Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is the perfect cozy dessert for fall and beyond. It combines tender, juicy apples with a soft, moist crumb and a cinnamon sugar topping that bakes into a crackly, sweet crust. This cake is warm, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying—ideal for gatherings, holidays, or a simple treat with your morning coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly easy to make with everyday ingredients
- Packed with warm cinnamon flavor and sweet apple chunks
- Moist and tender texture with a crisp sugar top
- Perfect for brunch, dessert, or snacking
- Great make-ahead treat that keeps well
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Apples (firm, sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil or melted butter
- Baking powder
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
For the cinnamon sugar topping:
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, oil (or melted butter), vanilla, and sugars until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in chopped apples until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 9 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40–45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and nuttiness.
- Use different fruits: Pears or a mix of apples and pears can be a fun twist.
- Add glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
- Make muffins: Turn the batter into muffins—just reduce the baking time to about 20–25 minutes.
- Use applesauce: Replace part of the oil with applesauce for a lighter version.
storage/reheating
Store the cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds, or warm briefly in the oven at 300°F until heated through. The topping may lose some crispness after storage but will still taste delicious.
FAQs
What kind of apples are best for this cake?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold up well and balance the sweetness.
Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?
Not for this recipe—it relies on the texture and bite of real apple chunks.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Don’t overbake, and be sure to measure flour properly (scoop and level). The oil or butter also helps retain moisture.
Can I freeze Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm before serving.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
Is this cake good for breakfast?
Absolutely. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea in the morning.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute half the flour with whole wheat for a denser, heartier cake.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but it’s up to you.
Can I make it in a loaf pan?
Yes, though baking time will increase. Start checking at 50 minutes.
How do I get the cinnamon sugar topping to stay crisp?
Bake uncovered and don’t cover the cake while cooling. The sugar will form a crackly top.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is a no-fuss dessert that delivers big flavor and homey comfort in every bite. With its soft interior, sweet apple chunks, and crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, it’s a classic treat that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dessert, this cake is always a hit.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cinnamon sugar apple cake is moist, soft, and bursting with fresh apple chunks. Topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust, it’s the perfect cozy treat for fall—or any time you’re craving something sweet and comforting. No mixer needed!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
-
1 and 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
-
1/2 cup (1 stick or 115g) unsalted butter, melted
-
3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
-
1 large egg
-
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
-
1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
-
1 and 1/2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Topping:
-
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
-
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line with parchment paper.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
-
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla, and sour cream; whisk until fully combined.
-
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
-
Fold in the chopped apples.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
-
Mix the topping ingredients in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the batter.
-
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Let cool in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
-
Best enjoyed the day it’s made, but leftovers stay moist for up to 3 days at room temperature.
-
Can be made with a mix of apple varieties for extra flavor.
-
Try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!