Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

I absolutely love this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe because it brings together the cozy warmth of cinnamon with the natural sweetness and moisture of fresh apples in the best way possible. The cake is tender and moist, thanks to the buttermilk and oil, and that crisp, sugary cinnamon topping gives every bite a delightful little crunch. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dessert or bringing it to a potluck, it always disappears fast!

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was to pull together yet so impressive in flavor and texture. You’ll find that the balance of cinnamon, sugar, and juicy apples works perfectly for any time of year—especially fall, but really all year round whenever you crave something comforting. This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share all the ins and outs to help you nail it too.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe works together to create a perfectly balanced cake—moist, flavorful, and sweet with just the right cinnamon-spiced crunch. Choosing fresh, crisp apples like Honeycrisp really makes the difference in taste and texture.

• Brown sugar: It gives the cake a rich, caramel-like sweetness and keeps it moist.
• Oil: I prefer neutral oils like vegetable or canola for moistness without overpowering flavor.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
• Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness; if you don’t have it, mix milk with a little vinegar as a substitute.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavors.
• Baking soda: Helps the cake rise perfectly, giving it a light texture.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works best for that classic crumb.
• Honeycrisp apples: These keep their shape well and have the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
• Sugar (for topping): Regular granulated sugar creates the desired crisp topping.
• Cinnamon (for topping): The essential spice that fills your kitchen with warmth.
• Butter (for topping): Melted butter binds the topping and adds richness.

Variations

I love that this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe is flexible enough for you to make it your own, whether you want to swap ingredients for dietary needs or add some special twists. Here are a few ideas that have worked well for me.

• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour for a blend of gluten-free flour with xanthan gum, and it still bakes up beautifully.
• Extra Spices: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the batter gives the cake a little extra holiday warmth that my family adores.
• Apple Varieties: Sometimes I mix in Granny Smith apples for a tarter bite that contrasts nicely with the sweeter Honeycrisp.
• Nutty Add-Ins: Chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top beneath the cinnamon sugar bring an irresistible crunch.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Butter your 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make sure your cake lifts out cleanly after baking. I find that lining with parchment saves a lot of cleanup time and keeps the edges intact when you slice.

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, oil, and egg until smooth and creamy. Adding the egg last helps the ingredients come together better. Then stir in the buttermilk (or milk plus vinegar) and vanilla extract. I like to use fresh vanilla extract here for the best aroma and depth in flavor.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Apples

Sprinkle the baking soda over your wet mixture and mix well to incorporate. Then gradually fold in the flour gently—don’t overmix, or your cake might get tough. Finally, fold in those chopped Honeycrisp apples. I usually peel mine because it creates a smoother texture, but you can leave the peel on for a bit more fiber and rustic feel.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. This mixture is pure magic on top of the batter! Spread it evenly over the batter in the pan—a thin, even layer ensures a delicious crunchy topping all around.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes. I usually start checking at 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a crumb or two, you’re good to go. That golden-brown top combined with a toothpick test is your best guide.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this apple cake with a dab of honey butter while it’s still warm—that combo totally melts in your mouth. You can also drizzle freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a more indulgent treat. A sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top just before serving adds a charming look, too.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, especially on chilly mornings or afternoons. For a brunch menu, I sometimes serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a savory quiche for a nice sweet-savory balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I’ve layered slices of this cake between layers of whipped cream and thin apple slices to make a rustic apple cake trifle. It’s fun, unexpected, and always a hit! You might also try serving individual portions in pretty ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often), I store them covered tightly in the fridge and find they stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days. Keeping it tightly covered prevents the topping from losing its crunch, so I usually reheat just enough to enjoy that texture.

Freezing

If you want to save time later, this cake freezes beautifully. I either freeze the whole cake in the pan wrapped tightly with plastic and foil, or cut it into square portions and wrap individually. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring the cake back to life, I gently warm slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes. This keeps the crumb moist and revives that lovely cinnamon sugar topping crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe has truly become one of my favorite comfort desserts to make and share. Its simplicity, combined with that warm cinnamon sugar crunch and juicy apples, always brings smiles around the table. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—you’ll enjoy the process and, more importantly, the delicious results that keep everyone asking for seconds!

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