Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is a moist and tender dessert featuring crisp apple chunks swirled with warm cinnamon sugar. This comforting cake is simple to make with straightforward ingredients and perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed on its own, with coffee, or topped with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Fruits
- 3 medium crisp tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon sugar (1 tablespoon ground cinnamon mixed with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar), plus 1 tablespoon extra for coating apples and topping
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (or plant-based butter for vegan version)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs/applesauce for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (use almond or oat milk for dairy-free option), room temperature
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and chop your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss them lightly with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon sugar to coat, so the apples infuse the cake with warm spice and sweetness as it bakes.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and the remaining cinnamon sugar. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices for consistent flavor throughout the cake.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process creates air pockets that help the cake rise and maintain a tender crumb.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract. These ingredients build the cake’s structure and add richness and aroma.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can toughen the cake.
- Fold in the apples: Carefully fold in the cinnamon sugar coated apples, distributing them evenly without breaking them down too much to maintain juicy pockets of apple in the cake.
- Bake and cinnamon sugar topping: Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for a sweet, crunchy crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh apples: Fresh, crisp apples improve both texture and flavor—avoid overly ripe or soft fruit.
- Don’t overmix: Mixing the batter just until combined keeps the cake tender instead of dense.
- Test doneness early: Start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended time to prevent overbaking.
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and milk helps the ingredients blend smoothly.
- Extra cinnamon sugar on top: Don’t skip the topping; it creates a delightful crunchy contrast that makes this cake stand out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: apple cake, cinnamon sugar cake, moist apple cake, easy apple dessert, homemade apple cake, cinnamon dessert, fall dessert