Cinnamon Apple Cake is the ultimate cozy, comforting dessert for fall — or any time you’re craving something warm, spiced, and sweet. This cake combines the tartness of fresh apples with the warm, aromatic flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. The result is a soft, moist cake that’s loaded with tender apple chunks and a hint of spice, topped with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar for a sweet finish. Whether served as a dessert, an afternoon snack, or a breakfast treat with a cup of coffee or tea, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why I Love This Recipe:
- Perfect Fall Flavors: Cinnamon, apples, and a touch of nutmeg come together to create a flavor profile that’s nothing short of autumn in a bite. It’s the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with warmth and makes you want to cozy up with a blanket and a hot drink.
- Moist and Tender: The apples not only add sweetness but also help keep the cake moist and tender. With every bite, you get little pockets of juicy apple that complement the rich, spiced cake perfectly.
- Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: This cake uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry — flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and of course, apples and cinnamon. It’s a great recipe for when you’re in the mood for homemade baking but don’t want to deal with complicated or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Versatile: While this cake is delicious as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture, or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an extra indulgent touch. It’s also wonderful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Great for Sharing: Whether you’re having a family gathering, a fall picnic, or just want to share something sweet with friends, this cake is an easy and crowd-pleasing option. It makes a large, generous cake that’s perfect for slicing and serving.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake actually improves in flavor after a day or two, as the spices continue to develop and meld. It’s perfect for making ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week. It also freezes well, so you can stash away slices for later.
Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Cake
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and chopped into small cubes — Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk or yogurt)
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
