Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

I absolutely love how this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe brings the cozy flavors of autumn straight into your kitchen without any fuss. You’ll find the blend of apple cider, warm spices, and tender apples creates a comforting cake that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or alongside your afternoon tea. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the simple ingredients came together to create such a delightful treat.

This cake works beautifully any time you crave something sweet but not too heavy. What makes this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe special is its moist texture and that irresistible cinnamon sugar topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep close at hand.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe plays a key role to balance moisture, sweetness, and spice. Picking fresh apples and using good-quality spices really makes a difference here.

• Apple cider: Reduces down to intensify flavor and add natural sweetness.
• Coconut oil: Provides a subtle richness and keeps the cake moist.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm, cozy flavor profile.
• Large egg: Binds everything together perfectly.
• Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that add depth beyond regular sugar.
• Apple butter: Adds moisture and amplifies the apple flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The classic base giving structure to the cake.
• Baking soda: Helps the cake rise tenderly.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and boosts all flavors.
• Apple or pumpkin pie spice: The secret warm spice mix that makes this cake sing.
• Honeycrisp apples: Thinly sliced, they soften beautifully in the cake without turning mushy.
• Cold salted butter: Grated for the cinnamon sugar topping, creating that delightful crunch.
• Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon and butter for the signature topping.
• Ground cinnamon: For that classic cinnamon sugar flavor packed on top.

Variations

I love switching up this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe to suit the season or cravings. Feel free to swap in different sweeteners or mix up the spices to make it your own.

• Spice Blend Swap: I sometimes use pumpkin spice when apples are out of season, and it adds a lovely autumn vibe.
• Nuts or Dried Fruit: Adding chopped walnuts or raisins brings texture and a bit of surprise to the cake.
• Gluten-Free Version: Using a gluten-free flour blend works well, though the texture will be slightly different – still delicious!
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the egg with flaxseed egg and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly treat.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Then pour your apple cider into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until it’s thickened down to about half a cup. I discovered that this reduction concentrates the apple flavor and adds natural sweetness that really lifts the whole cake.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooled cider reduction, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, egg, honey (or maple syrup), and apple butter. Stir until everything’s smoothly blended. This mix creates the moist and flavorful base that keeps the cake tender.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold In Apples

Add the flour, baking soda, apple or pumpkin pie spice, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or the cake might turn dense. Then fold in the very thinly sliced apples. The batter will be quite thick, but that’s perfect for a dense, moist cake.

Step 4: Assemble and Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and grated cold salted butter. Use your fingers to mix until you get clumps—this clumpy sugar topping is what gives the cake that magical crunchy finish. Sprinkle it generously over the batter.

Step 5: Bake Until Just Set

Bake your cake for 30 to 40 minutes, checking at around 30 minutes. The surface should be set and the topping lightly browned. If you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake—this cake shines with its moist crumb.

Serve warm for the best experience, ideally with a dollop of salted honey butter, which I’ll explain how to make below. I promise, this little extra makes all the difference.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I always serve this cake with homemade salted honey butter. It’s super simple: just mix softened butter with honey and a pinch of sea salt. The sweet, salty butter melts deliciously over warm slices, making each bite sensational. You can also top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for a lovely finish.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai, black tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, I like to serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a simple green salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this cake with whipped cream and thin apple slices to serve as an apple trifle. It’s a showstopper! You can also cut the cake into small squares, drizzle with caramel sauce, and serve on a dessert platter for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, let the cake cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. I usually keep leftovers at room temperature for 2 days, which keeps the texture charmingly moist. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate it tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

This cake freezes really well! I slice it ahead of time and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you want a quick treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours and warm slightly before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, I pop slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or briefly in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil. This brings back the soft texture and melts any butter or honey butter you add on top.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe is one of those comforting delights I keep coming back to, especially as the weather cools down. Its simplicity combined with that melt-in-your-mouth texture and the special cinnamon sugar topping makes it feel homemade and thoughtful, even if you’re in a hurry. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the warm, spiced apple aroma filling your kitchen and the smiles it brings around your table.

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