This Cinnamon Apple Cake is the kind of bake that makes your kitchen smell like pure comfort:
and special enough for holidays, brunch, or a “bring something sweet” moment when you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The texture lands right between coffee cake and classic apple cake: tender and plush with juicy apple pieces,
plus a cinnamon-sugar swirl (and optional crumble) that gives each slice that bakery-style “wow.”
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of glaze, and it becomes dessert. Serve it with coffee,
and it becomes the best kind of breakfast.
Introduction:
Apple cake is a classic for a reason. Apples add moisture and natural sweetness, and when they bake,
they soften into little pockets of jammy flavor. Cinnamon makes everything taste warmer and richer,
while vanilla and butter round out the sweetness.
The key to a great cinnamon apple cake is choosing the right apples and managing moisture.
Very juicy apples can make the cake heavy if they’re cut too large, while apples that are too soft
can disappear into the crumb. That’s why baking-friendly apples—firm, tart-sweet varieties—are the best choice.
This recipe is designed for reliable results: a moist crumb, a beautiful cinnamon swirl, and apple pieces that stay present,
not mushy. You’ll also get easy options for a glaze, a crumb topping, or a nutty twist.
Ingredients:
Makes 1 (9-inch / 23 cm) cake (serves 10–12).
Apples
- Apples: 3 medium (about 3 cups peeled and diced)
- Brown sugar: 2 tbsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tsp (prevents browning, adds brightness)
Cake Batter
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (240 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp (optional)
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113 g), softened
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup (packed)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: 3/4 cup (keeps it moist)
- Milk: 1/4 cup (as needed for batter consistency)
Cinnamon Swirl
- Brown sugar: 1/3 cup
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 tsp
- Melted butter: 2 tbsp
Optional Crumble Topping
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup
- Brown sugar: 1/3 cup
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp (57 g), cold and cubed
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: 1/3 cup (optional)
Optional Simple Glaze
- Powdered sugar: 3/4 cup
- Milk: 1–2 tbsp
- Vanilla: 1/2 tsp
Best apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or a mix of tart + sweet for deeper flavor.
