Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

I absolutely love how this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe comes together with such warm, cozy flavors that just scream comfort food. If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how the lightly spiced apple slices and that sweet cinnamon sugar topping create this perfect balance of moist cake and crunchy sweetness. It’s ideal for everything from a weekend brunch to a simple afternoon treat with a cup of tea.

When I first tried this recipe, I was so surprised by how easy it was to make without compromising any flavor. The apple cider reduction adds an unexpected depth, and the secret touch of apple butter brings in extra moisture and richness. You’ll find that this cake makes your kitchen smell incredible and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, so it’s definitely worth trying sooner rather than later!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a star role to build this cake’s irresistible texture and flavor. When you use fresh Honeycrisp apples, the natural sweetness shines, and the spices add warmth without overpowering the delicate apple notes.

• Apple cider: Reducing it intensifies the apple flavor—don’t skip this step as it adds a nice depth.
• Coconut oil: I love this in place of butter for a subtle hint of richness and a more tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings all the flavors together beautifully.
• Large egg: Helps bind everything so your cake holds together perfectly.
• Honey or maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and keeps the cake moist.
• Apple butter: This ingredient really ups the apple flavor and keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
• All-purpose flour: The base for the cake structure; measure carefully for best results.
• Baking soda: Provides just enough lift without making the cake too airy.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Apple or pumpkin pie spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and others that gives the cake a comforting aroma.
• Honeycrisp apples: Thinly sliced for even distribution and perfect texture—choose firm, fresh apples.
• Cold salted butter: Grated into the topping for bursts of buttery crunch combined with cinnamon sugar.
• Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon to create that signature topping.
• Ground cinnamon: The star of that cinnamon sugar sprinkle that makes this cake unforgettable.

Variations

I love to switch things up with this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe depending on the season and my mood. You can definitely make it your own by playing with different spices or adding nuts for an extra crunch.

• Spice swap: I’ve replaced pumpkin pie spice with a simple mix of cinnamon and a touch of ginger for a cleaner flavor that my kids love.
• Gluten-free option: Try using a gluten-free flour blend to make this friendly for everyone at your table.
• Nuts and extras: Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add a lovely texture contrast that I highly recommend.
• Fruit alternatives: In a pinch, pears or peaches make a seasonal twist that’s just as tasty.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your pan and reduce the apple cider

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Then, pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and let it reduce until about half a cup remains—this concentrates that lovely apple flavor. Make sure to let it cool completely before adding to your batter, or it could scramble your egg during mixing.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients together

In a large bowl, combine the cooled apple cider reduction, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, egg, honey or maple syrup, and apple butter. Stir everything until it’s well combined and smooth. This mix forms the flavorful base that keeps your cake tender and moist.

Step 3: Incorporate the dry ingredients and the apples

Sift together the flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and apple or pumpkin pie spice in a separate bowl, then add them to your wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing or your cake can turn dense. Finally, fold in the thinly sliced apples carefully so they’re spread evenly throughout the batter. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly how it should be!

Step 4: Prepare the cinnamon sugar topping and bake

In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and the grated cold salted butter with your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly and clumpy. Sprinkle this generously over the top of your apple-filled batter. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cake is just set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Serve warm and enjoy

Once the cake has cooled slightly, slice it up and serve warm for the best experience. I love pairing it with a swipe of honey butter—which combines creamy butter, honey, and a pinch of sea salt—for a luscious finish that your guests will rave about.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a little honey butter for richness and extra sweetness. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts add a lovely touch when serving guests.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream during cooler months or alongside a cup of chai or hot apple cider for cozy afternoons. For brunch, I like serving it with scrambled eggs and bacon for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this cake by cutting it into mini squares and stacking them with layers of cream cheese frosting. You can also dust powdered sugar on top for a pretty, snowy look, or serve it in rustic cast iron skillets for an authentic fall vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. It stays moist and just as delicious, but if it lasts longer, pop it in the fridge to keep it fresh.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully—wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, and it tastes almost freshly baked.

Reheating

To warm your leftover cake, pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds or heat it briefly in a toaster oven. I often add a little extra drizzle of honey butter after reheating for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe has become one of those special treats I come back to time and again because it’s just so comforting and reliably delicious. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or need a simple homemade dessert to brighten up the day, this cake won’t disappoint. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy every warm, spiced bite, and I promise your kitchen will smell like fall in the best way possible.

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