Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, cozy dessert that feels just like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe. I absolutely love how this cake balances sweet apples, fragrant cinnamon, and a hint of cloves to create something truly magical. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, it never fails to get everyone smiling. Stick around—I’ll share some insider tips that’ll make your cake turn out perfectly moist and bursting with flavor every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe uses a straightforward lineup of ingredients that work in harmony—the acidity of lemon juice brightens the apples, while aromatic spices lift the whole cake to new heights.

• Apples: I love using a mix of sweet and tart apples; peeling is optional depending on your texture preference.
• Lemon juice: This helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a subtle zing.
• White sugar: Balances the tartness of the apples with sweetness.
• Coconut oil (or avocado oil): I prefer coconut oil because it adds a subtle richness without overpowering the flavors.
• Eggs: They act as a binder, keeping everything together beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: A personal favorite for enhancing overall flavor depth.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake that creates the perfect crumb.
• Baking soda: Helps the cake rise perfectly and gives it a tender crumb.
• Ground cinnamon: This is a star spice here, adding warmth and that classic apple pie vibe.
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
• Ground cloves: Adds a hint of spice that’s subtle but elevates the cake beautifully.

Variations

I love making this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe my own, so don’t be afraid to tweak it a bit depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. It’s surprisingly versatile!

• Gluten-free version: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend—I’ve done this, and it works great without sacrificing texture.
• Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch; my family begs for this at every holiday.
• Less sweet: If you prefer a cake that’s less sugary, reduce the white sugar by about 1/4 cup and add a little more cinnamon to balance it.
• Spiced up: Experiment with cardamom or ginger alongside cinnamon and cloves for a more complex spice profile.
• Dairy-free and vegan-friendly: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and your favorite vegan oil.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and macerate those apples

Start by peeling (if you prefer) and coring about 4 apples, then slice them about ¼ inch thick. Toss the slices in a big bowl with the sugar and lemon juice—this is a trick I learned that makes all the difference. Letting the apples sit and soak in sugar for 30 to 45 minutes softens them slightly and draws out their natural sweetness, making the cake extra flavorful and tender.

Step 2: Combine wet ingredients with your apple mixture

After your apple slices have had time to mingle with the sugar and lemon, stir in the coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a spoon to mix everything well but gently so the apples don’t get mashed. This part smells amazing—be prepared for your kitchen to get a little boost of cozy vibes.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients carefully

Now, sift in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and ground cloves. I usually sprinkle these over the apple mixture and fold them in gently with a spoon until just incorporated—you want to avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy. This step often trips people up, but patience here really helps.

Step 4: Bake to perfection

Spray your 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish with baking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and a smooth release. Pour in the batter, spreading it evenly. Pop it into a preheated 350°F oven, and bake for about 50-55 minutes if you’re using a 9×9 pan, or 45-50 minutes for a 9×13 pan. I always check by inserting a knife in the center – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream—sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon on top too. Plain Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is also divine if you’re serving it for dessert. These simple additions bring out the warmth and sweetness of the cake even more.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. If you want something savory on the side, a small cheese plate with aged cheddar or brie contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake. I’ve also served it alongside roasted butternut squash soup for a cozy fall meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunch, I like to slice the cake into squares, dust the tops with powdered sugar, and place them on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks as decoration. You can also serve individual portions in cute ramekins with a little caramel drizzle to impress guests without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the cake cool completely and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, I move it to the fridge to keep it fresh longer—just make sure it’s sealed well to avoid drying out.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully! I slice it into portions, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer bag. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw slices overnight in the fridge or warm them gently in the microwave—super convenient for busy mornings.

Reheating

I usually warm slices in a toaster oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes to get that freshly baked feel again. Microwaving works too if you’re in a rush—just 20-30 seconds should do it without drying out the cake.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting about this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe that makes me want to bake it over and over—whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special treat for family and friends. I hope you’ll give it a try and see for yourself why it’s become a staple in my kitchen. Trust me, once you do, you’ll be reaching for this recipe whenever those cozy, cinnamon-scented cravings hit!

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