Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm slice of homemade cinnamon apple cake. With tender chunks of juicy apples, a buttery crumb, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping, this dessert is pure autumn bliss in every bite. Whether you serve it warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it as a sweet afternoon treat with coffee, this easy apple cake is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
The combination of tart apples, warm spices, and a soft, moist cake base makes this recipe irresistible. Even better, it’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for holidays, potlucks, and gatherings. If you’ve been searching for a cozy fall baking idea, this cinnamon apple cake is it.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Cake
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Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh apples you already have on hand.
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Perfectly spiced: A blend of cinnamon and nutmeg makes the flavor warm and comforting.
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Moist and tender: Thanks to sour cream, the crumb stays soft and fluffy.
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Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for family dinners, holiday tables, or weekend baking projects.
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Versatile treat: Serve it as dessert, a sweet brunch dish, or even a coffee cake.
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s look at what makes each ingredient essential:
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All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cake light.
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Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to give the cake rise and fluffiness.
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Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
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Cinnamon & nutmeg: Classic warm spices that highlight the apples and give cozy flavor.
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Butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
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Granulated sugar & brown sugar: Create sweetness and moisture, with brown sugar adding a subtle caramel note.
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Eggs: Bind the batter and give structure.
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Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with a sweet aroma.
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Sour cream or yogurt: Keeps the cake moist and soft without being heavy.
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Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Provide bursts of juicy, tart sweetness throughout the cake.
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Brown sugar & cinnamon topping: Creates a lightly crunchy, spiced finish.
Pro Tips
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Choose the right apples: Use a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to prevent the fruit from turning mushy.
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Room-temperature ingredients: Let your butter, eggs, and sour cream warm slightly before mixing for a smoother batter.
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Don’t overmix: Stir just until the flour is incorporated to avoid a dense cake.
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Check for doneness early: Start testing at 40 minutes—ovens vary, and you don’t want to dry it out.
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Serve warm: A quick 15-second microwave reheat makes leftovers taste freshly baked.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Want to switch it up? Try these delicious variations:
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Nut lovers: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
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Spiced version: Mix in a pinch of cloves or allspice with the cinnamon.
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Caramel apple cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cake before serving.
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Healthier option: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce sugar slightly.
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Gluten-free version: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is versatile and works for many occasions. Try serving it:
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With vanilla ice cream for a classic fall dessert.
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Alongside whipped cream for a light, fluffy topping.
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With a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for a bakery-style finish.
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As a coffee cake for brunch or breakfast gatherings.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make ahead: Bake the cake up to 1 day in advance and keep it covered at room temperature.
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Storing leftovers: Store tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
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Refrigeration: Extend freshness by refrigerating for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving.
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Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
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Reheating: Microwave slices for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
A Little Backstory
Apple cakes have been baked for centuries across Europe and America, with each region adding its own touch—whether it’s layered with custard, topped with streusel, or packed with spices. This version takes inspiration from classic American coffee cakes but adds a rustic apple twist, making it perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What apples are best for apple cake?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are top choices because they stay firm while baking and balance sweetness with tartness.
Can I make this in a bundt pan instead of a square pan?
Yes! Just be sure to adjust the baking time to 50–55 minutes and check with a toothpick for doneness.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can cut back on granulated sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture. For less sweetness overall, also reduce the topping sugar slightly.
Can I add glaze or frosting?
Absolutely! A cream cheese glaze or a light powdered sugar drizzle pairs beautifully with the cinnamon topping.
Is this cake more like coffee cake or dessert cake?
It works as both—it’s sweet enough for dessert but not overly rich, making it a great option for brunch or snacking.
Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
