Name: Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 210 grams (1 and 1/2 cups) plain flour or all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 150 grams (3/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar; 1 cup (approximately 1 large) red apple, peeled and roughly chopped; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 120 ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil or flavourless oil; 120 ml (1/2 cup) Greek yogurt; 50 grams (1/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 30 grams (1/4 cup) icing sugar or powdered sugar, sifted; 1-2 tablespoons milk

If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, spiced cake dotted with juicy chunks of apple, crowned with a sweet cinnamon topping and a delicate glaze that adds just the right amount of shimmer and sweetness. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration. The beautiful marriage of cinnamon and apple flavors in this cake will have you reaching for seconds before you know it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a melody of flavors and textures. Each component plays an essential role — from the fluffy cake base to the cinnamon-sugar topping and luscious glaze, every bite is bursting with warmth and sweetness.

Plain flour (210 grams or 1 and 1/2 cups): The foundation for structure and softness in the cake.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise perfectly light and airy.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the yogurt to give a tender crumb.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
Caster sugar (150 grams or 3/4 cup): Sweetness that dissolves beautifully into the batter.
Red apple (1 large, peeled and chopped): Adds juicy freshness and lovely texture.
Large eggs (2): Bring richness and structure to the cake.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, aromatic note that complements cinnamon perfectly.
Vegetable oil (120 ml or 1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
Greek yogurt (120 ml or 1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Caster sugar (50 grams or 1/4 cup) for topping: Used with cinnamon to create a crunchy, flavorful topping.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The star spice that adds warmth and aromatic charm.
Butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Binds the cinnamon topping while adding richness.
Icing sugar (30 grams or 1/4 cup, sifted): For the silky glaze topping.
Milk (1-2 tablespoons): Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) for standard or 160°C (320°F) if you’re using a fan-forced oven. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper to make sure your cake releases easily after baking — no sticking stress required!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients with Apples

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the larger portion of sugar. Fold in the chopped apple pieces gently — not only does this incorporate delightful bursts of fruit throughout the batter, but dusting them with flour helps prevent sinking.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and Greek yogurt just until combined. The rich wet ingredients will give your cake a tender crumb and lovely moisture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold together using a wooden spoon. The trick here is to mix just until everything is combined to avoid developing gluten, which keeps your cake tender and soft.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Topping

In a small bowl, combine sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter, mixing until the mixture looks lumpy and moist. This topping will caramelize beautifully as the cake bakes, giving that irresistible crunch and spiced flavor on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your batter to the prepared cake pan and evenly sprinkle the cinnamon topping over it. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Once baked, let your cake cool completely on a wire rack to set the texture and stabilize the flavors.

Step 7: Add the Final Glaze

Mix the sifted icing sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth — add a splash more milk if the glaze is too thick. Drizzle this sweet finish over the cooled cake for an elegant, glossy touch that melts on your tongue.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

A round, single-layered cake sits on a white plate, showing a golden-brown textured surface with a slightly rough, crumbly look. The top of the cake is decorated with a white glaze drizzled unevenly over it, creating thin, irregular lines that contrast with the warm cake color. The edge of the cake is slightly darker than the top with a crispy texture. The whole scene is set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert experience. Fresh apple slices dusted with a sprinkle of cinnamon can also add a beautiful, fresh contrast.

Side Dishes

This cinnamon apple cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or robust coffee. For a brunch treat, serve alongside fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness and add brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider cutting the cake into squares and serving with caramel sauce drizzle. Alternatively, stack cake slices with layers of mascarpone or cream cheese frosting for a layered apple cake parfait-style dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh for effortless snacking anytime.

Freezing

To keep your Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe longer, wrap it well in cling film and place it inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave or oven before serving to revive those lovely cinnamon-spiced aromas and soften the cake — perfect when you want a comforting treat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

While fresh apples provide the best texture, you can use frozen apples if fresh aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well first to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, preferably one designed for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.

Can I swap Greek yogurt for something else?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream or buttermilk can be wonderful alternatives that maintain the cake’s moistness and tangy balance.

How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?

Tossing chopped apples in a little bit of flour before folding them into the batter helps them stay evenly distributed while baking.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

With a few substitutions like using flax eggs, plant-based yogurt, and vegan butter, you can enjoy a vegan version of this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe. The texture and flavor may vary slightly but remain delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe truly feels like a special gift you can make anytime. Its perfect combination of tender cake, fresh apples, and cinnamon spice brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking it for friends, family, or just yourself, I promise it will become a treasured favorite. So don’t wait — gather your ingredients, get your oven ready, and treat yourself to this unforgettable cake experience!