There's something genuinely comforting about a freshly baked Apple and Cinnamon Cake. The smell of apples mingling with warm spice fills the kitchen and wraps you up before you've even had a slice. Moist, tender, and loaded with chunks of juicy apple, it's a natural fit for fall gatherings, a weekend baking project, or a sweet bite with your morning coffee.
If rustic, homemade cakes that taste like they came from grandma's kitchen are your thing, this one's going to stick around.
Why You'll Love This Cake
- Warm and comforting — a nice balance of sweet apple and cinnamon spice
- Moist, fluffy texture — thanks to fresh apples baked right into the batter
- Easy for beginners — simple ingredients, straightforward steps
- Flexible — works as dessert, breakfast, or an afternoon snack
What Does It Taste Like?
Soft, buttery crumb with bursts of tender apple throughout. Cinnamon brings the warmth, nutmeg adds a subtle spice note, and together they taste like autumn in a slice. Sweet, but never overpowering — the kind of cake you'll reach for any time of day.
What You'll Need
- 2 large apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt (for moisture)
Equipment You'll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Spatula
- 9-inch round or square baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional, for lining)
Ways to Customize It
- Apples — Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady give a sweeter result
- Spices — a pinch of ground cloves or allspice adds more depth
- Nuts — walnuts or pecans stirred in add a nice crunch
- Topping — a cinnamon-sugar sprinkle before baking adds extra sweetness
How to Make Apple and Cinnamon Cake
- Prep the oven and pan — Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch baking pan.
- Mix the dry ingredients — In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream the butter and sugar — In another bowl, beat until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla — Mix in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla extract.
- Bring it together — Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream into the butter mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the apples — Gently stir the chopped apples into the batter.
- Bake — Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve — Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. Delicious warm or at room temperature.
What to Serve It With
- A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for something more indulgent
- Hot coffee or spiced tea for a cozy pairing
- Fresh whipped cream, if you're feeling extra
Tips for Success
- Don't overmix the batter — it's what keeps the cake tender
- Tart apples like Granny Smith give the best balance of flavor
- Lining the pan with parchment makes the cake much easier to lift out
- It actually tastes even better the next day, once the flavors settle in
Storing Leftovers
- Room temperature — covered, up to 2 days
- Fridge — wrapped tightly, up to 5–6 days
- Freezer — wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months
Good to Know
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8
Frequently Asked Questions
What apples work best here? Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp — they hold their shape and balance the sweetness nicely.
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes — swap the butter for margarine or coconut oil and use a dairy-free yogurt.
Can I make this gluten-free? A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works as an easy swap.
Can I double the recipe? Yes — bake it in a 9×13 pan and add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Final Thoughts
This Apple and Cinnamon Cake is comfort baking, plain and simple — warm, sweet, and full of fall flavor. Between the tender crumb and the smell alone, it's a great one for family gatherings, afternoon coffee, or anytime you're craving something homemade and cozy.
If you loved this recipe, try:
- Lemon Loaf Cake
- Old Fashioned Rice Pudding
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole
I'd love to see your version — share your Apple and Cinnamon Cake on Pinterest and leave a review below!
Nutrition Info (Approx. per slice, 1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
Apple and Cinnamon Cake 🍏✨
Ingredients
- 2 large apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt (for moisture)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line a 9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream into the butter mixture until just combined.
- Gently stir the chopped apples into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing; delicious warm or at room temperature.
