This Apple Cinnamon Cake is soft, moist, and filled with tender apples and warm cinnamon flavor. It’s the perfect dessert, coffee cake, or afternoon treat, with a delicious cinnamon-sugar topping that creates a lightly crisp, golden crust.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Glaze

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk

Equipment Needed

• 8-inch or 9-inch cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and lightly flour a cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl beat:

• Butter
• Sugar

until light and fluffy.

Add:

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk.

Mix until just combined.

Do not overmix.

Fold in the diced apples.

Step 5: Fill the Pan

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan.

Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Topping

Mix together:

• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Sprinkle evenly over the batter.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Optional Glaze

Whisk together:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk

Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

Air Fryer Method

Prepare

Use a 7-inch cake pan that fits your air fryer.

Air Fry

Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C).

Cook for 25–30 minutes.

Check after 20 minutes and loosely cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Test

Insert a toothpick into the center.

If it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Cake

Use Firm Apples

Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji apples work best.

Don’t Overmix

Overmixing can make the cake dense.

Dice Apples Evenly

Uniform pieces ensure even baking.

Let It Cool

Cooling helps the cake set properly and makes slicing easier.

Flavor Variations

Apple Walnut Cake

Add:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Apple Pecan Cake

Add:

• ½ cup chopped pecans

Caramel Apple Cake

Drizzle with:

• Warm caramel sauce

before serving.

Apple Raisin Cake

Add:

• ½ cup raisins

to the batter.

Cream Cheese Apple Cake

Swirl softened cream cheese into the batter before baking.

What to Serve With

Toppings

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce

Beverages

• Coffee
• Tea
• Hot apple cider

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store covered for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Per Slice (Approximate)

Frequently Asked Questions

What apples are best for baking?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji apples hold their shape well and provide excellent flavor.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes! The cake stays moist and delicious for several days.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes. Replace the butter with ½ cup vegetable oil.

Can I make muffins instead?

Absolutely. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes. Reduce the sugar to ½ cup if you prefer a less sweet cake.

Recipe Notes

✅ Soft and moist texture.

✅ Loaded with fresh apples.

✅ Perfect for fall and holidays.

✅ Easy oven and air fryer options.

✅ Family-friendly dessert.

Make-Ahead Tip

Bake the cake a day ahead; the apple flavor becomes even better the next day.

Serving Suggestion

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an unforgettable dessert. 🍎🍰✨

Chef’s Secret

Toss the diced apples with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This keeps the apples evenly distributed and boosts the warm cinnamon flavor throughout the cake. 😋🍎✨

FAQs

Can I leave the apple peels on?

Yes! The peels soften during baking and add extra texture and nutrients.

Why is my cake dense?

Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make the cake heavy.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Use dairy-free butter and your favorite plant-based milk.

What size pan should I use?

An 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan works best.