Cinnamon Apple Cake

A moist, buttery cake filled with chunks of sweet apples and swirls of cinnamon, topped with a light glaze or served as-is. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

 Time & Difficulty

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes

• Cooling Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes

• Skill Level: Easy

• Yields: One 9-inch round or 8×8-inch square cake (8–10 servings)

 Overview

This Cinnamon Apple Cake is the kind of cozy dessert that fills your kitchen with the smell of autumn. Made with fresh apples, warming cinnamon, and simple pantry staples, it’s the ideal cake for apple season — but honestly, it’s welcome year-round. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of glaze for extra indulgence.

 Ingredients

 For the Cake:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

• ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup (60ml) milk

• 2 cups (about 2 medium apples) peeled, cored, and chopped into ½-inch chunks

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for tossing apples)

 Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

 Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp milk

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

 Instructions

 Step 1: Prep the Apples

1. Peel, core, and chop apples into small chunks.

2. Toss with 1 tbsp flour to prevent sinking during baking. Set aside.

 Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg (if using)

 Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.

3. Mix in vanilla extract.

 Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

1. On low speed, mix in half of the dry ingredients.

2. Add sour cream and milk, mix until combined.

3. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated.

4. Gently fold in chopped apples.

 Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or 8×8-inch square baking pan.

3. Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top.

4. If using, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar topping.

5. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

 Step 6: Glaze (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

2. Drizzle over cooled or slightly warm cake.

 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Based on 10 servings. Optional glaze not included in values.

 Best Apples to Use

Choose firm, slightly tart apples that hold up during baking, such as:

• Granny Smith

• Honeycrisp

• Fuji

• Braeburn

• Pink Lady

A mix of sweet and tart apples also works beautifully!

 Tips & Variations

• Add crunch: Mix in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.

• Make it a loaf: Bake in a 9×5-inch loaf pan for ~55–60 minutes.

• Apple-cinnamon swirl: Reserve some chopped apples and cinnamon sugar for layering between two halves of the batter.

• Add a streusel topping: Combine ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp butter, and ½ tsp cinnamon and crumble over the batter before baking.

• Want it lighter? Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.

 Storage & Reheating

• Room Temp: Store covered for up to 2 days

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days

• Freezer: Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months

• To Reheat: Microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds, or warm in a low oven

 Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Cake is like a hug in dessert form — simple, warm, and packed with the comforting flavors of fall. Whether you’re hosting brunch, baking for friends, or just treating yourself on a cozy weekend, this cake hits the spot every time.