Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, fuss-free dessert that brings a warm hug in every bite, this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this cake balances tender apples with a sweet cinnamon sugar topping – it’s like autumn comfort in cake form. Whether you’re baking for a casual family night or a holiday gathering, this recipe always feels special without any stress.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients turned into the most deliciously moist and fragrant cake. You’ll find that using apple cider reduction and apple butter gives it a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Plus, the cinnamon sugar topping adds the perfect crunchy contrast, making this cake a total crowd-pleaser – trust me, my family goes crazy for it every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe contributes to that cozy, spiced apple flavor we all crave. Choosing fresh Honeycrisp apples really elevates the texture, and the apple cider reduction packs a punch of natural apple sweetness without being overpowering.

• Apple cider: Reducing this down concentrates the flavor and gives the cake a lovely moistness.
• Coconut oil: I like using melted coconut oil for a subtle richness and it keeps the cake light.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth that harmonizes with the spices.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and helps with structure – I always use a large, room-temp egg here.
• Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that give the cake a gentle sweetness without being too aggressive.
• Apple butter: This adds extra apple flavor and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, just regular plain flour works perfectly.
• Baking soda: Helps the cake rise nicely and gives a tender crumb.
• Kosher salt: A pinch balances the flavors and cuts through sweetness.
• Apple or pumpkin pie spice: This is the heart of the spice mix – be generous for that true cinnamon-apple vibe.
• Honeycrisp apples: Thinly sliced for tenderness and sweet, tart flavor – you can’t beat their crunch and juiciness.
• Cold salted butter: Grated on top with sugar for that addictive cinnamon sugar topping.
• Granulated sugar: Mixes with butter and cinnamon for the perfect sweet crunch.
• Ground cinnamon: Don’t hold back here — it’s what brings everything together.

Variations

I love personalizing this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Don’t hesitate to make it your own — that’s half the fun! Here are some of my favorite twists you might want to try.

• Spice it up: Once I swapped the apple pie spice for a mix heavy on nutmeg and a dash of cloves — it gave the cake a cozy holiday vibe my family adored.
• Swap apples: Sometimes I use tart Granny Smith apples for tang, or even pears for a unique twist.
• Gluten-free version: I’ve replaced the flour blend with a gluten-free 1-to-1 mix and it still turns out fantastic — just watch baking time closely.
• Vegan adaptation: Using flax eggs instead of eggs and a plant-based butter substitute works well if you want to keep it vegan-friendly.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the apple cider

Start by bringing the apple cider to a rolling boil in a small saucepan over high heat. I learned that simmering it for about 10 to 15 minutes until it’s reduced to half a cup really intensifies the apple flavor and prevents the cake from becoming soggy. Let it cool completely before using it in the batter — this step is a game changer for depth in flavor.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the cooled apple cider reduction, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, egg, honey or maple syrup, and apple butter until everything is nicely combined. Using room temperature ingredients here helps them incorporate more smoothly, creating a luscious batter. This is where the magic begins — it smells incredible already!

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients and fold in apples

Next, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and pie spice to the wet mixture. I like to sift or whisk the dry ingredients first to avoid any clumps and ensure even distribution. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix or the cake might turn out dense. Gently fold in those thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples at the end; the batter will be thick but that’s just right.

Step 4: Prepare the cinnamon sugar topping and bake

Spread the batter evenly into your parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish — I find the parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze. Then, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and grated cold salted butter with your fingers to create clumpy “crumbles.” Sprinkle that all over the batter generously. Bake in your preheated 350° F oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the cake is just set and golden on top. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid overbaking.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy warm

I love serving this cake warm with a dab of honey butter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s perfect for cozy mornings or comforting dessert moments. Trust me, this cake tastes best fresh from the oven, with the cinnamon sugar topping still crisp and the cake tender inside.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar over the slices just before serving for an extra sparkle. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey butter also turns this cake into a decadent treat that everyone asks for more of.

Side Dishes

This apple cake is lovely alongside a cup of hot tea or spiced latte – perfect for chilly afternoons. If you’re serving brunch, try pairing it with scrambled eggs or a sharp cheddar cheese plate to balance sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve assembled mini servings in clear glass jars layered with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans. It makes for a charming presentation that feels a little fancy but takes minimal extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover apple cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I’ve found it stays soft and flavorful, though the cinnamon sugar topping loses a bit of its crunch over time.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake either whole (wrapped well) or in individual slices. When I freeze slices, I pop them in freezer bags with parchment paper layers to prevent sticking. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer popping slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warming in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. It revives the cake’s moistness and brings back some crispness to the cinnamon sugar topping — like fresh-baked again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. It’s approachable, comforting, and packed with those classic flavors that remind me of cozy afternoons spent baking with loved ones. If you want a cake that feels homemade without a lot of fuss, I truly recommend giving this a try — I think you’ll love it as much as I do!

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