Apple Cinnamon Cake: A Cozy Slice of Comfort
When the weather cools down and apples are in season, few things are as inviting as a warm, spiced cake fresh from the oven. This Apple Cinnamon Cake is the very definition of comfort baking — soft, moist, and loaded with tender apple chunks that melt into the batter while cinnamon fills your kitchen with the coziest aroma.
It’s a cake that works any time of year — not just fall. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or alongside a steaming mug of coffee or tea, it’s as versatile as it is nostalgic. Whether served plain, glazed, or dusted with powdered sugar, this cake always tastes like home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Tender – Sour cream (or yogurt) keeps the crumb soft and rich.
- Apple-Forward Flavor – Juicy chunks of fresh apples add natural sweetness and texture.
- Warm Spice Blend – Cinnamon (and optional nutmeg) create that nostalgic fall flavor.
- Versatile Presentation – Bake it in a sheet pan, bundt pan, or even muffin tins.
- Simple Pantry Staples – Easy ingredients you already have on hand.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9x13-inch baking pan (or bundt pan)
- Mixing bowls (one medium, one large)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack for cooling
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
Add-Ins:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture (for a crunchy crust)
- Powdered sugar dusting
- Simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk)
- Caramel drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9x13-inch pan (or a bundt pan for a fancier look).
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Mix in sour cream until smooth.
4. Combine Wet & Dry
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Add the Apples
- Gently fold in diced apples and nuts (if using).
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake
- Bake 35–40 minutes (for sheet cake) or 45–50 minutes (for bundt pan), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips
- Apple Choice Matters – Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix – Overmixing can make the cake dense. Fold gently.
- Add a Crunchy Top – Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra texture.
- Serve Warm – Slightly warm slices pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream.
Serving, Pairing & Storage
Serving Ideas:
- Top with whipped cream or caramel sauce.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or hot apple cider.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Storage:
- Store covered at room temperature up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days (bring to room temp before serving).
- Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
Easy Variations & Substitutions
- Add fruit: Swap in pears or a mix of apples and cranberries.
- Go nutty: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds add crunch.
- Healthier twist: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and yogurt alternatives.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake a day in advance — it actually gets more flavorful overnight.
Q: Can I use applesauce instead of apples?
Yes, but the texture changes — reduce sour cream by ¼ cup if adding applesauce.
Q: What’s the best pan to use?
A 9x13-inch pan is easiest, but a bundt pan makes a beautiful centerpiece.
Q: Can I make this into muffins?
Absolutely — bake in muffin tins for 20–22 minutes.
Apple Cinnamon Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch pan.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter with sugars. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in sour cream.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
- Fold in apples and nuts. Spread into pan.
- Bake 35–40 minutes (sheet pan) or 45–50 minutes (bundt pan).
- Cool slightly, then serve with glaze, powdered sugar, or caramel drizzle.
Notes