Cinnamon Apple Cake

This moist, tender Cinnamon Apple Cake is filled with juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and a buttery crumb. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon coffee break.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients

Cake

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) round or square cake pan.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine: Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined.
6. Fold in the apples: Gently stir the diced apples into the batter.
7. Fill the pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
8. Add the topping: Mix the sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle evenly over the batter.
9. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
11. Glaze (optional): Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Tips

• Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn for the best texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake soft and fluffy.
• Toss the diced apples with 1 tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter to help prevent them from sinking.
• Cover the cake loosely with foil if it begins to brown too quickly.

Variations

• Apple Walnut: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Caramel Apple: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce instead of glaze.
• Apple Raisin: Add ½ cup raisins to the batter.
• Streusel Topping: Mix ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle over the batter before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm or at room temperature with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Custard
• Hot coffee or tea
• A drizzle of caramel sauce

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.