Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe for Fall

Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake for Fall

This easy cinnamon apple cake embodies everything wonderful about autumn baking. It brings together the comforting warmth of cinnamon with the juicy sweetness of fresh apples, creating a homemade apple cake that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying to eat. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed to be straightforward, delivering a moist apple cake perfect for any occasion. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with the cozy essence of fall, making it an instant family favorite.

Crafting this delightful dessert doesn’t require a whole day. We’ve streamlined the process to ensure you get maximum flavor with minimal fuss, proving that a truly delicious fall dessert doesn’t have to be complicated. The beauty of this easy apple cake lies in its humble ingredients, transforming them into a cake that tastes like pure comfort. For more sweet ideas, explore our other dessert recipes, like our Quick Italian Cream Cake, perfect for celebrating.

Recipe Preparation Time

Expect to spend approximately 20-25 minutes on recipe preparation. This includes peeling and dicing your apples, measuring out all the dry and wet ingredients, and getting your baking pan ready. Having all your ingredients prepped and laid out before you begin mixing will make the baking process much smoother and more enjoyable, helping you achieve that moist apple cake texture effortlessly. A little organization goes a long way towards a perfect homemade apple cake.

Recipe Cooking Time

The baking time for this cinnamon apple cake typically ranges from 45-55 minutes. This duration allows the cake to bake through evenly, developing a beautiful golden-brown crust and a tender, moist crumb inside. Keep an eye on your oven, as cooking times can vary slightly. We’ll discuss how to check for doneness later to ensure your cake is baked to perfection.

Cake Servings

This easy apple cake recipe yields about 8-10 servings. The exact number can depend on how generously you slice the cake. It’s an ideal size for a family dessert, a small gathering, or even to enjoy over a few days. If you’re planning for a larger crowd, you might consider doubling the recipe and baking it in two separate pans, or a larger bundt pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Gathering Ingredients for Cake

The success of your easy apple cake starts with quality ingredients. For this delightful fall dessert recipe, we focus on fresh, accessible items that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Having everything ready before you start mixing is key to a smooth baking process. Think of it as setting the stage for your baking performance – a well-prepared stage leads to a flawless show!

Choosing the right apples is crucial for a great moist apple cake. Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn work wonderfully as they hold their shape during baking and offer a nice contrast to the sweet cake batter. This careful selection ensures your homemade apple cake boasts delightful pockets of tender fruit throughout, making every bite a joy. Consider visiting your local farmer’s market for the freshest seasonal produce.

Wet Ingredients List

These ingredients form the rich, moist base of your cinnamon apple cake:

• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, it provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A combination adds depth of flavor and moisture. Brown sugar contributes to the cake’s autumnal hue.
• Large Eggs: At room temperature, they bind the ingredients and add structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a fragrant note to your homemade apple cake.
• Milk (or buttermilk): Adds moisture and helps activate the leavening agents for a fluffy texture.

Dry Ingredients List

These dry components give your easy apple cake its structure and signature spice:

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary building block for the cake’s structure.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Leavening agents that work together to give the cake its lift and tender texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that pairs perfectly with apples, giving this fall dessert recipe its comforting aroma. Learn more about this fragrant spice on Wikipedia’s cinnamon page.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Nutmeg (optional): A dash can add an extra layer of warm spice complexity.

Special Mix-ins

These additions transform a plain cake into a spectacular cinnamon apple cake:

• Fresh Apples: Peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces. As mentioned, Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are excellent choices for their flavor and texture when baked. The fruit is central to this simple apple dessert, so choose wisely. For more on this versatile fruit, visit Wikipedia’s apple page.
• Chopped Walnuts (optional): Provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apples and cinnamon. Pecans or even slivered almonds can be used as alternatives, or omitted entirely for a nut-free option.

Prep Steps for Easy Apple Cake

Before you even think about mixing, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your easy apple cake bakes perfectly. These preliminary steps are crucial for achieving the desired texture and preventing any baking mishaps. Don’t rush these initial stages; they set the foundation for a truly moist apple cake that everyone will love. Taking the time here saves time and frustration later, guaranteeing a smooth baking experience from start to finish. This is part of what makes it a simple apple dessert.

Proper oven temperature and pan preparation are often overlooked but are fundamental to consistent baking results. An oven that isn’t preheated correctly can lead to uneven baking, while an improperly prepared pan can cause sticking, ruining the beautiful presentation of your homemade apple cake. So, let’s get these crucial first steps right, setting you up for success with this delightful fall dessert recipe.

Preheat Oven Correctly

Always begin by preheating your oven to the specified temperature, which for this recipe is usually around 350°F (175°C). It’s important to allow your oven at least 15-20 minutes to fully reach and stabilize at this temperature. Baking in an oven that hasn’t fully preheated can result in a cake that doesn’t rise properly or bakes unevenly. A consistent temperature from the start is vital for the cake’s texture and overall doneness.

