Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is just what you need. It’s one of those cakes that fills your kitchen with the most wonderful smells of cinnamon and fresh apples — seriously, it almost makes the whole baking process worth it. I love baking it when the weather turns cooler because it’s perfect for afternoon tea or a casual weekend dessert.

You’ll find this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe easy to pull off, even if you’re new to baking. The combination of Greek yogurt and vegetable oil keeps the crumb tender and moist, while the cinnamon topping adds just the right hint of spice and sweetness. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to when you want something both simple and special.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is how the ingredients come together to create a naturally moist and flavorful cake. From the tender flour base to the tangy yogurt and fresh apples, each element contributes to the final texture and taste — and I love how easy it is to find everything you need at any grocery store.

• Plain flour or all-purpose flour: Forms the structure; pick a good-quality flour for the best rise and crumb.
• Baking powder: Gives lift to the cake to keep it fluffy and soft.
• Baking soda: Reacts with yogurt to tenderize and add lightness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Caster sugar or granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly without graininess.
• Red apple: Adds natural sweetness and moisture; Red Delicious or Fuji work great.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and provide richness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering taste.
• Greek yogurt: Gives a subtle tang plus extra moisture for a soft bite.
• Cinnamon: The iconic spice that makes this cake cozy and aromatic.
• Butter: Adds richness to the cinnamon topping.
• Icing sugar: For a delicate glaze finish that balances the cinnamon topping’s crunch.
• Milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for smooth drizzle.

Tweak to Your Taste

I often like to experiment with small tweaks based on what mood I’m in or what ingredients I have. This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is so forgiving that you can tweak the spices, swap yogurt for sour cream, or add nuts without any trouble. It’s fun to make it your own and see how different twists bring out new flavors.

• Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves for an extra cozy fall feel, which pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
• Swap for dairy-free: Use coconut yogurt and a neutral oil if you want a dairy-free version — it still turns out moist.
• Go nutty: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and complement the apple and cinnamon perfectly.
• Make it fruity: Toss in some raisins or dried cranberries for a burst of chewiness and natural sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Space and Oven

First things first — heat your oven to 180°C (350°F) if you’re using a standard oven, or 160°C (320°F) if you have a fan-forced oven. Grease your 8-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper for easy release later. I like to prep everything before mixing because this recipe comes together fast.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Add Apples

In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Toss in your peeled and roughly chopped apples, then stir gently—this helps coat the apples with flour so they don’t all sink to the bottom while baking. It’s a little trick I picked up that really makes a difference.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients Separately

Grab another bowl for your wet ingredients: crack in the eggs, add vanilla, vegetable oil, and Greek yogurt. Whisk them together briefly—no need to go crazy, just enough to break up the yolks and bring everything together smoothly.

Step 4: Bring It All Together, But Don’t Overmix

Pour the wet mixture into the dry, and use a wooden spoon to gently fold everything until just combined. The key here is gentle mixing to keep the batter light — overmixing will make the cake tough, and you don’t want that! Spoon your batter into the lined pan and smooth the top lightly.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Topping

Mix together sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to make the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over your cake batter. It should be a bit clumpy and wet — that’s the magic combo that bakes into a lovely crunchy crust.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your cake for 30 to 35 minutes until a skewer poked into the center comes out clean. Once baked, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the glaze so it doesn’t melt or soak in too much.

Step 7: Drizzle the Sugar Glaze

Mix your sifted icing sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth, adding a bit more milk if the glaze is too thick. Drizzle it over the cooled cake with a spoon or a piping bag for a pretty finish. This glaze cuts through the cinnamon sugar topping with a light, sweet touch.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple — a dusting of cinnamon powder or a few thin apple slices artfully arranged on top adds a pretty touch. Sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent finish.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or a bold coffee. For a brunch spread, I like serving it alongside creamy yogurt parfaits or fresh berries, which complement the cinnamon and apple beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve brought this cake to gatherings, I’ve topped it with a sprinkle of toasted nuts to add texture and a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flair. Try serving individual slices on cinnamon-dusted plates or with edible flowers for a charming presentation that really shows off this humble cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, I store leftover cinnamon apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist, while the topping retains its delightful crunch without getting soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil before, and it works great! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm slightly before serving to bring back the fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

To refresh the cake, I like to pop slices into a microwave for 15-20 seconds or briefly warm them in the oven at low heat. This restores the softness without melting the cinnamon topping too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s straightforward, comforting, and always impresses without stress. It’s the kind of cake that feels homemade, like something your grandma might bake but updated for today’s pantry staples. I’d encourage you to give it a whirl — bake it on a lazy afternoon or for your next friend gathering, and watch how it brightens up the room with its cozy, cinnamon-sweet aroma. You might just find yourself baking it again sooner than you think!

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