Looking for a cake that instantly wraps you in a hug of warmth and sweetness? This Cinnamon Apple Cake is absolutely irresistible-moist, buttery, and bursting with tender apples and a swirl of fragrant cinnamon.

Every bite offers the perfect balance of juicy apple chunks, soft crumb, and a hint of vanilla. It's the homemade cake your family will beg you to bake all year long!

Best of all, it's incredibly easy and comes together in just one bowl. Whether you need a quick weeknight dessert, a cozy treat for coffee time, or the star of your holiday table, this is a must-try classic. Inspired by cherished family baking days, this cake brings nostalgia and comfort in every cozy slice.

A moist homemade cinnamon apple cake with apples on top and a golden brown crumb

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One-bowl and simple-minimal dishes, maximum flavor
Super moist crumb that stays fresh for days
Warm cinnamon and juicy apples in every bite
Perfect for snacking, gifting, or holiday dessert tables

Key Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Cake

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Fresh Apples

The real star of the cake! Apples bring natural sweetness and juiciness, making the crumb extra moist. Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for the perfect texture and slight tartness. Peel and dice them into small, even pieces so they cook through evenly. Want a sweeter cake? Use Pink Lady or Gala apples instead.

Ground Cinnamon

Ground cinnamon infuses the cake with classic warmth and spice. It pairs perfectly with apples to give that nostalgic, cozy flavor. Make sure your cinnamon is fresh for the most vibrant aroma. Prefer a bolder spice? Try adding a little ground nutmeg or allspice too.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar helps lock in moisture and adds caramel-like undertones to the cake, enhancing both the tenderness and gilded top. Light or dark brown sugar both work-dark will provide a deeper flavor. In a pinch, you can swap in white sugar, but the cake will lose that lovely molasses note.

Greek Yogurt (or Sour Cream)

A scoop of yogurt keeps the cake tender and delicate while also balancing sweetness with tang. Use full-fat Greek yogurt or swap in sour cream for equally great results-both will ensure your cake never turns dry or crumbly.

Unsalted Butter

Butter is essential for rich taste and soft texture. Be sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this helps everything mix together smoothly. Need a dairy-free version? Substitute with an equal amount of melted coconut oil or vegan butter.

Instructions for Cinnamon Apple Cake

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures your cake rises evenly and the spices are distributed in every bite.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy-this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. It helps the cake stay extra soft.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs, one at a time, and add your vanilla extract. Beat until just combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Add Yogurt and Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low, blend in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), then gradually add the dry flour mixture. Mix until just combined-don't over-mix or your cake may be tough.

Fold in Apples

Using a spatula, gently fold in the diced apples until they're evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Prepare and Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Pour half the cake batter into the pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then add the remaining batter and top with the remaining cinnamon-sugar. Swirl gently for a marbled effect, if desired.

Bake

Bake for 38-42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden and the edges slightly pulled from the pan.

Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Look for a 1-to-1 substitute containing xanthan gum for best texture. The cake will be just as moist and delicious!

Add Nuts for Crunch

Love a bit of crunch? Fold ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter along with the apples. They add earthy flavor and a great texture contrast.

Vegan-Friendly

Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tablespoons water), and use a plant-based yogurt. The cake stays soft and full of apple flavor, just vegan!

Go Low Sugar

Reduce the brown sugar in the batter to ¾ cup and skip the topping if you want a lightly sweetened cake. You can also use coconut sugar for a deeper, less refined flavor.

Add a Caramel Drizzle

For a decadent twist, drizzle your cooled apple cake with store-bought or homemade caramel sauce. It transforms this treat into a show-stopping dessert for special occasions.

Serving Suggestions

Pair a slice of warm Cinnamon Apple Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience. It's also heavenly with a mug of hot apple cider or coffee. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or dust with powdered sugar for an inviting, bakery-style finish.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Cinnamon Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This cake also freezes well: wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Apple Cake (FAQ)

Q: What are the best apples for Cinnamon Apple Cake?

A: Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best-they hold their shape and provide great flavor.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This cake stays moist for days and actually tastes even better the next day. Store it covered at room temp or in the fridge.

Q: Do I have to peel the apples?

A: Peeling is recommended so the apples become perfectly tender, but you can leave the skins on for added texture if you prefer.

Thank you so much for stopping by! If you're a fan of cozy, comforting bakes, you'll fall in love with this Cinnamon Apple Cake. Give it a try and let me know what you think by leaving a comment or rating below-I can't wait to hear how yours turns out!