NTRODUCTION
There are certain aromas that feel like home—apples simmering with sugar, butter melting into warm spices, and the unmistakable richness of cinnamon filling the air. Apple and Cinnamon Cake is one of those classic bakes that instantly evokes comfort, nostalgia, and warmth. Whether it’s the first cool day of fall, a cozy weekend morning, or simply a moment when you crave something beautifully simple and delicious, this cake never fails to deliver.
Unlike apple pies or tarts that require crusts, chilling, rolling, and careful assembly, Apple and Cinnamon Cake is wonderfully straightforward. It is a tender, moist, cinnamon-spiced cake studded with chunks of juicy apple, crowned with a golden crust, and often finished with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze. It can be rustic, elegant, or even festive depending on how you serve it.
This cake has become beloved around the world not only because of its flavor but because of its adaptability. It’s perfect with breakfast coffee, delightful as a snack, and comforting as dessert. It can be baked in a round tin, loaf pan, square dish, or even a bundt mold. It suits potlucks, family gatherings, tea parties, and quiet evenings alike.
In this complete 2,000-word guide, you’ll find a detailed recipe, variations, science behind the moisture and spice, serving ideas, and everything else you need to bake the best Apple and Cinnamon Cake of your life.
INGREDIENTS
This recipe makes one 9-inch round cake or one 9×9-inch square cake.
Dry Ingredients
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but recommended)
¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional for deeper spice)
Wet Ingredients
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (for extra moistness)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100g) brown sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins
3 medium apples, peeled and chopped (preferably Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (prevents apples from browning)
Optional Toppings
Cinnamon sugar
Powdered sugar
Apple slices arranged on top before baking
Crumble topping
Simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk)
STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE
STEP 1 — Prepare Your Apples
Peel and chop your apples into small ½-inch cubes.
Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to keep them fresh and bright.
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