Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake is everything you love about fall in one warm, comforting bite. With a fluffy, tender crumb and bits of juicy apple throughout, this cake is layered with cozy cinnamon spice and topped with a sweet, crackly cinnamon sugar crust. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, enjoying a quiet weekend, or just looking for a simple dessert, this cake is sure to bring comfort and smiles to the table.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
Making this cake is so easy, and it fills your home with a delightful aroma. Plus, it’s a great way to use up apples that you might have lying around. This cake is not only tasty, but it’s also a comforting dessert that everyone will love. I often whip this up on the weekends when I’m spending time with family, and it never fails to impress!
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a great dessert for any occasion.
How to Store Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake
You can store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Use tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined for a fluffy cake.
Variation
You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Dried raisins or cranberries also make a nice addition for added sweetness.


Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples Honeycrisp or Granny Smith
- 1/4 cup brown sugar for topping
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Use tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined for a fluffy cake.
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🍓 Strawberry Lemon Swirl Cake – A fruity, marbled cake ideal for spring or summer dessert tables.


FAQs
1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, any sweet or tart apples work well in this recipe.
2. Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake stays moist for several days and is great for making ahead of time.
3. Is it okay to freeze this cake?
Yes! You can freeze the cake before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.