Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

I absolutely love this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe because it’s one of those desserts that feels cozy and comforting without being complicated or fussy. When I first tried this cake, I was blown away by how the cider reduction adds this subtle depth of apple flavor that pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon sugar topping. It’s ideal for lazy weekend mornings, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want a sweet treat that’s more wholesome than your average cake.

You’ll find that this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe strikes the perfect balance – moist and tender, but with a delightful crumb and a crisp cinnamon sugar crust on top. Plus, using thinly sliced apples layered right into the batter is a simple trick that makes a huge difference in texture. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, it’s become my go-to fall dessert staple.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe plays a role in creating that balance of moistness, sweetness, and spice. I like to use Honeycrisp apples because of their crisp texture and natural sweetness, but any good baking apple will work.

• Apple cider: Reducing it concentrates sweetness and adds natural apple flavor without extra sugar.
• Coconut oil: Adds moisture and keeps the cake tender; melted for easy mixing.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the batter.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds structure.
• Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that complement apple’s flavor perfectly.
• Apple butter: Boosts apple intensity and gives extra moisture.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, provides crumb structure.
• Baking soda: Ensures a light, airy texture by helping the cake rise.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Apple or pumpkin pie spice: A warm spice blend that gives this cake its signature coziness.
• Honeycrisp apples: Very thinly sliced for even baking and texture contrast.
• Cold salted butter: Grated and mixed with sugar for that irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch.
• Granulated sugar: Works with butter and cinnamon for the sweet topping.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that defines this cake.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe is—feel free to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Sometimes I swap spices, other times I sprinkle in nuts for crunch. It’s all about making it your own and enjoying the process.

• Spiced Up Variation: I swapped out the apple pie spice for pumpkin pie spice once, adding ginger and cloves; it gave the cake a warmer autumn vibe that my family adored.
• Gluten-Free Option: I’ve experimented with gluten-free flour blends with good results; just be sure to check baking times as they can vary.
• Nutty Addition: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter adds crunch and pairs beautifully with apple and cinnamon.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use flax egg instead of a regular egg and replace butter with a plant-based alternative to keep it plant-friendly.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by bringing your apple cider to a boil on high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it reduces down to roughly half a cup. This step is the secret sauce to getting that intense, sweet apple flavor infused throughout the cake. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, and let it cool completely before mixing it into your batter.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your cooled apple cider reduction, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, egg, honey (or maple syrup), and apple butter. I like to mix this part gently until everything is well combined but not overworked—this ensures the cake stays tender and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients & Fold in Apples

Next, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, apple or pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt to your wet mixture. Stir just until the flour disappears—overmixing here can make the cake tough. Then gently fold in those thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples; they’ll add moisture and a lovely fruity contrast that makes every bite delightful.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Grate your cold salted butter into a bowl, then mix it with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until you have a clumpy, crumbly sugar mixture. This topping is pure magic—once baked, it melts and crisps up into a delicious cinnamon sugar crust that you’ll find irresistible.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy

Lightly grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, then spread your batter evenly inside. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping over the surface, then bake at 350° F for 30-40 minutes. You want the cake to be just set and the top golden with a crisp crust. Serve it warm with a dollop of salted honey butter if you feel fancy—I promise it’s worth the extra step!

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this cake with a generous swirl of salted honey butter because it adds a sweet-salty contrast that’s hard to beat. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream also pairs beautifully, especially if you want to turn it into a special dessert.

Side Dishes

Since this cake works well as both a breakfast and dessert, I like pairing it with a strong cup of coffee or chai tea for breakfast. For dessert, it’s delicious alongside a warm mug of spiced cider or even a glass of cold milk to balance the cinnamon sugar sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday get-togethers, I’ve tried serving this apple cake in individual ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick and a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. Another fun idea is layering it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and caramel sauce for a show-stopping dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days—longer than that, and it can start drying out. If your kitchen is warmer, storing in the fridge is your friend, just bring the slices back to room temp before serving.

Freezing

This cake freezes surprisingly well! I slice it first and wrap individual pieces tightly, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want a treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge, and it’s almost like fresh.

Reheating

To bring out that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat for about 5-7 minutes. I avoid microwaving because it can go soggy, but if you must, do it in short bursts and finish with a quick oven crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe has truly won a special place in my kitchen because it’s both fuss-free and packed with those cozy flavors that bring everyone to the table. If you’re looking for a warm, spiced cake that’s easy enough for casual baking but impressive enough to share with loved ones, this is it. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for all those moments when you crave something comforting and delicious with minimal effort.

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