Heavenly Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe for Fall Baking

Sweet memories often revolve around my grandmother’s cherished cinnamon sugar apple cake that filled our kitchen with warmth.

Childhood aromas would drift through wooden hallways, promising delectable comfort.

Fragrant apples mingled with delicate spices, creating a nostalgic symphony of flavors.

Baking this cake feels like wrapping yourself in a soft, familiar blanket of love.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, promising a delightful treat that connects generations.

Rich textures and subtle sweetness await you in every tender slice.

Each bite promises a moment of pure, simple joy that lingers beyond the last crumb.

Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake That Feels Like Fall

• Effortless Baking for Busy Cooks
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this cake a breeze to whip up in under an hour, perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
• Warm cinnamon and tender apples create a cozy, nostalgic dessert that feels like a hug from grandma's kitchen, ideal for chilly evenings or weekend treats.
• Kid-approved and adult-pleasing, this cake appeals to all ages with its sweet, homey flavors and soft, moist texture that everyone will love.
• Enjoy as a breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert after dinner, making it a flexible recipe for multiple occasions and meal times.

What You’ll Need for the Apple Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential base for cake structure, provides soft and tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and creates light texture, key for perfect leavening.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple flavor, adds depth to cake.

• Melted Butter: Provides richness and moisture, creates tender cake texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps retain moisture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure to cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, classic flavor and enhances other ingredients.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creates incredibly soft, moist cake.

• Apples: Fresh, crisp fruit that adds natural sweetness and texture to cake.
• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Provides extra sweetness and beautiful caramelized top layer.

Instructions for a Soft and Spiced Apple Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-inch square pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Whisk these ingredients until they’re well blended.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar

• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream

Continue whisking until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 5: Fold in Apples

Gently fold chopped apples into the cake batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 7: Create Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake batter.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Pro Tips for Cinnamon Cake Perfection

• Choose Fresh Apples: Select crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss chopped apples with a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration during mixing.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold ingredients until just combined to ensure a light, tender cake with a soft crumb.
• Check Cake Doneness: Test the cake's readiness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.
• Store Properly: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Storage Guide for Apple Cake Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving within a short time frame. Place it on a cake stand or plate with a loose cover.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a crispier texture, use the oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes, which helps restore the cake's original softness and brings out the cinnamon aroma.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Apple Cake Pairings That Work Every Time

• Scoop a dollop of cold, smooth vanilla ice cream next to a warm slice of cinnamon apple cake, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that melts in your mouth.
• Enhance the cake's sweetness by drizzling rich, golden caramel sauce over the top, which intensifies the apple and cinnamon notes while adding a luxurious touch.
• Brew a warm, fragrant chai latte with its blend of cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon that perfectly mirrors the cake's warm spices and complements its cozy autumn-like flavor profile.
• Top the cake slice with a light, airy butterscotch-infused whipped cream that adds a silky texture and echoes the brown sugar undertones in the cake's recipe.

Fun Twists on Apple Cake Recipes

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the cake remains moist and tender for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Apple Spice Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with flax egg, and sour cream with dairy-free yogurt to create a plant-based version that's equally rich and flavorful.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of brown sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's natural sweetness from fresh apples.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping mixture for extra texture and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon and apple perfectly.

FAQ for Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

• Why use sour cream in this apple cake recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and creates a tender, soft crumb while providing subtle tanginess that enhances the cake’s overall flavor and texture.

• Can I use different types of apples for this cake?

Yes, varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best baking results.

• How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Toss the chopped apples in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking and distributes them more evenly throughout the cake.

• Is it important to not overmix the batter?

Absolutely. Overmixing can develop gluten and make the cake tough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a soft, tender cake with a delicate crumb.

Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet aromas of cinnamon sugar apple cake waft through kitchens, promising comfort and warmth. Succulent apple pieces nestled in tender crumb create a homemade dessert that welcomes you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 0.5 cup (1 stick or 115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 0.75 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients and Toppings:

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup (120ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (177C) and creating a non-stick surface in a 9-inch square baking pan using grease or parchment paper.
2. Create a dry mixture by whisking flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
3. Develop a smooth wet base by combining melted butter and brown sugar, ensuring complete integration of ingredients.
4. Enhance the wet mixture by incorporating egg, vanilla, and sour cream, whisking until the texture becomes uniform and glossy.
5. Gently merge the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a light cake texture.
6. Carefully fold chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even surface and prevent air pockets.
8. Prepare the cinnamon sugar topping by mixing ingredients in a small bowl, then generously sprinkle across the entire cake surface.
9. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.

Notes

• Prevent apple browning by tossing chopped pieces in a little lemon juice to maintain fresh color and prevent oxidation.
• Use different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for varied texture and balanced sweetness in the cake.
• Enhance moisture by not overmixing the batter, which can develop gluten and create a tough, dense cake texture.
• Customize dietary needs by substituting gluten-free flour blend, using plant-based butter, and replacing egg with a flax egg for vegan adaptation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 322
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 726 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg