There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked cinnamon apple cake filling your kitchen. Moist, tender, and packed with chunks of juicy apples, this cake is a warm hug in dessert form. Each slice offers a perfect balance of soft crumb, cozy spice, and a subtle crunch from toasted walnuts, making it an irresistible comfort food.
This easy apple dessert is ideal for weeknight baking, fall gatherings, or even as a make-ahead treat for holiday celebrations. With its classic flavors and simple preparation, this cinnamon apple cake delivers bakery-quality taste with minimal effort. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce, and you’ve got a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have.
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Cozy Comfort Food: Warm cinnamon and sweet apples create a classic fall flavor.
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Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love its soft, sweet taste.
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Perfect Texture: Moist cake with tender apples and crunchy walnuts.
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Versatile Dessert: Great for brunch, snack, or after-dinner treat.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays moist for days and freezes well.
Ingredient Breakdown
Apples (1¼ cups chopped): The star of the cake, adding natural sweetness, juiciness, and texture. Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best results.
Butter (¼ cup, softened): Provides richness, moisture, and a tender crumb. Creaming butter with sugar creates the cake’s light, fluffy texture.
Sugar (¼ cup granulated): Sweetens the batter and balances the tartness of the apples.
Dark Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Adds depth and a caramel-like flavor that enhances the cinnamon.
Eggs (2 large): Bind ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Leavening agent that helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses warm, cozy spice into every bite.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Vanilla Extract (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle flavor and rounds out the cake’s sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour (1¼ cups): Forms the base of the batter and gives the cake structure.
Walnuts (½ cup, chopped): Provide crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apples.
Pro Tips
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Choose the Right Apples: Use firm, slightly tart apples for the best texture and flavor.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temp for smooth mixing.
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Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing creates dense cake; stir just until the flour disappears.
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Check Early: Start testing for doneness at 38 minutes to prevent overbaking.
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Enhance Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a more complex spice profile.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Nut-Free Option: Skip walnuts or replace with raisins, cranberries, or shredded coconut.
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Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
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Apple Variety: Mix different apple types for a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
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Frosting Option: Top with cream cheese frosting or a glaze for a bakery-style cake.
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Healthier Twist: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour and use coconut sugar.
Serving Suggestions
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Classic Pairing: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
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Coffee Break: Enjoy a slice with hot coffee or spiced chai tea.
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Holiday Dessert: Drizzle with caramel sauce and garnish with extra walnuts.
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Breakfast Treat: Pair with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a sweet morning bite.
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Plating Tip: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a bakery-style presentation.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and store covered at room temperature.
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the refrigerator.
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Freezing: Wrap cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Apple cakes have long been a staple in European and American baking traditions. In many cultures, apples symbolize abundance and comfort, making them a natural choice for cozy desserts. Cinnamon apple cake, in particular, became popular as a farmhouse dessert, highlighting seasonal harvest flavors and pantry-friendly ingredients. Today, it remains a timeless favorite for fall baking and holiday gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, you can use an 8-inch square pan or a 9×9-inch baking dish. Adjust baking time slightly as needed.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and color.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and substitute milk alternatives in equal amounts.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for about 50–55 minutes.
Cinnamon Apple Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until flour disappears. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in chopped apples and walnuts using a wooden spoon or spatula until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let cake rest in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