Prepare Baking Pan

For this cinnamon apple cake, a 9×13 inch baking pan is ideal. To prevent sticking and ensure easy removal, properly prepare your pan:

1. Grease: Lightly grease the inside of the pan with butter, shortening, or cooking spray, making sure to get into all the corners.
2. Flour: Dust the greased pan with a thin layer of all-purpose flour. Tilt and tap the pan to coat all surfaces, then invert it and tap out any excess flour.
3. Parchment Paper (optional but recommended): For extra assurance, especially with a moist apple cake, you can line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper after greasing and flouring. This makes lifting the cake out incredibly easy once it’s cooled.

This careful preparation ensures that your fall dessert recipe comes out of the pan clean and intact, ready for slicing and serving.

Mixing Wet Ingredients Smoothly

The foundation of a truly moist and tender easy apple cake lies in how you combine the wet ingredients. This stage is all about incorporating air and creating a creamy base that will eventually cradle the apples and spices. Taking your time here will contribute significantly to the lightness and texture of your finished homemade apple cake. Rushing this step can lead to a dense or uneven crumb, so patience is key.

Creaming butter and sugar effectively, followed by beating in eggs, introduces air into the mixture. This aeration helps the cake rise beautifully and contributes to that desirable soft texture characteristic of a perfect fall dessert recipe. It’s a simple technique that makes a big difference, transforming basic components into a rich, flavorful batter for your cinnamon apple cake.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with both granulated sugar and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This process, known as creaming, can take 3-5 minutes. It’s crucial because it incorporates air into the butter and sugar crystals, which helps to tenderize the cake and create a light, open crumb. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure even mixing.

Beat in Eggs and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugars are creamed, add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures each egg is fully incorporated into the mixture, creating a smooth emulsion. After the eggs, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla will infuse the batter with its warm, aromatic notes, complementing the cinnamon and apple flavors. Continue mixing until the batter is well combined and has a smooth, creamy consistency. Avoid overmixing at this stage, but ensure everything is thoroughly blended before moving on to the dry ingredients for your moist apple cake.

Adding Dry Mix to Cake Batter

Successfully incorporating the dry ingredients into your easy apple cake batter is a delicate balance. The goal is to combine everything just enough to create a cohesive mixture without overmixing, which can lead to a tough cake. This stage is crucial for developing the cake’s structure and ensuring a tender, moist apple cake. Pay close attention to the texture and consistency as you blend, ensuring all the flavors of this fall dessert recipe are evenly distributed.

Whisking dry ingredients together before adding them to the wet mixture prevents lumps and ensures that leavening agents and spices are evenly dispersed throughout the batter. This step is often overlooked but is fundamental for a uniform rise and consistent flavor in every bite of your homemade apple cake. Then, gentle folding is key to maintaining the airy texture you’ve built in the previous steps.

Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and any optional nutmeg. Whisking these dry ingredients thoroughly serves several purposes: it breaks up any lumps in the flour, evenly distributes the leavening agents so your cinnamon apple cake rises uniformly, and ensures that every slice carries the perfect balance of spice. This quick step is essential for a consistent, flavorful crumb.

Combine Wet and Dry

Now, it’s time to bring the two mixtures together. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two or three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed, or by hand with a spatula, until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in a dense and tough cake rather than the light and moist apple cake you desire. A few streaks of flour are acceptable; they will disappear during the next step. This gentle approach helps maintain the tender texture of your fall dessert recipe.

Folding in Apples and Walnuts

This is where your easy apple cake truly gets its characteristic flavor and texture. Folding in the special mix-ins correctly ensures that every slice has a delightful distribution of tender apples and crunchy walnuts. It’s an exciting step that transforms a simple batter into a vibrant, fruit-filled creation. The gentle folding technique is essential to maintain the airy structure you’ve carefully built, ensuring a truly moist apple cake.

The choice of apples and the optional addition of walnuts are what make this a standout fall dessert recipe. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of the apples, combined with the warm spice of cinnamon, create an irresistible aroma and taste. For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies or Blueberry Muffin Cookies with Streusel.

Gently Fold in Apples

Once your batter is just combined, it’s time to incorporate the diced fresh apples. Gently fold them into the batter using a rubber spatula. Do this carefully to avoid bruising the apple pieces and to prevent deflating the air you’ve incorporated into the batter. The goal is to distribute the apples evenly throughout the batter so that each bite of your homemade apple cake contains a delightful piece of fruit. Ensure the apples are well-coated but do not overmix. This step ensures that the apples remain tender and moist within the baked cinnamon apple cake.

