Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake: Warm, Spiced, and Seriously Cozy

Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug wrapped in cinnamon-sugar goodness. If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up the scent of fall and bake it into a cake—this is it. With sweet apple chunks, a moist crumb, and that whisper of spice that instantly screams comfort food, this cake hits the spot whether you’re curled up on a chilly Sunday or need a quick dessert for unexpected guests.

It’s that magical kind of easy—no fancy mixer or fussing required. And bonus points: your house is gonna smell amazing. Whether you’re baking for a book club, picky kids, or just to treat yourself (because you deserve it), this is your go-to. So let’s talk about why this cinnamon apple cake belongs in your life, right now.

Table of Contents

What is Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake?

Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is a lightly spiced dessert that’s packed with chopped apples, a soft buttery crumb, and often finished with a drizzle of glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream (because why not?). It’s one of those rustic cakes that doesn’t try too hard to impress—it just does. No layers, no buttercream, no stand mixer needed.

Just good old-fashioned comfort. The texture is somewhere between a fluffy muffin and a tender coffee cake, making it just as appropriate with your morning coffee as it is for dessert. Think of it as the less fussy cousin of apple pie—same cozy flavor, half the effort. It’s a fantastic option if you’ve got a couple apples that need using up or want to bake something simple and seasonal without feeling overwhelmed.

Reasons to Try Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake

There are a million dessert recipes floating around, but Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake should be right at the top of your “must-make” list. First off, it’s quick—prep takes just 15 minutes. Second, it’s made with everyday ingredients you probably already have. No need to go hunting for cardamom pods or specialty flour. Just some apples, butter, cinnamon, and the basics.

Third, it’s a major crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding your family or bringing a dish to a get-together, this cake gets gobbled up. And let’s not overlook the smell. If fall had a perfume, this would be it. Oh, and it stays moist for days—if it even lasts that long. Want to make it extra special? Top it with homemade caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream and let the compliments roll in.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake

• 1 ¼ cups chopped apples (peeled, about 2 medium apples—Honeycrisp or Gala work great)
• ¼ cup softened butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional, but adds a lovely crunch)

Instructions to Make Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake (Step-by-Step)

Ready to bake a cake that tastes like a cozy fall afternoon? Follow this step by step guide to make your Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake from scratch—no fancy tools or pro baking skills required. Just clear instructions, helpful tips, and warm, spiced results. Let’s do this!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly right from the start. Skipping this step can lead to a sunken center or uneven texture—not what we’re going for here!
While the oven heats, grease a 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick spray or softened butter. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper if you want to make removing the cake even easier (especially if your pan has seen better days). If you’re curious about prepping bakeware properly, check out our kitchen prep tips for more easy tricks.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup softened butter, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ cup dark brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or sturdy whisk, beat the mixture until it turns light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
This step isn’t just busywork—it creates air pockets that help give your cake that tender, soft crumb.
Once the mixture is creamy, add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t rush it—each egg helps emulsify the batter, making it smooth and cohesive. Finally, stir in ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract to add a little aromatic warmth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This step by step mix helps distribute the leavening agent and spices evenly throughout your batter.
Don’t skip the whisking—it prevents clumps and ensures your cinnamon doesn’t get stuck in one bite. If you’re out of cinnamon or want a twist, you can experiment with apple pie spice or a pinch of nutmeg. Our ingredient substitution guide offers great options if you’re ever in a pinch.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture. Use low speed on your mixer (or a wooden spoon if mixing by hand) to keep from overworking the batter. Mix just until everything’s combined—overmixing here is like texting in all caps… too much.
The batter might seem a bit thick, and that’s exactly what you want. It should be scoopable, not pourable.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples and Walnuts

Now for the fun part! Gently fold in 1¼ cups of chopped apples and ½ cup chopped walnuts (if using). The apples should be peeled and cut into small, bite-sized chunks. We love Honeycrisp or Gala for their sweet flavor and firm texture.
Folding instead of stirring helps keep the batter airy and prevents breaking down the apple pieces. You want them to hold their shape in the cake for a lovely contrast in every bite. For nut-free alternatives, try golden raisins or shredded coconut—both are delicious.

Step 6: Pour and Smooth the Batter

Scoop the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. It may not look like a lot of batter, but trust the process—it puffs up beautifully while baking. If you’re baking with kids or want to sneak in some extra magic, sprinkle a little cinnamon-sugar on top for a slight crust.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Set

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—no gooey batter.
Your kitchen will smell like a cinnamon-scented dream at this point. Resist the urge to open the oven door too often; sudden temperature drops can mess with your cake’s rise. For more baking science tips, visit our post on easy fall bakes.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. Then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you skip this part, the cake may crumble or stick—patience really pays off here.

Once cool, slice into wedges and serve as-is or with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel. If you’re hosting or just feeling extra, pair it with a warm bowl of easy spiced carrot and sweet potato soup for the ultimate comfort meal.

What to Serve with Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake

This cake is cozy and versatile, so it plays well with all sorts of extras. Keep it classic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Want a little drizzle? Warm caramel sauce is never a bad idea. For a brunch-style twist, try it with a hot cup of chai or cinnamon coffee. If you’re feeling savory, pair it with something hearty like creamy marry me chicken soup for a sweet-savory balance. Bonus tip: leftover slices make a fab morning treat with a latte. It’s basically like having a muffin… that just happens to be cake.

Key Tips for Making Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake

Don’t overmix! Seriously, it’s tempting to keep stirring, but your cake will thank you for stopping once everything is just combined. Use sweet apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala—they bring natural sweetness and don’t get mushy when baked. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted; it should hold its shape but be easy to spread. If you love a bit of crunch, don’t skip the walnuts—they add great texture. And let the cake cool before slicing—it sets better and holds its shape. Oh, and if your kitchen smells so good you want to make it again tomorrow? Totally normal.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Keep your Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your house is on the warmer side, pop it in the fridge—it’ll last up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds. You’ll bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth in no time. Want to freeze it? Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave gently. It’s freezer-friendly and future-you will be so grateful.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Pears work well, but keep in mind they’re softer and may bake down more. Stick to firm, sweet fruits.

Can I skip the walnuts?
Absolutely! It’s your cake—leave them out if nuts aren’t your thing.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It bakes beautifully.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a 9×13 pan and adjust baking time to 50–55 minutes.

How do I know it’s done?
Toothpick test is your best friend! It should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

Final Thoughts

Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake isn’t just dessert—it’s a little taste of cozy joy in every bite. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and warm, comforting flavors, this recipe is everything a fall cake should be. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a weekend treat, or just because you need something sweet (we’ve all been there), this one delivers. Add it to your go-to baking list—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a seasonal tradition. And if you’re into warm, spiced comfort food, don’t miss our sweet potato crunch casserole or rosemary apple cider chicken for more fall flavor magic.

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