Hi there, I’m always on the lookout for simple and quick dessert recipes, and this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is one of my absolute favorites! It’s perfect for those moments when you want something homemade, warm, and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The smell of cinnamon and apples baking together is truly irresistible.
This cake is soft, moist, and filled with a warm cinnamon flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples. What I love about this recipe is how easily you can make it – no complicated steps, just straightforward ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat for yourself or need something to serve guests, this cake is versatile enough to fit any occasion.
The addition of apples not only adds a delightful fruity taste but also makes the cake extra moist. Topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar, this cake is a perfect balance of sweet and spiced. It’s incredibly easy to bake, and you won’t believe how quickly it comes together. Plus, it’s great for any season, especially when you’re craving a warm, homemade dessert. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive into the ingredients and the simple steps to create this delicious treat!
Ingredients + How to Bake the Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake
For this delicious cinnamon apple cake, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that come together perfectly to create a moist, flavorful treat. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Ingredients:
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2 medium-sized apples (any variety you prefer, I like to use Granny Smith for a bit of tartness)
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp ground cinnamon (plus more for sprinkling)
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½ tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup milk (whole or 2% for best results)
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1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent the apples from browning)
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Optional: powdered sugar for dusting on top
How to Bake:
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Prepare the Apples:
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Start by peeling and coring the apples. Then, cut them into small cubes or thin slices, depending on your preference. Place the cut apples in a small bowl and toss them with the lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent browning.
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these together until they’re evenly mixed.
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Mix Wet Ingredients:
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In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re well beaten. Add the vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
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Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake. The batter should be thick and smooth.
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Fold in Apples:
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Gently fold the prepared apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
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Prepare the Baking Pan:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
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Bake the Cake:
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Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking.
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Cool and Serve:
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Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cool, you can sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top for an added touch of flavor. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
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Now, you’re ready to enjoy a slice of this delicious cinnamon apple cake. It’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, or just as a quick treat whenever you’re craving something sweet. This cake is sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire!
How Long to Bake, How to Store Leftovers, Tips for Perfect Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake
How Long to Bake:
The baking time for this cinnamon apple cake is crucial to get the perfect texture and flavor. As mentioned, bake the cake for about 35 to 40 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, every oven is different, so it’s always a good idea to check on your cake a few minutes before the recommended time. The cake should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done. If it comes out wet with batter, give it a few more minutes.
How to Store Leftovers:
If you happen to have any leftover cake (which is unlikely because it’s so delicious!), you can store it easily to enjoy later. Simply wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate the cake, which will help it last for up to 5 days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it to avoid any moisture buildup.
For an extra special touch, try warming up individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds. The heat brings out the cinnamon aroma and gives it that freshly-baked feel!
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Apple Cake:
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Use the Right Apples: Choosing the right apples is key to getting the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake. However, Fuji or Honeycrisp apples also work great for a sweeter taste.
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Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake. It’s perfectly fine if there are a few lumps in the batter – that’s normal!
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Add More Spice: If you’re a fan of cinnamon, feel free to add a little extra cinnamon to the batter or even sprinkle some on top before baking. This will enhance the flavor and give your cake a more pronounced spiced aroma.
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For Extra Moisture: If you want an even moister cake, you can substitute the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce. This adds more apple flavor and helps retain moisture in the cake.
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Customize Your Toppings: While this cake is delicious on its own, you can elevate it with a few toppings. Try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you like a little crunch, toasted walnuts or pecans would make a perfect addition.
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Check the Cake Early: Since every oven is different, start checking your cake 5-10 minutes before the recommended baking time. If you notice the top getting too brown, cover it loosely with foil to prevent overbaking.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your cinnamon apple cake comes out perfectly every time, with the right texture, flavor, and aroma that everyone will love!
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Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake for a Quick Treat
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is the perfect quick treat for any occasion. It’s a simple, delicious cake that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of apples. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack, a family gathering, or even a last-minute dessert for guests, this cake is sure to impress. With its moist texture, subtle spice, and easy preparation, it’s a go-to recipe that everyone will love. Let’s dive right into the recipe!
Ingredients
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2 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp ground cinnamon (plus more for sprinkling)
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½ tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup milk (whole or 2% for best results)
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1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent the apples from browning)
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Optional: powdered sugar for dusting on top
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
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Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes or thin slices. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
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In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
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Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
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Gently fold in the apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Optional: Dust with powdered sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
Notes
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For a bit of crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans before baking.
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Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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Freeze the cake for up to 3 months if you have leftovers or want to prepare it ahead of time.
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If you like, substitute apples with pears for a variation of this recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?
Yes, absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a great choice due to their tartness, you can use other varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples. Just keep in mind that different apples will alter the flavor and sweetness level of the cake. If you prefer a sweeter cake, opt for a sweeter apple variety.
2. Can I substitute the vegetable oil with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, applesauce can replace the oil, which also adds a subtle apple flavor to the cake. Another option is using coconut oil, which will give the cake a slight coconut flavor.
3. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cinnamon apple cake gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose is suitable for baking and can replace regular flour in a 1:1 ratio. You may also want to add a binding agent like xanthan gum (if it’s not already included in your flour blend) to give the cake a better texture.
4. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake! If you have leftover cake or want to prepare it ahead of time, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the oven for a freshly-baked feel.