When the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, nothing warms the heart (and kitchen) quite like the aroma of apples and cinnamon baking together. The Apple Cinnamon Cake is a timeless dessert that embodies the essence of comfort food — soft, moist cake filled with tender apples, spiced with cinnamon, and sometimes finished with a crunchy topping.
This cake isn’t just for autumn, though. Its simplicity and flavor make it a year-round favorite, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
Why Apple Cinnamon Cake Is So Special
The magic of this cake lies in its balance:
Moist and tender crumb from fresh apples.
Warm spice from cinnamon (and sometimes nutmeg or cloves).
Versatility — it can be enjoyed plain, glazed, or dusted with powdered sugar.
It’s the kind of recipe that feels homemade in every sense, reminding you of family kitchens, cozy evenings, and traditions passed down through generations.
Classic Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9x13-inch pan (or a bundt pan for a more elegant look).
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Mix in sour cream until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
4. Add the Apples
Gently fold in diced apples (and nuts, if using).
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes (for a sheet cake) or 45–50 minutes (for a bundt cake), until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool slightly before serving.
Optional Toppings
Cinnamon-Sugar Crust: Before baking, sprinkle a mixture of sugar and cinnamon on top for a sweet, crunchy finish.
Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
Powdered Sugar Dusting: Keep it classic with a light dusting before serving.
Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice.
Serving Ideas
Enjoy a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon break.
Serve as a holiday dessert — it’s a crowd-pleaser at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Final Thoughts
The Apple Cinnamon Cake is a true classic — simple, comforting, and bursting with flavor. It’s one of those recipes that never goes out of style because it captures the essence of homemade baking. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or the next day with your morning coffee, each bite is a reminder of how little it takes to create something truly delicious.
So, grab a couple of apples, a dash of cinnamon, and a mixing bowl — your kitchen is about to smell like pure happiness.
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