Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

I absolutely love this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe because it combines the cozy flavors of apple and warm cinnamon in a way that feels like a comforting hug. Whether it’s a crisp fall afternoon or a weekend breakfast treat, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser in my house. You’ll find it moist, flavorful, and just the right balance of sweet and spicy without being overwhelming.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to make – no fancy gadgets or complicated steps, just simple ingredients coming together beautifully. If you’re looking for an approachable dessert that also works well as a sweet snack or even breakfast, this recipe is for you. Plus, using ingredients like apple cider and honey brings a natural depth of flavor that makes it feel a little special every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe is built around a few key ingredients that work so well together. Using apples with a great balance of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup really take the cake to the next level.

• Apple cider: Reducing it intensifies the apple flavor and adds natural sweetness without extra sugar.
• Coconut oil: Adds moistness and a subtle richness; you can substitute with melted butter if you prefer.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm flavors and balances the spices.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure.
• Honey or maple syrup: Both add a natural sweetness and depth; I tend to use honey for its floral notes.
• Apple butter: Contributes moisture and a concentrated apple flavor; a true game changer in this cake.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the base; make sure to spoon and level for accuracy to keep the cake tender.
• Baking soda: Adds lift and keeps the cake light.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Apple or pumpkin pie spice: Use your favorite blend; I mix cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves for warm spice notes.
• Honeycrisp apples: Thinly sliced to distribute throughout the batter, they provide sweetness and texture.
• Cold salted butter: Grated and combined with cinnamon and sugar for a crumbly, sweet topping that melts during baking.
• Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for the sweet topping that adds crunch and warmth.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe by switching up spices or apples, and I encourage you to personalize it too. Feel free to add nuts, swap sweeteners, or try different apple varieties depending on what you have.

• Spice Variations: I sometimes add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a slightly different twist—it adds a warm, aromatic layer that’s unexpected but delicious.
• Apple Types: Using Fuji or Granny Smith apples gives a tartness that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.
• Dietary Adjustments: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for a gluten-friendly version; the texture remains lovely.
• Sweeter Topping: Mix a little brown sugar into the cinnamon sugar topping for a richer caramelized crust.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Apple Cider and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup and cake removal. Then, bring the apple cider to a boil on high heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until it reduces to about half a cup. This step concentrates the apple flavor and prevents your cake from becoming too wet. Make sure you let the reduced cider cool completely before mixing it with the other wet ingredients—this helps the batter come together smoothly without cooking the egg prematurely.

Step 2: Mixing Wet Ingredients and Creating the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled apple cider reduction, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, egg, honey or maple syrup, and apple butter until combined. You’ll notice the mixture is slightly thick and incredibly fragrant from the spices and apple butter. Next, gently fold in the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, and your choice of apple or pumpkin pie spice. Be careful not to overmix; you want just enough to combine everything for a tender cake. Finally, fold in the thinly sliced apples—this adds fresh texture and bursts of apple flavor throughout the cake.

Step 3: Creating the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and grated cold salted butter with your fingers until the mixture clumps together like coarse crumbs. This topping will melt and caramelize during baking, giving your cake a glorious, crunchy surface that contrasts beautifully with the moist interior. Don’t skip this step—it’s what really makes this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe feel special.

Step 4: Baking and Finishing the Cake

Spread your batter evenly in the prepared baking dish—try to smooth the surface gently but don’t press down too hard or the apples will shift. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the batter, then bake for 30-40 minutes. You want the cake to be just set in the center; a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Once out of the oven, I like to let the cake cool slightly so it’s easier to slice, but it’s absolutely delicious warm with a bit of honey butter slathered on top.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this cake with a dollop of honey butter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when it’s still warm. Fresh whipped cream sprinkled with a little cinnamon is another favorite that brings richness without overpowering the cake’s natural apple flavor. For a fresher touch, a few thin apple slices or toasted pecans on top add a lovely visual and crunchy contrast.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea or a spiced latte, making it perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon breaks. For a heartier snack, serve it alongside a cheese board featuring mild cheeses like Brie or aged Gouda — the creaminess complements the sweet, spiced apple cake nicely. On colder days, I’ve even paired it with a bowl of warm butternut squash soup for a comforting fall meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I’ve baked this cake in smaller individual ramekins or muffins, which makes for charming single servings. Dusting it lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling a simple glaze made of maple syrup and lemon juice adds an elegant touch. You can also serve it layered with cinnamon whipped cream between thin slices for a rustic cake stack that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I tightly cover the cake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen after resting overnight. I usually enjoy it chilled or at room temperature the next day; it’s still wonderfully moist and delicious.

Freezing

If you want to make this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe ahead of time, it freezes very well. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil to protect against freezer burn. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months—perfect for prepping for busy weeks or unexpected guests.

Reheating

I reheat slices gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven at 325°F until heated through. This helps bring back that fresh-baked warmth and slightly melts the cinnamon sugar topping again, giving you that just-baked taste even days later.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen simply because it’s foolproof and brings everyone to the table with happy smiles. I love how it captures the essence of fall in every bite but is easy enough to make anytime you crave something sweet and comforting. Honestly, I think you’ll enjoy baking it just as much as eating it—so grab those apples and give it a try; I promise it’ll become your go-to recipe!

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