Cozy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe: Fall’s Sweetest Treat

Warm spices and sweet, tender apples dance together in this irresistible cinnamon apple cake that promises pure comfort in every bite.

Layers of fragrant cinnamon weave through soft, moist cake crumbs, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

Ripe, juicy apples bring natural sweetness and a delightful texture to this classic treat.

Home bakers love how simple yet impressive this recipe becomes with just a few quality ingredients.

The aroma of baking apples and cinnamon will fill your kitchen with an inviting warmth that draws everyone near.

Each slice offers a perfect balance of spice and fruit, promising a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor a slice of pure baking magic that celebrates autumn’s most beloved flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40-45 minutes

Total Time: 60-65 minutes

Calories: 319 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes Into Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Butter: Creamy foundation that ensures a rich, moist cake texture with a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Sugar, Dark Brown Sugar: Provide deep sweetness and caramel-like undertones that complement the apple's natural flavor.

• Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent that gives structure and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds sophisticated aromatic depth and enhances the overall warmth of the cake.
• All-Purpose Flour: Delivers essential structure and creates a soft, delicate cake consistency.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture with gentle lift.

• Ground Cinnamon: Introduces warming spice that harmonizes perfectly with apples and creates a cozy flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies all other ingredients' flavors.
• Chopped Apples: Bring natural sweetness, moisture, and fresh fruity bursts throughout the cake.
• Chopped Walnuts: Provide delightful crunch and nutty richness that contrasts with the soft cake texture.

Tools to Bake a Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar to a light, fluffy consistency.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all cake ingredients smoothly.
• 9-inch round cake pan: Ideal size for baking this delicious apple cake.
• Cooking spray: Helps cake release easily from the pan after baking.
• Sifter: Great for evenly distributing dry ingredients without lumps.
• Toothpick: Crucial for checking cake doneness by testing the center.
• Spatula: Helpful for folding in apples and walnuts and smoothing batter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient proportions.

Bake Your Apple Cake Just Right

• Oven Warmup

Bring the oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect environment for your cake’s grand debut. Give your baking pan a quick spray to help the cake slide out effortlessly later.

• Butter Bliss

Grab your mixer and transform butter and sugars into a cloud-like mixture that promises a dreamy cake texture. Whip until the blend looks light and irresistible.

• Egg Symphony

Gently introduce eggs one by one, allowing each to dance into the creamy base. A splash of vanilla adds a subtle magic to the batter.

• Dry Magic

Sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into the wet mixture. Stir until everything harmonizes into a smooth, tempting canvas.

• Apple Adventure

Sprinkle chopped apples and walnuts throughout the batter, creating little pockets of surprise in every slice. Ensure the fruits are evenly distributed for a perfect bite.

• Baking Journey

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with gentle care. Slide into the waiting oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Sweet Finale

Allow the cake to rest and cool briefly in its pan. Serve warm with a luxurious scoop of vanilla ice cream melting seductively on top.

Cinnamon Apple Cake Tips for Better Flavor

• Apple-Picking Pro Tips: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a delightful tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
• Nutty Texture Boost: Toast walnuts in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to the batter to intensify their flavor and create a deeper, more complex crunch in every bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. The flavors actually develop and become more pronounced overnight.
• Seasonal Swap-Outs: During autumn, experiment with different spices like ground nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the warm, cozy feeling of the cake. Each spice adds a unique depth to the traditional cinnamon profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions. Add an extra tablespoon of flour to maintain the cake's moisture and prevent crumbling.

Delicious Ways to Serve Apple Cake

• Sweet Sidekick Pairing: Serve this warm cinnamon apple cake alongside a steaming mug of chai tea or fresh coffee, enhancing the cozy spice notes and creating a delightful afternoon treat.
• Dessert Decadence Upgrade: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with extra cinnamon or drizzle with a homemade caramel sauce for an indulgent twist that elevates the cake's rustic charm.
• Breakfast Transformation: Transform leftover cake slices into a morning delight by toasting them lightly and spreading a thin layer of cream cheese or almond butter, turning a dessert into a satisfying breakfast option.
• Seasonal Presentation Idea: Garnish the cake plate with fresh apple slices, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, and a light dusting of powdered sugar to create a stunning visual presentation that celebrates the cake's key ingredients.

Make-Ahead Ideas for Apple Cake Cravings

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep your cinnamon apple cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and prevent drying out.
• Refrigeration Rhythm: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify while keeping the texture soft and delicious.
• Freezing Freedom: Slice the cake before freezing, placing wax paper between each piece to prevent sticking. Sealed in a freezer-safe container, it will stay fresh for 2-3 months, ready for quick dessert emergencies.
• Room Temperature Magic: If enjoying within 2 days, leave the cake at room temperature covered with a clean kitchen towel, which helps retain its delightful softness and prevents unnecessary chilling.

Irresistible Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 60-65 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon apple cake combines warm spices with sweet fruit in a delightful dessert from grandma’s kitchen. Moist layers of tender apples and fragrant cinnamon create a comforting slice you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) apples, chopped and peeled (about 2 medium)
• 1 ¼ cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup (100 grams) sugar
• ½ cup (110 grams) dark brown sugar
• ½ cup (113 grams) butter, softened
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (60 grams) walnuts, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare Workspace: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly spray a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray to prevent adhering.
2. Cream Base: Utilize electric mixer to whip softened butter and sugar until transforming into a pale, airy mixture with luxurious volume and delicate consistency.
3. Incorporate Liquids: Blend eggs individually into butter mixture, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Infuse vanilla extract to elevate flavor complexity.
4. Combine Dry Elements: Sift flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt into creamy base. Gently fold until achieving a seamless, lump-free batter with uniform texture.
5. Add Textural Components: Delicately fold chopped apples and walnuts throughout batter, guaranteeing balanced distribution for consistent flavor and textural experience in every slice.
6. Baking Process: Smoothly transfer batter into prepared pan, leveling surface with spatula. Slide pan into preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until toothpick emerges completely clean.
7. Cooling and Serving: Rest cake in pan for 10-15 minutes, allowing structural stabilization. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream to enhance the cake’s aromatic spice profile.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more consistent mixing and better cake texture.
• Nut Handling: Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent sinking in the batter.
• Moisture Check: Watch the cake closely after 35 minutes to prevent over-baking, which can dry out the delicate apple-studded texture.
• Serving Suggestion: Let the cake cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts and more defined apple and walnut distribution.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 319
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 98 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg