If you’re craving a dessert that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, the Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is exactly what you need. This treat combines the warm spices of cinnamon with the sweet juiciness of apples, creating a moist and tender cake that’s perfect for any time of the year. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or a quick weekend dessert, this recipe offers the perfect balance of simplicity and deliciousness. With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, the Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake invites both beginners and seasoned bakers to enjoy a slice of homemade goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: It comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for last-minute baking.
Deliciously Moist: The apples keep the cake tender and juicy without needing extra fat.
Warm Cinnamon Flavor: The cinnamon sugar blend gives every bite a cozy, inviting taste.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack on the go.
Easy Ingredient List: Uses common pantry items that you likely already have.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for the Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake are refreshingly straightforward, yet each one is essential to achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Fresh apples add natural sweetness and moisture, while cinnamon and sugar create that signature spice blend we all adore.

Fresh Apples: Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of sweet and tart.
All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds everything together with the right structure.
Cinnamon: A key spice that brings warm, fragrant notes to the cake.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a golden crust.
Butter: Adds richness and keeps the crumb soft and tender.
Baking Powder: Gives the cake its light rise and fluffy texture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients well and add moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with a subtle sweet aroma.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights other flavors.

Variations for Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

One of the best things about the Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is how easily it can be tailored to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some variations to make this recipe uniquely yours:

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for an added texture boost.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
Spiced Up: Include a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for deeper aromatic layers.
Healthier Swap: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup in place of granulated sugar.
Apple Mix: Combine different apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.

Why Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Is a Must-Try

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan. This sets the stage for a perfectly baked cake.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking these together ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, use a mixer to beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender and airy cake texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Slowly mix in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. This adds moisture and enhances the flavor beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 6: Fold in Apples

Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them down too much.

Step 7: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Mix cinnamon and sugar together, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the batter for a sweet, crunchy finish.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake for about 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Let cool before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples ensure moisture and the best taste compared to canned or frozen.
Don’t Overmix: Stir batter just until ingredients come together to prevent a dense cake.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temp for smoother blending.
Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; a clean pull means it’s perfectly baked.
Even Apple Pieces: Cut apples into uniform sizes for consistent baking and texture.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream elevates this cake beautifully without overpowering its natural flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with vanilla ice cream or a warm caramel sauce for a decadent treat that’s sure to impress.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices on rustic wooden boards with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks to create a charming, inviting dessert display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm cake slices gently in the microwave or oven to bring back that fresh-baked softness and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples in this recipe?

Fresh apples are best for maintaining texture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that can affect the cake’s consistency.

Is this cake suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, you can easily make this cake gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

How long does the cake stay fresh?

Stored properly, the cake remains delicious for 3 days at room temperature or up to a week if refrigerated.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or raisins can enhance texture and flavor, making the cake even more enjoyable.

Is this recipe good for beginners?

Definitely! The Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is beginner-friendly with straightforward steps and simple ingredients, perfect for novice bakers.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the warmth and simplicity packed into the Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on hand and revisit often — whether to celebrate a cozy moment or simply sweeten your day. Give it a try, and you’ll discover just how effortless it is to bake a cake that feels both homemade and unforgettable.

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Print Recipe

The Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is a moist and tender cake combining the warm spices of cinnamon with the sweet juiciness of fresh apples. Perfect for any occasion, this simple recipe comes together quickly with common pantry ingredients and delivers a comforting, flavorful treat that both beginners and seasoned bakers will enjoy.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour)

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Ingredients

2 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons butter, softened

Dry Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar

Topping

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan. This sets the stage for a perfectly baked cake.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking these together ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use a mixer to beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender and airy cake texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Slowly mix in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. This adds moisture and enhances the flavor beautifully.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them down too much.
Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Mix cinnamon and sugar together, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the batter for a sweet, crunchy finish.
Bake Until Golden: Bake for about 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Let cool before slicing.

Notes

Use fresh apples for the best moisture and texture; avoid canned or frozen when possible.
Stir batter just until ingredients come together to prevent a dense cake.
Bring eggs and butter to room temperature for smoother blending.
Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done.
Cut apples into uniform sizes for consistent baking and texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of cake)
Calories: 240 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: apple cake, cinnamon sugar cake, easy apple dessert, moist apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, gluten-free apple cake, quick apple cake, homemade apple cake