Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

I absolutely love this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe because it’s the perfect balance of cozy spices and fresh, juicy apples folded right into a tender, moist cake. Whenever I bake it, my kitchen fills with the most inviting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples—honestly, it feels like a warm hug in cake form. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just a quiet afternoon treat, this cake never disappoints.

When I first tried this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe, I struggled to get the right texture—not too dense, not too dry. But once I nailed the mix of brown sugar, buttermilk, and just the right amount of cinnamon sugar topping, it became a regular in our home. You’ll find that the apples keep it wonderfully moist, and the cinnamon sugar crust adds the perfect touch of sweetness and crunch.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe comes from using simple pantry staples combined with juicy Honeycrisp apples—trust me, they hold up beautifully without getting mushy. For the buttermilk, if you don’t have any on hand, a quick homemade substitute with milk and vinegar works just as well.

• Brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the apples.
• Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without making it heavy.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Buttermilk (or milk + vinegar): Sends the cake texture into cloud-like softness while adding subtle tang.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm flavors.
• Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
• All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your apple cake.
• Honeycrisp apples: Juicy, crisp, and slightly tart, they keep the cake moist without turning mushy.
• Sugar (for topping): Provides a sweet crunch on top once baked.
• Cinnamon (for topping): Infuses that warm spice crunch everyone loves.
• Butter (melted, for topping): Helps the cinnamon sugar topping stick and gives a lovely richness.

Variations

I like to switch things up sometimes when I make this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe, depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to experiment—you might discover your own favorite twist!

• Spiced Up Variation: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves amplifies the warm spice notes—my family loves this during the holidays.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swapping regular flour for a gluten-free blend works well if you want to avoid gluten, just be sure to check the bake time.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use a flax egg and a plant-based milk with vinegar in place of buttermilk, plus coconut oil instead of butter for the topping.
• Caramel Drizzle: For an indulgent treat, drizzle warm caramel sauce over slices right before serving.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Mix the Base

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, oil, and egg until smooth. Then add the buttermilk (or your milk + vinegar combo) and vanilla extract, stirring just until combined. This simple wet mixture forms the flavorful base of your cake.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients and Apples

Next, sprinkle in the baking soda and flour directly over your wet ingredients. Gently fold these in using a spatula, careful not to overmix because you want your cake batter light and fluffy. Finally, fold in the chopped Honeycrisp apples—these give your cake that delightful fruity texture and juicy bursts.

Step 3: Prepare the Pan and Topping

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for an easier release later. Pour the batter evenly into the pan. In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create the cinnamon sugar topping. Sprinkle or spread this evenly over the batter to create a golden, crunchy crust as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake and Test

Bake your cake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready. Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing; this helps the juices settle and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping cinnamon sugar apple cake slices with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a smear of honey butter—both add a creamy, rich contrast to the cinnamon’s warmth. Sometimes, a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this into a heavenly dessert.

Side Dishes

Serving this cake alongside a cup of hot coffee or chai tea feels so comforting. For brunch, I like pairing it with a fresh fruit salad or a sharp cheddar cheese plate to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered cubes of this apple cake in a trifle dish with cinnamon whipped cream and chopped nuts—everyone loved the look and flavors! You can also cut it into bite-sized bars and drizzle with caramel for easy party bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays surprisingly moist and fresh, but if your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is a good idea.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or pop individual slices in freezer-safe bags. When I’ve done this, it keeps well for up to 2 months without losing moisture or flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I like warming slices in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. The topping crisps up again nicely, and the apples taste just as fresh as when I first baked it.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so simple yet so full of comforting flavor and texture. I encourage you to try it next time you want a dessert (or even a snack) that feels warm and homey without any fuss. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become your go-to apple cake, just like it did for me and my family.

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