Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re craving something warm, tender, and bursting with cozy fall flavors, you’re going to adore this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in dessert form — perfect for breakfast, teatime, or whenever you need a little sweet pick-me-up. Trust me, once you see how simple it is to prepare, with just a few humble ingredients, this cake will become your go-to when apples are in season or when your sweet tooth strikes!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is how these simple, flavorful ingredients come together for a cake that’s surprisingly rich yet light. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand — and I’ll share a few tips that make shopping easier and your cake tastier:

• Apples: I like using sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji—they hold shape well and give the cake a nice balance of flavor. Peeling is optional depending on your texture preference.
• Lemon Juice: This brightens the apples and keeps them from browning during the sugar soak.
• White Sugar: Classic and straightforward, it sweetens and helps the apples soften as they sit.
• Coconut or Avocado Oil: Either works great. I love coconut oil for its subtle richness but avocado oil is perfect if you want a more neutral taste.
• Eggs: These bind everything together and add some structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and makes those cinnamon and apple flavors pop.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your cake batter—simple and reliable.
• Baking Soda: Helps your cake rise so it stays light and fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice here—feel free to add a bit more if you love cinnamon like I do.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweetness and flavor.
• Ground Cloves: A little spice that complements the cinnamon and apples beautifully.

Variations

I love how easily this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe can be customized. Over time, I’ve played around with different ideas to suit moods, seasons, and dietary needs — and each twist has been a winner. Feel free to make it your own!

• Add Nuts: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch—my family always asks for this version when it’s nut season.
• Swap the Oil: For a dairy-free but richer taste, try melted butter instead of oil; the cake gets a lovely buttery crust.
• Reduce Sugar: If you prefer less sweetness, cutting the sugar by a quarter still yields a moist, balanced cake without losing flavor.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with adding nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon and cloves for a more complex spice profile that’s great for holidays.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Soften Your Apples for Maximum Flavor

Start by peeling (if you want) and slicing your apples into about ¼ inch thick pieces. Toss them in a large bowl with the white sugar and the fresh lemon juice. Use your hands to mix gently and then let the apples sit for 30-45 minutes. This is a little trick I discovered that softens the apples nicely and dissolves sugar so every bite is sweet and tender.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, to your apple mixture, add the coconut (or avocado) oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir together with a spoon until the mixture looks uniform. Don’t overmix here—you want everything just incorporated.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently

Now sift together your flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and ground cloves. Add these dry ingredients to the wet apple mixture and fold carefully with a spoon until just combined. The batter will be thick and chunky with those delicious apple pieces, which is exactly what you want.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish by spraying it with non-stick spray and lining it with parchment paper — this makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your cake lifts out beautifully. Pour the batter in and bake for 50-55 minutes (9×9) or 45-50 minutes (9×13), testing doneness with a knife inserted into the center. When the knife comes out clean, you’re golden!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool slightly before lifting it out of the pan. I love serving this warm with freshly whipped cream on top because it balances the spices perfectly and adds an extra creamy touch. You’ll see, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I always keep it simple yet indulgent with this cake. Freshly whipped cream is my favorite, especially lightly sweetened with just a hint of vanilla. A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top adds a pretty finishing touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a wonderful warm-and-cold contrast.

Side Dishes

This cake is pretty much a star on its own, but for breakfast, I like pairing it with a side of Greek yogurt or a fresh fruit salad to lighten things up. During a casual get-together, a cup of strong coffee or spiced chai tea makes a perfect companion for each slice.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this cake in individual ramekins for a rustic look. Another fun idea is to cut the cooled cake into cubes and layer it with whipped cream and caramel sauce in a trifle dish — it’s a total showstopper and delicious too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, I recommend refrigeration to keep it fresh, although I like to bring it back to room temp before serving so the flavors aren’t muted.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake wrapped well in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. When I freeze it, I slice it beforehand and freeze pieces individually—you can thaw only what you need which is super convenient!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This refreshes the cake’s moisture and taste beautifully, especially when served with fresh whipped cream.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe turns out every time — it’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavors that remind me of happy kitchen moments with family. When I first tried it, I was amazed how these everyday ingredients transformed into such a tender, spicy cake that’s perfect any time of day. You’re going to enjoy making it as much as eating it, and I can’t wait to hear how it becomes a favorite in your home too. Happy baking, friend!

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