Add Walnuts for Crunch

If you’re including them, now is the time to add the chopped walnuts. Fold them in gently along with the apples. The walnuts provide a wonderful textural contrast, adding a pleasant crunch that complements the soft cake and tender apples. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, or prefer a different nut, pecans work equally well. For a nut-free option, simply omit them. The beauty of this easy apple cake is its adaptability to your personal preferences, ensuring every fall dessert recipe is perfect for you.

Baking Your Cinnamon Apple Cake

With your batter perfectly prepared and infused with the delightful flavors of fall, the next critical step is baking your cinnamon apple cake. This stage is where all your careful preparation comes to fruition, transforming the raw batter into a golden, aromatic, and irresistibly moist apple cake. Proper technique in pouring the batter and monitoring the oven is essential for achieving a beautifully baked result that will be the star of any gathering. This simple apple dessert is almost ready to impress!

Every oven behaves a little differently, so knowing your oven and keeping an eye on the cake as it bakes are key. The goal is an even bake throughout, with a lovely golden-brown top and a perfectly cooked interior. Get ready to fill your home with the inviting scent of a homemade apple cake, a true hallmark of the autumn season. For more culinary inspiration, consider checking out our Pinterest page for visual ideas.

Pour Batter Evenly

Carefully pour the prepared cinnamon apple cake batter into your greased and floured (and possibly parchment-lined) 9×13 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan, ensuring it reaches into all corners. A level surface helps the cake bake uniformly, preventing some parts from being undercooked or overcooked. Gently tap the pan on your counter a couple of times to release any large air bubbles, further contributing to an even bake and a beautifully presented homemade apple cake.

Oven Baking Time

Place the pan in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). The baking time for this easy apple cake will typically be between 45 and 55 minutes. Begin checking for doneness around the 45-minute mark. The cake should be golden brown on top, and the edges should start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan. The delicious aroma of apples and cinnamon will also become quite pronounced, signaling that your fall dessert recipe is nearing completion. Resist the urge to open the oven door too frequently during the first 30 minutes, as this can cause the cake to sink.

Checking Cake Doneness and Cooling

Knowing when your easy apple cake is perfectly baked is crucial for achieving that desired moist and tender texture. An underbaked cake can be gummy, while an overbaked one might be dry. This section outlines the simple steps to ensure your cinnamon apple cake is just right, followed by the essential cooling process that contributes to its final structure and flavor. Proper cooling prevents the cake from becoming dense and allows the flavors to settle, making it a truly exceptional fall dessert recipe.

Patience during the cooling phase is a virtue. Rushing this step can lead to a crumbled cake or one that sticks to the pan. Allow your homemade apple cake to cool gradually, as it continues to set and firm up, ensuring a clean transfer and a beautiful presentation. These final steps are just as important as the mixing and baking for a perfect simple apple dessert.

Toothpick Test for Cake

To check if your cake is done, insert a clean wooden toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached (but no wet batter), your easy apple cake is ready. If the toothpick has wet batter, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, then test again. Avoid poking too many holes, as this can release steam and dry out the cake. This reliable test ensures your moist apple cake is baked through without being overcooked.

Cool Cake in Pan

Once your cinnamon apple cake passes the toothpick test, remove it from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. This initial cooling period allows the cake to firm up slightly and finish baking gently from the residual heat. It also helps prevent the cake from breaking apart when you attempt to remove it, especially for a delicate, moist apple cake. Don’t skip this step; it’s vital for maintaining the cake’s structure.

Transfer to Wire Rack

After the initial cooling in the pan, carefully invert the pan onto the wire rack, lift the pan off, and then invert the cake again so it’s right-side up on the rack. Allow the homemade apple cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. Cooling on a wire rack ensures air circulation all around the cake, preventing condensation on the bottom that could make it soggy. A fully cooled cake is easier to slice cleanly and tastes even better as the flavors have had time to meld, making this fall dessert recipe truly shine.

Serving Your Cinnamon Apple Cake

Your easy cinnamon apple cake is baked to perfection and cooled, and now comes the most rewarding part: serving it! This delightful fall dessert recipe is incredibly versatile, tasting fantastic on its own or elevated with simple accompaniments. Whether you prefer it warm and comforting or cool and refreshing, there are many ways to present this homemade apple cake to your family and guests. It’s a simple apple dessert that truly delivers on flavor and coziness.

Consider the occasion. A warm slice with ice cream is ideal for a cozy evening, while a cool slice might be perfect for an afternoon treat. The rich flavors of cinnamon and apple truly shine through, making this moist apple cake a memorable finish to any meal. This section offers ideas to make your serving experience as enjoyable as the baking itself.

Serve Warm or Cool

This cinnamon apple cake is delicious served either warm or at room temperature. Many people prefer it slightly warm, as the warmth enhances the aromas of the cinnamon and makes the apples even more tender. You can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if desired. Serving it cool, however, allows the flavors to fully meld and the cake to firm up, making for cleaner slices. Both options are delightful for this easy apple cake, so choose what suits your preference!

