When the leaves start to turn and there’s a crispness in the air, nothing beats the comforting aroma of a freshly baked Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake. This delightful treat combines the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with a fluffy cake base and a crunchy cinnamon topping, making it the perfect apple dessert for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate. The combination of moist, fluffy apple cake and the irresistible cinnamon topping creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require any fancy equipment or techniques.
Ingredients
For the Apple Cake:
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330 g (1 1/2 cups) brown sugar
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80 ml (1/3 cup) oil (canola, vegetable, or olive)
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1 large egg
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240 ml (1 cup) buttermilk or 240 ml milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp baking soda
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312 g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
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2 1/2 cups chopped Honeycrisp apples (approx. 2 medium apples)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
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100 g (1/2 cup) white sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
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14 g (1 tbsp) melted butter
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, oil, egg, buttermilk (or milk + vinegar), vanilla, and baking soda until just combined.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the flour until incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
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Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to form a crumbly topping.
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Assemble Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle or spread the cinnamon sugar topping over the batter.
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Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as is, or top with honey butter or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Cake
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Apple Choice: Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their sweet-tart flavor and firm texture, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji.
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Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
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Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Personal Touch
This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake has become a staple in my kitchen during the fall season. The first time I baked it, the delightful aroma filled the house, drawing my family into the kitchen with eager anticipation. Their smiles after the first bite confirmed that this recipe was a keeper. Now, it’s our go-to dessert for family gatherings and cozy evenings.
What to Serve with This Apple Cake
This versatile cake can be enjoyed in various ways:
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Breakfast Treat: Pair a slice with your morning coffee for a sweet start to the day.
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Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a piece as a midday pick-me-up.
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Dessert Delight: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Store
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Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
A: Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are recommended, feel free to use your favorite variety. Just keep in mind that different apples may alter the sweetness and texture of the cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, this cake stores well and can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store it properly to maintain its freshness.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
A: While this recipe hasn’t been tested with gluten-free flour, you can try substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Results may vary.
This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is the epitome of comfort food, combining the sweet and tart flavors of apples with the warm spice of cinnamon. Its fluffy texture and crunchy topping make it a standout apple dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this cake is a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion.
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Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake: The Cozy Apple Dessert You’ll Bake All Fall Long
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is a warm, cozy dessert made with sweet Honeycrisp apples, a fluffy, moist cake base, and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. It’s perfect for chilly days, family gatherings, or any time you crave a comforting apple treat.
Ingredients
For the Apple Cake:
-
330 g (1 1/2 cups) brown sugar
-
80 ml (1/3 cup) oil (canola, vegetable, or olive)
-
1 large egg
-
240 ml (1 cup) buttermilk or 240 ml milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 tsp baking soda
-
312 g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
-
2 1/2 cups chopped Honeycrisp apples (approx. 2 medium apples)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
-
100 g (1/2 cup) white sugar
-
1 tsp cinnamon
-
14 g (1 tbsp) melted butter
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 325°F (163°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking dish.
-
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, oil, egg, buttermilk (or milk + vinegar), vanilla, and baking soda until just combined.
-
Add Flour: Gradually stir in flour until fully incorporated. Do not overmix.
-
Fold in Apples: Gently fold in chopped Honeycrisp apples.
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Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
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Assemble Cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top. Evenly sprinkle topping over the batter.
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Bake: Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature. Add honey butter or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
Honeycrisp apples offer great flavor and texture, but Granny Smith or Fuji work well too.
Avoid overmixing the batter for a lighter cake.
This cake is delicious warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cake, cinnamon apple dessert, fall baking, easy apple cake, honeycrisp dessert