Name: Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 22 reviews

I’m so excited to share this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe with you—it’s one of those cozy, comfort-food desserts that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The combination of tender apples and fragrant cinnamon creates a flavor that’s absolutely timeless, making it perfect for everything from afternoon tea to holiday gatherings.

What makes this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe really special is how simple it is to pull together, yet it results in a moist, flavorful cake that your whole family will love. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a casual weekend treat, or just because you’re craving something sweet and spiced, this cake never disappoints. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to in your baking repertoire.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Moistness: Greek yogurt and oil keep the cake incredibly moist without being heavy.
Balanced Sweetness: The cinnamon sugar topping adds sweetness and spice without overpowering the apple’s natural flavor.
Easy Prep: No fancy techniques needed—just simple mixing makes this recipe friendly for beginner bakers.
Versatility: Great for breakfast, dessert, or snack time, fitting a variety of occasions.

A round cake with a rough, golden brown crust sits in the center of a white plate. The top of the cake is uneven and textured, with swirls of white icing drizzled thinly across the surface in an irregular pattern. The cake looks soft inside with a slightly crispy outside layer. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe plays a role in creating that tender crumb and warm flavor we all love. Knowing why helps you feel confident while baking and opens the door to making your own adjustments.

Plain flour: Provides structure while keeping the crumb tender; I find all-purpose flour works perfectly here.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise beautifully and create a light texture.
Salt: Just a pinch highlights all the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Caster sugar: Sweetens without graininess; using caster sugar creates a finer texture compared to granulated.
Apple: Adds natural moisture and subtle tartness; I recommend using a crisp red apple like Gala or Fuji for the best flavor.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a warm, familiar note.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist; I avoid butter here for a more delicate crumb.
Greek yogurt: Adds tangy moisture and a lovely soft texture, making the cake extra luscious.
Cinnamon topping: A simple mix of cinnamon, sugar, and butter adds a sweet spice kick that perfectly complements the apple.
Sugar glaze: The final touch that adds a hint of sweetness and makes the cake look irresistible.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. You really can’t go wrong experimenting, and that’s part of the fun!

Variation: Sometimes I swap Greek yogurt for sour cream for an extra tangy note that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
Dietary Modifications: I’ve tested using almond flour in part to cut back on gluten, but I recommend starting with a 50/50 mix for the best texture.
Additional Mix-ins: Adding chopped walnuts or raisins is a nice twist if you want extra texture and flavor.
Seasonal Changes: Try adding a handful of cranberries or swapping apples for pears in the fall for a lovely seasonal spin.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Everything Before You Start

Before you do anything, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper—I like using both grease and paper to make sure the cake comes out perfectly without sticking. Then, get all your ingredients ready and chopped. I always peel and roughly chop the apple ahead of time so it’s ready to toss in.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients with Apples

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Then add the chopped apples into the dry mixture and stir briefly—this keeps the apples evenly distributed so they don’t all sink to the bottom of the cake. Flour coating the apples also prevents them from making the batter too wet.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, lightly whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, oil, and Greek yogurt just enough to break up the yolks and combine everything. You don’t need to overdo it here—just enough to bring these ingredients together.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Using a wooden spoon, gently fold everything together just until combined—avoid overmixing here to keep the cake tender and soft. The batter will be a bit lumpy, and that’s exactly how you want it.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Topping and Bake

Mix together the cinnamon topping ingredients—caster sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter—until the mixture is lumpy and wet. Sprinkle this evenly over the cake batter in the pan. Pop it in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. I usually start checking around 30 minutes so it doesn’t overbake.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Once out of the oven, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. The last step is the glaze, which is simple—just mix the icing sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk and stir until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. Drizzle over the cake to finish, adding just the right amount of sweet shine.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overmix: Mixing the batter too much can make the cake dense—gentle folding is key.
Apple Prep Matters: I always peel the apple because the cake turns out smoother and less bitter.
Watch Your Bake Time: Ovens vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes early to avoid drying it out.
Cooling Completely: Let the cake cool fully before glazing so the icing doesn’t melt off—it makes a prettier finish.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

A round, single-layer golden brown cake sits on a white plate, its surface textured with a slightly rough crumb. White glaze is being poured from a metal spoon in thin streams, creating a shiny, smooth layer with irregular lines spreading across the cake top. The background is a soft light blue while the plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple—a dusting of extra cinnamon on top of the glaze adds a beautiful touch, and sometimes I sprinkle some chopped toasted walnuts for a bit of crunch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside is an irresistible option if you’re serving it as dessert.

Side Dishes

For breakfast or brunch, a cup of hot coffee or chai pairs wonderfully with this cake. If serving it as dessert, I like to provide fresh fruit or a warm caramel sauce on the side to complement the cinnamon and apples.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had a lot of fun turning this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe into mini cupcakes for holiday parties by baking the batter in muffin tins and drizzling the glaze over each one. It’s also a fantastic layered cake if you’re feeling fancy—just slice the cake horizontally and add a cream cheese frosting with thin apple slices between layers for a wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Apple Cake keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, I usually refrigerate it—wrapped tightly to keep the cake moist—and it stays good for about 5 days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cake successfully by wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It’s best to freeze before adding the glaze. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, which warms the cake without drying it out. You can also heat in a low oven (about 150°C/300°F) for 5-8 minutes—just watch closely so it doesn’t overdo it.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While I prefer crisp and slightly tart apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp, you can experiment with Granny Smith for a sharper tang or Braeburn for sweetness. Just keep in mind that softer apples may make the cake a bit denser or moister.
Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with something else?

Yes! Sour cream is a great substitute and will add a similar tang and moisture. Plain yogurt works too, though it may slightly alter the texture. For dairy-free options, try coconut yogurt.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

The best test is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid waiting until the cake browns too much, as this can dry it out.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. I recommend substituting the flour 1:1 with a quality blend that contains xanthan gum for best results. Note that texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s my go-to when I want a simple yet soulful dessert that fills the house with amazing scents. Baking it always feels like a little act of love, and sharing it with friends just makes the experience even sweeter. I can’t wait for you to try it, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too!