Topping Ideas

While the cake is fantastic on its own, a few simple toppings can elevate this fall dessert recipe to new heights:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over a warm slice of cake is a classic pairing.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast.
• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce complements the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully.
• Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar makes for an elegant and easy presentation.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: For a richer treat, a light cream cheese frosting can turn this simple apple dessert into a decadent experience.

Experiment with these options to find your favorite way to enjoy this moist apple cake.

Storing Leftover Apple Cake

If by some miracle you have any leftover easy cinnamon apple cake, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and delicious. This homemade apple cake is just as delightful the next day, and with a few simple tips, you can enjoy its moist texture and rich flavors for days to come. Knowing how to store your fall dessert recipe correctly ensures that every slice remains as enjoyable as the first, preserving its quality and taste.

Whether you plan to finish it within a few days or save it for a special occasion far down the line, we have options to extend the life of your moist apple cake. From room temperature solutions to freezing for future indulgence, these storage methods will help you maximize your enjoyment of this simple apple dessert.

Room Temperature Storage

For short-term storage, your easy apple cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Ensure it is stored in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. A cake dome or a resealable plastic container works perfectly. Place it on your counter away from direct sunlight or heat. This method keeps the cinnamon apple cake moist and ready for a quick snack or dessert.

Refrigeration Tips

If you want to extend the freshness of your homemade apple cake, or if it has any cream-based toppings like cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is your best bet. Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. While refrigeration can sometimes slightly alter the texture of cakes, this moist apple cake holds up quite well. Allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature or warm them gently before serving for the best experience.

Freezing for Later

For longer storage, this easy apple cake freezes beautifully. To freeze, ensure the cake is completely cooled. You can freeze it whole, in halves, or individual slices. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply unwrap and let it sit at room temperature for several hours, or overnight in the refrigerator. This is a fantastic way to prepare a fall dessert recipe in advance or save some for a later craving.

Delicious Variations for Cake

While the classic easy cinnamon apple cake is perfect as is, it also lends itself beautifully to creative variations. This section explores how you can adapt the original recipe to suit different dietary needs or simply to try a new flavor profile. These adjustments ensure that everyone can enjoy a slice of this comforting fall dessert recipe, making your homemade apple cake even more versatile and inclusive. Whether you have allergies or just want to experiment, these ideas offer exciting new possibilities for your moist apple cake.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with these simple modifications. Baking is an art, and personalizing a simple apple dessert like this can be incredibly rewarding. From changing flour types to swapping out key ingredients, these variations prove that a great recipe can evolve to meet diverse preferences without sacrificing flavor.

Nut-Free Option

If you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy, simply omit the chopped walnuts from the recipe. The cake will still be incredibly flavorful and moist, with the apples and cinnamon taking center stage. You can also add other mix-ins that are safe, such as dried cranberries, raisins, or chocolate chips, for an alternative texture and burst of flavor in your easy apple cake.

Gluten-Free Swap

To make this cinnamon apple cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount (by weight) of a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/2 teaspoon per cup of flour if it doesn’t. Follow the rest of the instructions as written. The result will be a delicious and moist apple cake that caters to gluten sensitivities without compromising on taste. Be sure to check all other ingredients for hidden gluten.

Vegan Cake Adaptation

Making a vegan version of this fall dessert recipe is easier than you might think. Here are some simple swaps:

• Butter: Use a plant-based butter substitute (stick form works best for creaming).
• Eggs: Replace each large egg with a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken) or a commercial egg replacer according to package directions.
• Milk: Use any non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk.

These adaptations will allow you to create a delightful vegan homemade apple cake that’s just as tender and flavorful as the original. Follow our Instagram for more recipe inspiration!

Quick Look at Cake Nutrition

Understanding the nutritional aspects of your easy cinnamon apple cake can be helpful, especially if you’re mindful of your dietary intake. While this fall dessert recipe is certainly a treat, it’s good to have a general idea of what each slice provides. This information is based on typical ingredient values and an average serving size, offering a snapshot of the energy and nutrients in your homemade apple cake. It’s a simple apple dessert that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Keep in mind that exact nutritional values can vary significantly based on specific brands of ingredients used, the type of apples, and how large your slices are. This quick overview serves as a general guide for the moist apple cake, not a precise dietary analysis.

Calories Per Slice

On average, one slice of this easy apple cake (assuming 8-10 servings per cake) typically contains approximately 300-350 calories. This estimate includes the sugar, butter, flour, and natural sugars from the apples. Remember that adding toppings like ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce will increase the caloric content per serving. This simple apple dessert is perfect for enjoying as part of a balanced diet.