There’s something magical about the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. It’s a scent that feels like a warm hug from childhood, a hint of holiday mornings, and a whisper of cozy Sundays curled up with a cup of tea. This Easy Apple Cinnamon Cake isn’t just another dessert—it’s a mood, a memory, and a method to rescue those extra apples sitting on your countertop.
Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or someone who’s never cracked an egg without Googling it first, this cake is your gateway to sweet success. It’s made with simple pantry staples, requires no special equipment, and delivers big on flavor. Every slice is soft, moist, lightly spiced, and bursting with juicy apple bites—perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or a midnight snack.
So if you’re looking for a go-to cake that works year-round—but especially sings in fall—this is the one you’ll bake again and again.
🍰 1. What Makes This Cake So Special?
This apple cinnamon cake isn’t just good—it’s dependably delicious, consistently moist, and easy enough for a weekday bake. Here’s what sets it apart:
- One-Bowl Recipe: Less cleanup, faster prep.
- No Mixer Needed: A spoon and a whisk will do.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can swap, tweak, and play.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day.
- Versatile: Serve it warm, cold, plain, or glazed.
In short, it’s the kind of bake that asks very little from you, but gives a lot in return.
🥄 2. Ingredients: Simple, Real, and Cozy
Each ingredient in this cake plays a role in building flavor, texture, and warmth. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of the cake. You can also use a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder + ½ teaspoon baking soda – Together, these create a tender lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances and sharpens the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon + ½ teaspoon nutmeg – These cozy spices give the cake its signature flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness without requiring a mixer.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – Deep molasses flavor and moisture.
- 2 large eggs – For structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup buttermilk – Tenderizes the crumb and keeps the cake moist.
Add-Ins
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced – The star of the show. Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.
🍏 3. Choosing the Right Apples for Baking
Not all apples are created equal in the oven. For this cake, you want apples that:
- Hold their shape after baking
- Offer a balance of tartness and sweetness
- Add moisture without making the cake soggy
Best choices:
- Granny Smith – Tart and firm; perfect for contrast.
- Honeycrisp – Juicy and sweet with a crisp bite.
- Braeburn – Balanced flavor and great texture.
- Pink Lady – Slightly tart and bakes beautifully.
Avoid super-soft apples like Red Delicious—they tend to disappear in the bake and add water instead of flavor.
👩🍳 4. How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cake (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, whisking well after each addition.
Step 4: Combine
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet. Stir gently.
- Add buttermilk, then remaining dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Apples
- Gently fold in the diced apples with a spatula. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour batter into the greased pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Cool for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
📝 5. Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold eggs and buttermilk can shock the batter. Let them sit out for 15–20 minutes.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing leads to a dense cake.
- Finely Chop the Apples: Too large, and they sink; too small, and they disappear.
- Sift the Flour (Optional): For an extra-light crumb.
🌰 6. Variations You’ll Love
Spice it Up
- Add cardamom or allspice for extra complexity.
Add Texture
- Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Make it Dessert-Worthy
- Add a brown sugar streusel topping or drizzle with a vanilla glaze.
Gluten-Free?
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Add an extra egg for stability.
⚠️ 7. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Overbaking | Set a timer for 25 mins and check early. |
| Apples sinking to the bottom | Toss diced apples in 1 tsp flour before folding into batter. |
| Dense texture | Don’t overmix and use fresh baking powder. |
| Dry cake | Ensure accurate measurement and don’t skip buttermilk. |
❓ 8. Apple Cinnamon Cake FAQs
Q: Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
Yes, but reduce the buttermilk slightly to avoid an overly wet batter.
Q: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk with lemon juice (to mimic buttermilk) and substitute butter with neutral oil or vegan butter.
Q: How long does the cake last?
3 days on the counter, 5 days in the fridge, or 2 months in the freezer.
🍽️ 9. How to Serve It Like a Pro
- For Breakfast: Pair with hot coffee or chai and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- For Dessert: Warm it slightly and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- For Guests: Cut into bite-sized cubes and serve on a platter with toothpicks.
❄️ 10. How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Room Temp:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Fridge:
- Wrap tightly to prevent drying out. Microwave individual slices for 10 seconds before serving.
Freezer:
- Slice, wrap individually, and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen or thaw overnight.
👩🍳 11. Why This Recipe Is Great for Beginners
- No mixer? No problem.
- No frosting? Not needed.
- All the ingredients are pantry staples.
- It’s hard to mess up and easy to personalize.
🧁 12. Final Thoughts
When it comes to baking, simplicity is often best. This Easy Apple Cinnamon Cake delivers comfort without complication. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to because it just works—every time.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family brunch, or just because it’s Tuesday, this cake is a keeper. It’s not flashy, but it’s full of flavor, and it never disappoints.
Bake it once, and you’ll understand.
🧾 13. Full Printable Recipe Card
Easy Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 12 squares
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 pan.
- Whisk together dry ingredients in one bowl.
- In another bowl, mix butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry mix and buttermilk. Stir gently.
- Fold in diced apples.
- Pour into pan and bake 28–32 minutes.
- Cool before slicing.
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk or cream
🔢 14. Nutrition Facts (Per Square)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Sat Fat | 6g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
