Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe because it’s one of those desserts that just make your kitchen smell like fall in the best way possible. The combination of tender apples, warm cinnamon sugar, and a moist, spiced cake is just heavenly—and you don’t need to be an expert baker to pull it off.

This cake is perfect for those cozy afternoons when you want something sweet but not too fussy. I’ve found it works beautifully for a casual family dessert or a friendly potluck, and you’ll enjoy how effortlessly it comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe lies in how these ingredients blend to create a cozy, comforting cake. Be sure to choose crisp apples, like Honeycrisp, for the best texture and flavor contrast in every slice.

• Apple cider: Reducing it intensifies the apple flavor while adding natural sweetness.
• Coconut oil: Gives the cake a nice moist crumb without overpowering the other flavors.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm spices and adds depth.
• Egg: Helps bind the cake together for that perfect moist texture.
• Honey or maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and complements the apples wonderfully.
• Apple butter: Boosts moisture and gives a subtle fruity richness.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, use fresh flour for best results.
• Baking soda: Works as the leavening agent for a light, fluffy cake.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Apple or pumpkin pie spice: Brings out the cozy cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove notes.
• Honeycrisp apples: Thinly sliced for tender, juicy bites that don’t get mushy.
• Cold salted butter: Grated for that signature cinnamon sugar topping clumpiness.
• Granulated sugar: Combines with cinnamon to create the classic sweet topping.
• Ground cinnamon: Use fresh ground for the best aroma and flavor impact.

Variations

I like to switch things up now and then with this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe. It’s a forgiving base that welcomes your creativity, whether you’re tweaking for dietary needs or just changing flavors seasonally.

• Gluten-free option: I’ve swapped all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and honestly, it still comes out lovely and moist.
• Spice changes: Sometimes I use pumpkin pie spice alone or add a pinch of ginger for an extra zing, which my family enjoys.
• Apple variety swaps: Tried Fuji or Gala apples when Honeycrisp weren’t around—they work well but alter the sweetness and texture a bit.
• Sweetener swaps: Using maple syrup instead of honey gives it a deeper, woodsy sweetness I’ve come to love.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the apple cider for concentrated flavor

Start by bringing your apple cider to a boil over high heat, then lower it to a simmer until it’s reduced to about half a cup—this usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. This step is key because it intensifies the apple flavor and adds a natural sweetness that really shines in the finished cake. I like to watch it carefully and stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn or boil over.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients for a velvety base

Once your cider has cooled, whisk it together with the melted coconut oil, sweetener (honey or maple syrup), vanilla, egg, and apple butter. This creates a rich, flavorful base that keeps the cake moist and tender. Make sure your egg is at room temperature so it blends in smoothly without curdling.

Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients and fold in apples gently

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and your chosen spices. Add this dry mix into your wet ingredients and stir until just combined—don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with a dense cake. Then gently fold in those paper-thin apple slices. They break down slightly during baking but still give delightful bursts of fresh apple flavor. The batter will be thick, so don’t worry if it seems dense.

Step 4: Prepare the cinnamon sugar topping

In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, and grated cold salted butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the sugar until you get a clumpy, crumbly texture. This topping not only adds sweetness but forms a beautiful golden, crispy crust during baking—so don’t skip it!

Step 5: Bake and enjoy that cozy aroma!

Spread the batter evenly into your parchment-lined pan, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping across the surface, and bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden and crackly. Let it cool just a bit before serving so those flavors can settle. I love it warm with a pat of honey butter, but it’s delicious on its own too!

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is a generous smear of honey butter, which adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness. Sometimes I like to sprinkle a little powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream if I’m feeling fancy. Fresh apple slices or a pinch of cinnamon dusting on top also make for a pretty presentation and a flavorful touch.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai or cinnamon-spiced coffee to enhance those warm spice notes. For brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness. I’ve also loved it with sharp cheddar cheese as an unexpected but amazing combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve turned this cake into mini servings by baking it in a muffin tin—perfect for parties or grab-and-go treats. Another idea is layering it with whipped cream and caramel sauce in a trifle bowl for a show-stopping dessert. Wrapping a slice in parchment tied with twine makes a charming gift too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating is best to avoid spoilage, though it can slightly dry out the edges.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave to bring back that fresh-baked charm.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. Adding a little extra honey butter or a drizzle of maple syrup after reheating works wonders to revive moisture and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe has become one of my go-to crowd-pleasers because it’s just so comforting and delicious without any fuss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s that kind of recipe that makes you smile while baking and feel cozy after the first bite. Give it a try and share it with the people you love; I bet it’ll become a favorite for your kitchen, too.

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