Cinnamon Apple Cake – Moist, Spiced, and Made from Scratch

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Cinnamon Apple Cake – Moist, Spiced, and Made from Scratch

There’s nothing quite as comforting as the warm, nostalgic aroma of cinnamon and apples baking together in the oven. Our homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake combines fresh, crisp apples, rich spices, and a moist crumb to create a showstopping dessert that’s as easy to prepare as it is to devour. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special brunch, or just because—it’s always the right time to enjoy this classic, heartwarming treat.

The Ultimate Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great cake begins with the right ingredients. For our moist and flavorful Cinnamon Apple Cake, you’ll need the following pantry staples and fresh ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for unbeatable moistness)
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar (adds deep molasses notes)
  • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (for crunch and nutty flavor)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (warm, spicy flavor throughout)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

These ingredients work together to create a perfectly balanced cake—moist, sweet, with a hint of spice and a touch of crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake from Scratch

1. Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the dark brown sugar, granulated white sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well combined and the sugar is dissolved.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.

4. Fold in Apples and Walnuts

Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts using a spatula. The apples will soften during baking, infusing the entire cake with moisture and fruity flavor, while the walnuts offer a delightful crunch in every bite.

5. Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

The Perfect Cinnamon Topping

What sets this cake apart is the delicious cinnamon sugar topping that adds a crackly texture and bursts of flavor with every bite. Here’s a quick topping you can add before baking for an extra layer of indulgence:

Topping Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mix the sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over the batter before baking. As it bakes, it forms a sweet crust that enhances both texture and taste.

Optional Sweet Vanilla Glaze

If you like an added touch of sweetness, this simple vanilla glaze drizzled over the cooled cake takes it to the next level:

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake using a spoon or piping bag. The silky glaze melts into the cake, complementing the spices and the crunch of the topping beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This Cinnamon Apple Cake is versatile and irresistible. Here are a few ideas to serve it:

  • Warm with vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert
  • Alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat
  • As a holiday brunch centerpiece sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with fresh fruit

Storage Tips to Keep It Fresh

To keep your cake moist and fresh:

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
  • Refrigerate for longer shelf life (up to 5 days)
  • Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months

When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.

Why This Cinnamon Apple Cake Stands Out

  • Made from scratch with wholesome ingredients
  • Bursting with fresh apples and warm cinnamon spice
  • Perfect balance of soft cake and crunchy topping
  • Easy one-bowl recipe—no mixer needed
  • Customizable with pecans, raisins, or a streusel topping

This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, and it’s guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to get a slice.

Tips for the Best Results Every Time

  • Use firm apples like Granny Smith for the best texture—they hold up well to baking and add a slight tartness
  • Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the crumb light and fluffy
  • Let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent the icing from melting off

Variations to Try

  • Add raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness and texture
  • Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty twist
  • Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a deeper spiced flavor
  • Make it in a bundt pan for a more elegant presentation

Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly

You can prepare this cake ahead of time and freeze it without the glaze. Simply thaw at room temperature and drizzle with glaze just before serving for a fresh-baked taste that’s always ready when you are.

Final Thoughts

Our Cinnamon Apple Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert—easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. With its tender crumb, rich cinnamon notes, and bits of fresh apple in every bite, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a timeless favorite.

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