There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about the aroma of baked apples and warm cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. This Apple Cinnamon Cake is the kind of cozy, comforting dessert that brings everyone to the table — a perfect blend of tender crumb, juicy apples, and a buttery cinnamon swirl that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking it for a fall gathering, a Sunday brunch, or just to fill your home with that sweet apple-spice scent, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

I still remember the first time I baked this cake on a chilly October afternoon. I had just picked a basket of apples from a local orchard — crisp Honeycrisps and tart Granny Smiths — and wanted to create something simple yet special. The result was this beautifully moist, golden cake that tasted like autumn in every bite. It didn’t last long on the counter — everyone who walked through the door cut themselves a “small” piece, which turned into seconds (and sometimes thirds).

What makes this cake truly magical is the combination of textures and flavors. The batter is soft and buttery, balanced by chunks of juicy apples that bake down into tender pockets of sweetness. The cinnamon sugar swirl running through the center gives it a gorgeous marbled look and a warm spice that complements the fruit perfectly. And if that weren’t enough, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top creates a delicate crust that crackles ever so slightly with each bite.

This Apple Cinnamon Cake is more than just dessert — it’s a hug in cake form. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make over and over again, especially as the leaves turn golden and the days grow shorter. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes like pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love It

• Perfectly Moist and Tender: Thanks to fresh apples and the right balance of butter and sugar, this cake stays incredibly soft for days.

• Simple Pantry Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need — no fancy equipment or rare ingredients required.

• Warm and Comforting Flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples combine into that classic fall flavor everyone loves.

• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake fits right in.

• Easy to Customize: You can tweak it with nuts, glaze, or even caramel sauce for a little extra indulgence.

Ingredient Notes & Details

• Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor. Granny Smiths hold their shape beautifully, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add a natural sweetness. Peel, core, and chop them into small cubes for even baking.

• Butter: Unsalted butter gives the cake its rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth batter.

• Sugar: A mix of white granulated sugar and light brown sugar adds depth. Brown sugar brings moisture and a caramel undertone that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

• Eggs: Room-temperature eggs ensure the batter emulsifies properly, resulting in a lighter, fluffier crumb.

• All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour works perfectly here. For an even softer crumb, sift it before adding.

• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure your cake rises properly and stays fluffy.

• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Freshly ground cinnamon is essential for that signature warm spice. Nutmeg adds just a hint of depth — don’t skip it!

• Milk or Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds tenderness and tang. If you don’t have it, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla enhances all the other flavors.

• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: A mix of sugar and cinnamon sprinkled over the top gives the cake a subtle crunch and gorgeous golden finish.

Pro Tip: Always toss your apple pieces with a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. It prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Layer
   In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Set aside — this will form the signature swirl and topping.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup of unsalted butter with ¾ cup white sugar and ¼ cup brown sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes. This step is key for creating an airy texture.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
   Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt.

6. Alternate Wet and Dry
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with ½ cup buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry mixture. Mix just until combined — overmixing can make the cake dense.

7. Add the Apples
   Fold in 2 cups of diced apples, lightly coated with a tablespoon of flour. The batter will be thick — that’s normal.

8. Layer and Swirl
   Spread half the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Add the remaining batter, then swirl gently with a knife. Top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar.

9. Bake
   Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil halfway through.

10. Cool and Serve
    Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature — it’s delightful both ways.

FAQ

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. This Apple Cinnamon Cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can bake it the night before and store it covered at room temperature.

2. Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with ½ cup of neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil). The texture will be slightly moister but less buttery in flavor.

3. What are the best apples for baking?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Braeburn are excellent choices. Avoid overly soft varieties like Red Delicious — they can turn mushy.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

5. Can I freeze Apple Cinnamon Cake?
Definitely. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

6. Can I turn this into cupcakes or loaf cake?
Yes. For cupcakes, bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes. For a loaf, bake for about 55–60 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Storage Tips

Store your Apple Cinnamon Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate it to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds — it brings back that fresh-baked texture and aroma. You can also enjoy it chilled with a drizzle of caramel or warm cream.

Variations

• Add Nuts: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

• Glazed Finish: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for an elegant touch.

• Apple Layer Cake: Double the recipe and layer with cream cheese frosting for a show-stopping dessert.

• Caramel Apple Twist: Pour caramel sauce over the top before serving for that indulgent caramel-apple flavor.

• Oat Crumble Topping: Mix oats, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon to sprinkle over the top before baking — like a cake-meets-crumble hybrid.

This Apple Cinnamon Cake is the perfect balance of simplicity and comfort — an old-fashioned favorite that never goes out of style. Each slice bursts with the sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and that homemade charm that turns ordinary days into something special. Whether you bake it for family brunch or just because you crave something cozy, this cake will make your kitchen smell (and feel) like home.