Delicious Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Published on January 17, 2026

By Amberly Vahn

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Brings the cozy essence of autumn into your home with warm spices and fresh apples.
• Perfect for family gatherings and holiday celebrations, creating new memories.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Delicious warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dessert option.
• Creates a delightful crunchy topping that perfectly contrasts the soft, moist cake.

Ingredients

Get ready to gather the essential ingredients for a delightful Cinnamon Apple Cake.

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3 cups peeled and diced apples (I love using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)

For the topping:

• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Cinnamon Apple Cake that will fill your home with the sweet aroma of spice and baked apples.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, allowing the warm and comforting aromas to fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Blend Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before moving to the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

Step 5: Alternate Mixing

Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Fold in the diced apples gently.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, chopped nuts, and cinnamon to create the crunchy topping.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle the topping evenly over it, and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature for the best flavor!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to a tough texture—mix just until combined.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Skipping the Topping: The topping adds not only flavor but also a lovely crunchy texture that balances the soft cake.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Apple Selection: Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor. My favorites are Honeycrisp and Granny Smith.
• Let It Rest: If possible, make this cake a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, creating an even more decadent dessert.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious touch.

Variations

• Substitute sour cream for buttermilk for a richer flavor.
• Add dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness and texture.
• Use different nuts such as pecans if you prefer.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for a festive touch.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Top with whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Pair with a cup of warm spiced cider for a cozy treat.
• Garnish with fresh apple slices for a decorative touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: The cake can be made a day in advance to enhance flavors.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Reheating: Serve at room temperature for the best taste. If refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: The cake can be frozen for up to three months; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

Baking this Cinnamon Apple Cake revived cherished memories of family gatherings during the holidays. It’s remarkable how a simple recipe can invoke nostalgia and foster new traditions. This cake promises to become a beloved component of any festive celebration within your home!

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 12 slices · Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 3g protein · 36g carbs · 10g fat

Amberly Vahn

Delicious Cinnamon Apple Cake

This Cinnamon Apple Cake is a delightful blend of flavors that perfectly captures the essence of autumn, making it a cozy treat for family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 minute min

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Group: Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3 cups peeled and diced apples A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is ideal.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Medium bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Wire rack

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before moving to the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Fold in the diced apples gently.
6. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, chopped nuts, and cinnamon to create the crunchy topping.
7. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle the topping evenly over it, and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature for the best flavor!

Notes

Baking this Cinnamon Apple Cake will invoke nostalgia and create new traditions. It promises to be a beloved component of any festive celebration!

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other varieties of apples. However, a combination of sweet and tart apples, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, works best to balance the flavors in the cake.

2. How can I prevent the cake from being too dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined after adding the dry ingredients to maintain a light and airy texture.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

4. Is it necessary to let the cake cool before serving?

While you can enjoy it warm, letting the cake cool for at least 10 minutes can help it set and makes for easier slicing. The flavors also intensify as it sits.

5. How should I store any leftover cake?

Store leftover Cinnamon Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best experience.