O apple cinnamon cake is a classic, simple, and cozy homemade recipe. It is perfect with afternoon coffee, tea, or a relaxed family dessert. As it bakes, the mix of apples, butter, and cinnamon fills the whole kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma. The result is a soft homemade cake with sweet apple flavor in every slice.
What is apple cinnamon cake?
Apple cinnamon cake is a traditional homemade cake made with diced apples, a buttery batter, and warm spice. In this version, the batter is layered with apples and cinnamon sugar, which makes the cake even more flavorful and moist. It is the kind of everyday cake that works beautifully for an afternoon snack, brunch, or a simple dessert.
Why you will love this recipe
- Soft and moist on the inside
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Makes the kitchen smell amazing while it bakes
- Easy enough for beginner bakers
- Great with coffee, tea, or an afternoon snack
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Ingredients and Substitutions
The ingredients in this cake work together to create a soft crumb, gentle sweetness, and a cozy cinnamon aroma. Beyond the simple cake batter, the layers of apple, sugar, and cinnamon give the recipe its special homemade flavor. You can also make a few easy swaps based on what you have at home without changing the spirit of the cake.
Here is what you will need to make this apple cinnamon cake.
- Apples: add moisture and a light tartness. Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples all work well.
- Butter: gives the cake flavor and tenderness. You can use baking margarine if needed.
- Sugar: sweetens the cake and helps create the right crumb structure.
- Eggs: add structure and help the cake rise.
- All-purpose flour: forms the base of the cake. Use regular all-purpose flour, not self-rising flour.
- Baking powder: helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
- Ground cinnamon: adds the warm aroma and classic flavor.
For the full details and exact amounts, see the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
How to prepare the apples
Choose firm apples, wash them well, and peel them. Then cut them into medium dice so they bake evenly in the cake. This helps the apples keep some texture instead of disappearing completely into the batter.
How to Make It
- Make the pan release: Mix the oil, butter, and flour until it forms a smooth paste.
- Grease the pan: Brush the pan release all over the pan so the cake does not stick.
- Beat the base: Beat the butter and sugar until pale, creamy, and fluffy.
- Add the eggs: Add the eggs and beat again until the batter is smooth.
- Mix in the dry ingredients and milk: Add the flour and milk gradually, mixing well. Finally, gently mix in the baking powder.
- Layer the cake: Alternate layers of batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar in the pan until everything is used.
- Bake it: Bake at 350°F until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Unmold the cake: Remove it from the oven, let it cool until warm, then carefully unmold it so it stays intact.
- Serve the cake: Transfer it to a plate, finish as desired, and serve in slices.
Tip: Let the cake cool until warm before unmolding so it keeps its shape.
Variations
You can make a few simple changes to this recipe without losing the basic cake structure. The key is to keep the balance between the batter, fruit, and cinnamon sugar topping.
- With walnuts: Add chopped walnuts for extra crunch.
- With brown sugar: Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor.
- With raisins: Add raisins for an extra sweet touch.
Tools and Equipment
Using the right tools helps the cake bake evenly and gives it a better texture.
- Stand mixer, hand mixer, or whisk
- Medium mixing bowls
- Medium cake pan
- Pastry brush
- Home oven
For this recipe, I use a mixer for a lighter batter and a medium metal cake pan for even baking. If using a whisk, beat with a little extra energy to work air into the batter. Glass or ceramic pans heat more slowly, so they may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
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Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. In the refrigerator, it keeps well for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it in slices for up to 2 months.
Tips
- Cut the apples into similar-size pieces so they bake evenly.
- Do not open the oven during the first 30 minutes.
- Use room-temperature butter for the best texture.
- Dust with extra cinnamon after unmolding, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, pears or bananas can work, but they will change the texture and flavor.
No. The balance of apples and cinnamon keeps the sweetness gentle.
Yes. A whisk works well as long as you beat the batter properly.
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Recipe
Easy Apple Cinnamon Cake
Equipment
- 1 stand mixer, hand mixer, or whisk
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 medium cake pan
- 1 pastry brush
- 1 oven
Ingredients
For the pan release
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the cake batter
- ½ cup butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ cup milk
For the apple cinnamon layers
- 2 apples peeled and diced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Make the pan release by mixing the oil, butter, and flour until smooth. This helps the cake come out of the pan easily.
- Brush the pan release over the bottom and sides of the cake pan so the cake does not stick.
- Stir the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl and set aside. This mixture will create sweet, aromatic layers.
- Beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy for a softer, more tender cake crumb.
- Add the eggs one at a time and beat again to keep the batter smooth and well combined.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and milk gradually, mixing just until the batter is smooth.
- Layer the batter, diced apples, and cinnamon sugar in the prepared pan so the flavor and texture are evenly distributed.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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