This moist Cinnamon Apple Cake is packed with juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts. It’s incredibly soft, easy to make, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon coffee break. Every bite is bursting with cozy fall flavors!
Prep Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Bake: 45–55 minutes
- Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10–12 slices
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 210g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 150g (¾ cup) brown sugar
- 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 120ml (½ cup) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 75g (½ cup) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Finish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk:
- Eggs
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
Mix until light, then stir in:
- Oil
- Vanilla extract
4. Combine
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Gently fold in:
- Diced apples
- Chopped walnuts
Do not overmix.
5. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon topping, then sprinkle evenly over the cake.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips for the Best Apple Cake
- Use Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, or Pink Lady apples.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake soft.
- Toast the walnuts first for extra flavor.
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Hot coffee
- Chai tea
Storage
- Store covered at room temperature for 2 days.
- Refrigerate for 5 days.
- Freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Nutrition (Approx. Per Slice)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
FAQs
Can I leave the nuts out?
Absolutely! The cake is delicious without them.
Which apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, and Pink Lady all bake beautifully.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I add raisins?
Definitely! Add about ½ cup of raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s incredibly moist, filled with tender apple pieces, warmly spiced with cinnamon, and topped with a sweet crunchy cinnamon sugar crust. Whether you’re baking it for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy every delicious slice!
