Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is soft, fluffy, and filled with juicy apple chunks, then finished with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. Simple to make with pantry staples, it’s the perfect dessert for fall—or anytime you’re craving a cozy, comforting treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Fresh apples add natural sweetness and moisture, while the cinnamon sugar topping bakes into a golden, crunchy crust. It’s easy enough for a weeknight bake but special enough for a holiday table. Plus, it pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apple Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar

• 1/3 cup oil (canola, vegetable, or olive oil)

• 1 egg

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon white vinegar)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 1/2 cups flour

• 2 1/2 cups chopped Honeycrisp apples (or other crisp apples)

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, oil, and egg until combined.

3. Stir in buttermilk, vanilla, and baking soda.

4. Add flour and mix until just combined—don’t overmix.

5. Gently fold in the chopped apples.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

7. Mix sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the topping, then sprinkle evenly over the batter.

8. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as-is or with honey butter, whipped cream, or ice cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Swap Honeycrisp apples with Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith for different flavors.

• Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for crunch.

• Stir in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.

• Replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

• Drizzle with caramel sauce for a richer finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven taste. You can also freeze individual slices, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it stays moist for several days, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Do I have to use buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, use the milk and vinegar substitute listed in the recipe.

What’s the best apple for this cake?

Honeycrisp is ideal, but any crisp, slightly sweet apple works well.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes, melted butter or coconut oil can replace the oil for a richer flavor.

How do I keep the topping crunchy?

Don’t cover the cake while it’s cooling, as steam can soften the topping.

Can I bake this in a smaller pan?

Yes, but the baking time may need adjusting. A square pan will make the cake taller and may take longer.

Is this cake very sweet?

It’s moderately sweet, with the apples adding natural sweetness and the topping giving a sugary crunch.

Can I add raisins or dried fruit?

Yes, fold them into the batter along with the apples.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in two pans, or use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is a simple yet irresistible dessert that celebrates the cozy flavors of apples and cinnamon. With its fluffy interior and crunchy topping, it’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or an afternoon treat. Serve it warm with a dollop of cream or a drizzle of honey butter, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.

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