Go Back

Apple Cinnamon Cake

This apple cinnamon cake is a fall favorite that features a tender, moist crumb paired with chunks of apple and a warming spice blend. The cinnamon-sugar topping creates a slight crisp, caramelized crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, this cake is surprisingly straightforward to make.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190g)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened (115g)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (50g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons non-alcoholic vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt (120ml)
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced about 1 ½ cups
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar for topping
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for topping
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts optional, for topping

Equipment

  • 8-inch cake pan
  • Medium bowl
  • Mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch cake pan by greasing and lightly flouring it.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if using).
  3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about two minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in the non-alcoholic vanilla extract.
  5. Fold in the dry ingredients alternately with the sour cream (or plain yogurt), mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix together the topping ingredients: brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter; if desired, scatter the chopped nuts on top.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan before serving.

Notes

This apple cinnamon cake is versatile and straightforward to make. You can easily substitute sour cream with plain yogurt, or use coconut oil and coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version. For gluten-free needs, swap in gluten-free flour with a pinch of xanthan gum. The cake is best enjoyed fresh with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.