Ohhh friends, do I have a treat for you today. This cinnamon apple cake is like a warm hug from the inside out. The kind of recipe that makes the whole house smell like fall—even if it’s the middle of April and you’re just craving something cozy. I whipped this up last weekend after a spur-of-the-moment trip to the farmers market, where I spotted a big basket of Honeycrisp apples that looked way too perfect to pass up. The kind that practically beg to be baked into something sweet.
This cake brings back so many wonderful memories for me. My grandma used to keep a little tin of spice cake slices wrapped in wax paper, tucked away in her breadbox for “just in case company drops by.” I remember the warm cinnamon scent hitting me the second I stepped into her kitchen, and the way the cake was always perfectly moist with those tender chunks of apple tucked in every bite.
So this one’s for Grandma—and for you. I couldn’t wait to share it.
🍎 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cinnamon Apple Cake:
- Moist, tender crumb with bursts of juicy apple in every bite
- Just the right amount of spice—warm cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg, and brown sugar caramel-y goodness
- Comes together in one bowl (no mixer needed!)
- Perfect for any time of year, but especially good with a cup of coffee or a dollop of whipped cream
- Make-ahead friendly—it tastes even better the next day
Frequently Asked Questions❓
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a good 1:1 gluten-free baking flour (I’ve had luck with Bob’s Red Mill) and let the batter rest 10 minutes before baking.
What’s the best kind of apple to use?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith are my go-to’s. You want a firm apple that won’t turn mushy in the oven.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yep! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter or warm up in the microwave.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this apple dream to life. I’ve included a few tips and swaps along the way!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let’s bake something beautiful, shall we?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch square pan (or a 9-inch round works too) and line with parchment for easy lifting.
- Whisk your dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the wet stuff: In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Add the dry to the wet and stir gently just until almost combined—you’ll still see a few streaks of flour.
- Fold in the apples (and nuts, if using). The batter will be thick, and that’s exactly how we want it. Spoon it into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay!). The top should be golden and just a little crackly—heaven.
- Cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Or don’t. I get it.
💡 Pro Tips for Cinnamon Apple Cake Success:
- Don’t overmix! Stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can make it dense.
- Use a mix of apple varieties for the best flavor—try half sweet (like Gala) and half tart (like Granny Smith).
- Want an extra special touch? Sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweet little crust.
- Make it into muffins! This batter works beautifully in a muffin tin—bake for 18–22 minutes.
🧊 Storage & Serving Suggestions:
- This cake keeps beautifully. Store leftovers tightly covered at room temp for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for 4–5.
- Reheat a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to get that fresh-baked feel.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a little maple glaze.
- It’s also so good the next morning with coffee or tucked into lunchboxes!
💛 From My Kitchen to Yours…
I really hope you give this cinnamon apple cake a try—it’s simple, comforting, and just the kind of recipe that makes any day feel a little more special. Whether you’re making it for a fall get-together, a Sunday brunch, or just because your kitchen needed to smell like cinnamon and love, this one’s for you.
Let me know if you make it—tag me or drop a comment! I love seeing your creations and hearing how you make these recipes your own.
Happy baking, sweet friend! 🍏💛
