the icing sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding a little more milk if needed. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the cooled cake to add a touch of elegance and extra sweetness that complements the cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming presentation, sprinkle some extra cinnamon or a few thin apple slices on top just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy, delicate finish that makes the cake look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Warm apple cider or spiced tea also complement the cinnamon and apple flavors, making your snack or dessert time truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices of the cake alongside roasted nuts or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat. You can also turn it into a layered cake by doubling the recipe, splitting the batter, and layering with cinnamon cream cheese frosting for parties or celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep it fresher longer, refrigerate for up to five days while ensuring the cake is tightly wrapped or in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this cake later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to two months without losing its delightful texture or flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to eat your frozen or refrigerated cake, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or heat in a low oven to bring back that just-baked magic. Adding a bit of butter or serving it with warm cream will make each bite feel freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples all work well. Just choose apples that hold their shape and provide a balance of sweet and tart to complement the cinnamon.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free baking mix that’s designed for cakes. Make sure to check the baking powder and soda are gluten-free as well for best results.
Can I make this cake vegan?
With a few swaps, you can convert this recipe: use flax eggs or other egg replacers, substitute yogurt with plant-based yogurt, and replace butter with coconut oil. The texture and flavor will remain deliciously inviting.
How can I make the cake more moist?
The Greek yogurt and oil already help keep the cake moist, but adding an extra tablespoon of yogurt or oil can enhance this. Avoid overbaking, as that leads to dryness.
What’s the best way to slice and serve the cake?
Use a sharp serrated knife for clean slices, especially since the topping can be crumbly. Serve at room temperature with your favorite accompaniments for the best experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe that makes it a standout favorite. It’s easy to whip up, full of homey flavors, and perfect for any occasion when you want to bring joy to your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and share in the delicious memories it will create. Happy baking!
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Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is a moist and tender dessert featuring fresh, peeled red apples combined with warm cinnamon spices. The cake is enriched with Greek yogurt and oil, providing a soft crumb and balanced flavor. A crunchy cinnamon sugar topping and a sweet glaze finish off this classic treat, perfect for serving with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 210 grams (1 and 1/2 cups) plain flour or all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 150 grams (3/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 cup (approximately 1 large) red apple, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil or flavourless oil
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) Greek yogurt
Cinnamon Topping
- 50 grams (1/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Glaze
- 30 grams (1/4 cup) icing sugar or powdered sugar, sifted
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) standard or 160°C (320°F) fan-forced. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with baking or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 150 grams of sugar. Add the peeled, roughly chopped red apple and stir lightly to evenly distribute the fruit without breaking it down.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and Greek yogurt just until the yolks are broken and ingredients are combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a wooden spoon. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make the cake tough. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan.
- Prepare Cinnamon Topping: In a small bowl, mix the 50 grams of sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until the mixture is moist yet lumpy. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the surface of the batter in the pan.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean. Once done, remove from oven and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make and Apply Glaze: Combine the sifted icing sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk. Stir until smooth, adding an additional tablespoon of milk if the glaze is too thick. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake to finish.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- You can substitute the Greek yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk if preferred.
- Use a sharp apple with good tartness like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
- The glaze can be flavored with a little vanilla extract or lemon zest for variation.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
