Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe – A Moist & Flavorful Fall Dessert
Apple Cinnamon Cake is one of those timeless desserts that combines the sweetness of apples with the warm spice of cinnamon, creating the perfect balance of flavors. This cake is soft, moist, and filled with apple chunks in every bite, making it ideal for breakfast, teatime, or as a comforting dessert. Below is a detailed, long recipe optimized for readers and search engines, with step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations.
 Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or whole milk + 1 tsp vinegar/lemon juice)
For the Apples:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to coat apples)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl (optional but recommended):
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes.
- Place them in a bowl, drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle cinnamon, and toss with 2 tbsp flour.
- This keeps them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add oil and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in buttermilk until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.
- Mix gently until just combined – do not overmix.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
- Gently fold the prepared apples into the batter.
- The batter should be thick and filled with apple chunks.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch (or 10-inch bundt pan).
- Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix, then add the remaining batter on top.
- Use a knife to gently swirl for a marbled effect.
Step 7: Add the Topping
- Mix granulated sugar with cinnamon.
- Sprinkle over the cake batter.
- Add chopped nuts if using.
Step 8: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 45–55 minutes (for a 9×13 pan) or 60 minutes (for bundt cake), until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 9: Optional Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Drizzle over cooled cake for extra sweetness.
 Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with coffee or spiced tea for a cozy breakfast.
- Add caramel drizzle for a bakery-style dessert.
 Tips & Variations
- Apple Choice: Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp) apples for depth of flavor.
- Healthier Version: Replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- Extra Moist: Add ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
- Spice Boost: Add cloves, cardamom, or allspice for a richer autumn flavor.
- Storage: Keeps 3 days at room temp, 1 week in the fridge, or freeze for up to 2 months.
 Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Cake is moist, fluffy, and bursting with apple flavor. The cinnamon-sugar swirl and topping make it bakery-worthy while still being easy to prepare at home. It’s a perfect fall dessert but delicious enough to enjoy year-round.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10–12