There’s something about apple cake that instantly makes a home feel warm and inviting. The smell of cinnamon baking with fresh apples is the kind of aroma that feels like comfort, even before the first bite. This homemade cinnamon apple cake is soft, tender, and full of cozy fall flavor — the kind of dessert you bake when you want something homemade and comforting without too much effort. It’s simple, but it tastes like something special came out of the oven.
The batter comes together quickly, and the apples bake down into little pockets of sweetness that keep the cake moist and flavorful. It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy enough for a weekday and still lovely enough to bring to the table when guests are around. Even beginners can pull this off without stress, because the method is straightforward and forgiving. If you enjoy desserts that feel nostalgic and homemade, this cake is exactly that kind of treat — warm, lightly spiced, and wonderfully soft with every slice.
Ingredients
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2 cups of all-purpose flour
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1 tsp of baking powder
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1/2 tsp of baking soda
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1/2 tsp of salt
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1 tsp of ground cinnamon
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1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg
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1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup of granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp of vanilla extract
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1 cup of whole milk
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2 large apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work especially well)
Why This Cake Turns Out So Moist and Flavorful
What sets this cake apart is how much moisture comes from the apples themselves. Instead of just flavoring the batter, the diced apples are folded in so every slice gets little bursts of fruit. Choosing tart apples gives a nice balance to the sweetness of the cake, and the cinnamon ties everything together into a warm, bakery-style flavor. The texture is soft but not mushy, and the crumb stays tender even the next day — it actually tastes better once it’s fully cooled because the spices settle in.
This is also a cake you can easily personalize. A pinch more cinnamon, a splash of vanilla, or even a handful of nuts can make it feel more rustic or bakery-style depending on what you like. It freezes beautifully, too, so you can enjoy homemade dessert anytime without starting from scratch.
Baking Time, Prep Time, and Servings
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
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Baking Time: 35–40 minutes
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Total Time: about 1 hour
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Servings: 8–10 slices
Ingredient Notes
Apples
Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape during baking and give a nice contrast to the sweet cake. Honeycrisp also works well for a juicier texture.
Butter
Unsalted butter gives the richest flavor. If you use salted butter, simply reduce the added salt slightly.
Cinnamon
This is what gives the cake its warm “just baked” flavor. If you love spice, a pinch of cloves or allspice is a cozy addition.
Milk
Whole milk gives the cake tenderness and helps keep the crumb moist.
How to Make the Cake
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Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. -
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step really helps the cake rise and gives it a soft crumb. -
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. -
Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients gradually, alternating with the milk. Mix gently — just until everything is combined. -
Fold in the Apples
Gently stir in the diced apples so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. -
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Cool and Slice
Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
Storage
This cake stays soft and moist when stored properly.
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Room temperature: up to 3 days in an airtight container
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Refrigerator: up to 1 week, wrapped well
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Freezer: up to 3 months (wrap slices individually for easy thawing)
Variations and Simple Additions
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Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch
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Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar on top before baking for a light crust
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Stir in a pinch of ginger for a warmer spice blend
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Use a streusel topping if you prefer a bakery-style finish
Perfect Pairings
This cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea, a latte, or even a simple glass of milk. For serving guests, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream turns it into a cozy dessert that looks more dressed up than the effort required.
When to Serve
This cake feels especially perfect in cooler months, but it’s the kind of dessert you can enjoy year-round. It makes a lovely breakfast-style treat on the weekend, a snack in the afternoon, or a warm dessert after dinner. If you’re hosting, it also travels well and holds its structure, making it a great choice to bring along.
FAQs
Does apple cake need to be refrigerated?
It doesn’t have to be, but refrigeration helps it stay fresh longer.
Why can apple cake turn soggy?
If apples are too soft or overly wet, they can release more moisture than needed. Patting them lightly dry before adding helps.
Can I freeze apple cake?
Yes — it freezes very well. Just wrap slices individually.
Final Touch
This cinnamon apple cake is one of those simple bakes that feels like home — cozy, fragrant, and full of soft apple pieces in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t need fancy decoration or complicated steps to feel special. Just a warm slice and a comfortable moment to enjoy it.
