Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe – Moist, Fragrant & Easy to Make!

Looking for the perfect dessert that brings together cozy autumn flavors and the comforting aroma of cinnamon? This Cinnamon Apple Cake is exactly what you need. Made with fresh apples, warm spices, and a soft, moist crumb, this cake is ideal for afternoon tea, festive gatherings, or even breakfast.

Whether it’s fall or not, this easy apple cake recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake

• Super moist and fluffy texture
• Bursting with fresh apple flavor
• Filled with warm cinnamon goodness
• Easy to make in one bowl — minimal cleanup!
• Great for holidays, brunch, or everyday dessert

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)

Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch (or 9-inch round) baking pan.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

4. Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Mix until combined.

5. Add Sour Cream & Dry Ingredients

Stir in sour cream (or yogurt), then gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

6. Fold in Apples

Gently fold the diced apples into the batter using a spatula.

7. Pour & Sprinkle

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon for topping, then sprinkle over the batter.

8. Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool & Serve

Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Best Apples to Use

For best results, use firm, tart apples like:

• Granny Smith
• Honeycrisp
• Fuji
• Braeburn
  These hold their shape and add a sweet-tart balance that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Tips & Variations

• Make it ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day!
• Add-ins: Try adding chopped walnuts or raisins for extra texture.
• Glaze it: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze on top for added sweetness.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.