The Coziest Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe for Fall Baking

Sweet cinnamon apple cake brings warmth and nostalgia to any kitchen gathering.

Fragrant spices dance through tender layers, promising comfort in every delectable bite.

Seasonal ingredients change simple baking into a memorable culinary experience.

Home bakers can craft this delightful dessert with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Rustic and inviting, the cake celebrates autumn’s most beloved fruit with a perfect balance of flavors.

Soft, moist textures merge with aromatic notes that instantly spark joy.

The recipe promises a delightful treat that feels like a warm embrace.

Why Cinnamon Apple Cake Is a Cozy Favorite

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: This cinnamon apple cake captures the cozy essence of autumn with its warm spices and fresh apple chunks, delivering a nostalgic taste that feels like a hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Texture Triumph: The cake offers a delightful contrast between soft, moist cake crumb and crunchy walnut pieces, creating a multi-dimensional eating experience that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Quick and Easy Delight: With simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels, making it perfect for novice cooks or busy families wanting a delicious homemade dessert without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, afternoon tea, or a comforting weeknight dessert, this cake adapts beautifully to different occasions and never fails to impress with its rustic charm and irresistible aroma.

Must-Have Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Butter: Soft and creamy base that provides rich moisture and tender texture for the cake.
• Sugar, Dark Brown Sugar: Sweet components that add depth of flavor and help create a caramel-like richness.
• Eggs: Binding agent that gives structure and helps create a smooth cake consistency.

• All-Purpose Flour: Standard baking flour that forms the cake's fundamental structure.
• Baking Soda: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds classic autumnal flavor and aromatic depth.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Apples, Walnuts: Fresh chopped apples provide natural sweetness and moisture, while walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Choose firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Subtle flavoring that complements the cinnamon and adds a smooth, aromatic note to the cake.

Simple Way to Bake Cinnamon Apple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil so your cake slides out like magic.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

• Softened butter
• White sugar
• Brown sugar

Beat until the mixture looks fluffy and light as a cloud.

Step 3: Introduce the Eggs

Drop in eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each. Splash in vanilla extract for that extra flavor boost.

Step 4: Create the Dry Blend

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

Stir until everything blends into a silky smooth batter.

Step 5: Fold in the Goodies

• Chopped apples
• Chopped walnuts

Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every bite is packed with deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula. Slide into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Slice and serve while warm. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Tricks for a Tastier Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Select Crisp Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a delightful texture contrast.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss chopped apples with a splash of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration before mixing into the batter.
• Achieve Perfect Moisture: Don't overmix the batter; stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
• Ensure Even Baking: Rotate the cake pan halfway through baking to guarantee uniform browning and consistent cooking throughout.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast walnuts briefly in a dry skillet before adding to the batter to intensify their nutty flavor and add a subtle crunch.

How to Store and Reheat Your Apple Cake Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap slices tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Freeze: Place individual cake slices in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Reheat: Warm cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small dollop of butter or drizzle of caramel sauce to refresh the flavors and restore the cake's softness.

Cinnamon Apple Cake Companions You Should Try

• Brew Warm Spiced Tea: Pair this cinnamon apple cake with a comforting chai or spiced black tea that echoes the cake's warm cinnamon notes, creating a harmonious flavor experience that feels like a cozy autumn afternoon.
• Scoop Creamy Vanilla Companion: Top the cake with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold, smooth texture to contrast beautifully with the warm, spiced cake and creating a delightful temperature and flavor balance.
• Pour Caramel Whiskey Delight: Drizzle a small amount of caramel whiskey sauce over the cake slice, enhancing the apple and walnut flavors while adding a subtle adult twist that elevates the dessert's complexity.
• Serve Mulled Wine Sidekick: Accompany the cake with a small glass of warm mulled wine, whose spices and fruity undertones complement the cake's autumnal profile and create a sophisticated dessert experience.

Fresh Ideas for Apple Cake Flavor Variations

• Autumn Harvest Cake: Replace walnuts with pecans and add a sprinkle of nutmeg for a deeper fall flavor profile.
• Caramel Apple Drizzle: After cooling, top the cake with a homemade salted caramel sauce and additional diced apples for extra moisture and sweetness.
• Rustic Streusel Crown: Create a crumbly topping using brown sugar, flour, and cold butter to add a crunchy texture before baking the cake.
• Maple Spice Edition: Swap some granulated sugar with maple syrup and increase the cinnamon quantity for a more intense, warming taste experience.

Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Warm cinnamon apple cake brings classic comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen, blending spicy-sweet notes with tender apple chunks. Homemade goodness fills your home with irresistible aromas, inviting friends and family to gather around for a delightful slice of pure happiness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) chopped and peeled apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 1 ¼ cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• ½ cup (100 grams) sugar
• ½ cup (110 grams) dark brown sugar
• ½ cup (113 grams) butter, softened

Spices and Nuts:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (60 grams) chopped walnuts

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Instructions

1. Prepare your kitchen workspace by positioning the oven rack in the center and warming the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly coat a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Using an electric mixer, whip the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture transforms into a pale, voluminous cream with a light texture.
3. Introduce eggs individually into the butter mixture, thoroughly blending each one before adding the next. Incorporate vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.
4. Gently sift the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt into the creamy base. Fold and mix until a smooth, uniform batter emerges without any dry ingredient pockets.
5. Delicately fold chopped apples and walnuts throughout the batter, ensuring an even distribution so each slice offers a harmonious blend of fruit and nutty crunch.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a level surface. Carefully slide the pan into the preheated oven.
7. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, monitoring the cake’s progress. The cake is perfectly done when a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and dry.
8. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, enabling it to set and cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to complement the cake’s warm spices.

Notes

• Keep this delightful cake at room temperature, tightly wrapped in plastic, for up to 3 days to maintain its moist texture and rich flavors.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator if you want to extend its freshness, but bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best taste experience.
• Freeze individual slices in airtight containers for a quick dessert emergency, thawing at room temperature for about an hour.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg