Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy fall treat that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to adore this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out because it’s packed with tender apples, fragrant spices, and a perfectly sweet cinnamon sugar topping that creates a little crunchy surprise on every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want a special weekend dessert, this cake is foolproof and so comforting — just like grandma used to make, but easier!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe is how effortlessly these ingredients come together to create something magical. Each one plays a role, from the apples delivering crisp freshness to the apple butter boosting moistness and depth of flavor. Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll want on hand, plus a few tips to help you pick the best options.

• Apple cider: Look for fresh, unsweetened apple cider; it’s key for that authentic fall flavor and the reduction step intensifies its sweetness perfectly.
• Coconut oil: I love using melted coconut oil here for a subtle richness and moisture — plus, it keeps the cake tender without heaviness.
• Vanilla extract: Real vanilla is best — it brings warmth and rounds out the spices beautifully.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure to the cake; using a large egg works best for this recipe’s texture.
• Honey or maple syrup: Either works wonderfully here; I sometimes alternate depending on what I have, and each brings its own nuance of sweetness.
• Apple butter: This ingredient makes the cake incredibly moist and amplifies the apple flavor without extra liquid.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation — you can swap with whole wheat or gluten-free blends, but it might change the texture a bit.
• Baking soda: Gives your cake that gentle rise and fluffy crumb.
• Kosher salt: Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the spices.
• Apple or pumpkin pie spice: This seasonal spice mix is why this cake tastes like fall in every bite; feel free to adjust the amount to your liking!
• Honeycrisp apples: I love using Honeycrisp for their crisp texture and sweet-tart balance that holds up well when baked thinly sliced.
• Cold salted butter: Grated to form the signature crumbly cinnamon sugar topping — it’s what makes this cake extra special.
• Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon and butter for that addictive crunchy topping.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice of the show; it pairs perfectly with the apples and sugar.

Variations

I like keeping this recipe flexible so you can make it your own. You’ll find it’s easy to switch things up without losing that cozy feel. Here’s how you might tailor this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend before – the texture is slightly different but still wonderfully moist and comforting.
• Spice it Up: Some days I add a pinch of ground nutmeg or clove to the pie spice mix, which amps up the warm flavor profile.
• Fruit Swap: If apples aren’t available, sliced pears work beautifully too, lending a softer sweetness.
• Sweetener Choice: Honey and maple syrup both create great results; maple syrup offers a deeper, more robust flavor.
• Butter Topping Alternative: For dairy-free, I’ve used cold vegan butter to similar success on the cinnamon sugar crust.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider for Flavor Depth

Set your oven to preheat at 350° F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Start by bringing 1½ cups of apple cider to a boil over high heat. This reduction step is a game-changer because it condenses the cider’s sweetness and intensifies its flavor. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until it’s reduced to about ½ cup. Remove it from heat and cool it down before mixing it into the batter — hot cider can scramble eggs if you add it too soon!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients Gently but Thoroughly

In a large bowl, whisk together the reduced apple cider, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, egg, honey or maple syrup, and apple butter. I like to stir just enough to combine without overworking it — overmixing can make the cake tough. This blend will smell heavenly and set the tone for your cake’s moist, tender crumb.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Fold in the Apples

Next, sift or add in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, spice mix, and salt. Stir these into the wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t fret if the batter feels thick — that’s exactly what you want here. Gently fold in the very thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, distributing them evenly. This step keeps the apples tender while baking and ensures each slice is cushioned by that delicious batter.

Step 4: Prepare Your Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cold grated salted butter. Mix them with your fingers until the mixture looks clumpy and crumbly — this is your signature sugary crust. Once your batter is in the pan, sprinkle this topping evenly over the surface. Trust me, it adds that perfect sweet crunch that my family goes crazy for!

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy the Aromas of Fall

Bake the cake for 30 to 40 minutes until it’s just set — you want to see it pull away slightly from the edges and have a golden brown top. Don’t overbake or it might dry out. When it’s ready, I like to serve this cake warm with a little honey butter (you can find a quick recipe in my notes) — it truly elevates this humble apple cake into something spectacular.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping slices of this apple cake with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream — it melts into the warm cake so beautifully. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted nuts adds a nice touch too. If you want to get fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving always impresses guests.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee, making it a perfect pairing for brunch or afternoon tea. For something heartier, I’ve served it alongside a sharp cheddar cheese plate — the sweet and savory combo wins every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For fall parties, I’ve cut this cake into mini squares and served them on a rustic wooden board with fall leaves and cinnamon sticks as decor. You can also invert the cake onto a platter to showcase the crunchy cinnamon sugar crust on top. Adding edible flowers or apple slices as garnish brings a lovely visual pop for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge; it keeps well for up to 4 days. Before serving leftovers, I like to let it come to room temperature for 20 minutes to bring back some of the softness.

Freezing

Freezing this apple cake works great if you want to save some for later. I slice it into portions, wrap each one tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want a slice, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds or reheat it in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This revives the cinnamon sugar topping’s crunch and warms the cake deliciously without drying it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe, I honestly struggled to find a fall dessert that felt both special and simple enough for any day of the week. Now it’s a family favorite we come back to again and again — the kind of cake that fills the kitchen with warm, cozy scents and brings everyone to the table. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do. So grab your apples, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake up some serious happiness!

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