Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe because it’s one of those magical desserts that brings everyone to the table. The mix of tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a sweet cider-infused batter creates a comforting slice of fall in each bite. Whether you’re making it for an afternoon snack, a weekend brunch, or a cozy family gathering, this cake always hits the spot.

When I first tried this recipe, what really stood out was how simple it was to prep and how the ingredients work beautifully together without much fuss. You’ll find that the cinnamon sugar topping adds the perfect crunch and extra burst of flavor that keeps everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe is definitely a keeper in your dessert rotation!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe calls for a handful of pantry staples combined with fresh apples for that irresistible flavor punch. Keep an eye out for Honeycrisp apples—they’re my favorite for their sweet-tart balance and crisp texture, but any firm apple will do.

• Apple cider: Reducing it concentrates the flavor, so your cake gets an extra apple-y sweetness.
• Melted coconut oil: Adds moisture and subtle richness while keeping things dairy-free if needed.
• Vanilla extract: Essential for depth and warmth in the batter.
• Large egg: Helps bind everything together.
• Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that blend beautifully with the spices.
• Apple butter: Boosts apple flavor and adds lovely moisture.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake.
• Baking soda: Gives the cake its lift and lightness.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Apple or pumpkin pie spice: The secret behind that warm, cozy spice profile—feel free to adjust to your taste.
• Honeycrisp apples: Thinly sliced for even baking and tender apple ribbons throughout.
• Cold salted butter: Grated for a flaky, cinnamon sugar topping that crisps up in the oven.
• Granulated sugar & cinnamon: Combined with butter, they create that classic sweet and spicy crunch on top.

Variations

I love giving this recipe little twists depending on the season or what I have in my pantry. Feel free to experiment and make this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe truly your own—you can’t go wrong with its forgiving nature!

• Use different apples: Gala or Fuji apples work nicely if Honeycrisp aren’t available, just adjust slices to your liking.
• Swap coconut oil for butter: Gives a richer flavor if you prefer a classic buttery cake.
• Add chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch that my family adores.
• Dairy-free or vegan options: Use vegan butter and a flax egg to make this treat plant-based without sacrificing taste.
• Adjust spices: Increase pumpkin pie spice to deepen the warmth or add a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Reduce Your Apple Cider

Start by bringing your apple cider to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it’s reduced to about half a cup. This concentrates the apple flavor and makes the cake extra delicious. Be patient here—waiting for the cider to cool before adding it to the batter is key to avoid scrambling your egg later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooled reduced cider with melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, the egg, honey or maple syrup, and apple butter. Stir these together until smooth and well blended. This mixture is the flavor base that makes the cake both moist and richly aromatic, so don’t rush this step.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and your choice of apple or pumpkin pie spice. Slowly add the dry mix into your wet ingredients and stir just until combined—you don’t want to overmix or the cake might get tough. Then gently fold in the sliced apples; the batter will be thick, which is perfect for the next step.

Step 4: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Sugar Topping

Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to make cleanup easy and evenly spread your batter inside. For the topping, mix the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and grated cold salted butter together in a bowl until you get a clumpy, crumbly sugar mixture. This topping is the secret to that signature crunch and depth of flavor everyone loves about this cake.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the batter and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cake is just set in the center and the topping is golden and crispy. I like to serve it warm, sometimes with a dollop of salted honey butter for an extra special touch.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is a homemade salted honey butter—it’s just butter, honey, and a pinch of sea salt whipped together for a creamy topping that melts beautifully over warm cake slices. If you want to keep it simple, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream works wonderfully too.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a chai latte for a cozy afternoon treat. For a more substantial brunch, try serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a simple green salad to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday or gathering, I like to slice the cake into neat squares and place each piece on individual plates topped with a sprig of fresh thyme or cinnamon sticks for added flair. You can even serve it warm in small ramekins with a drizzle of caramel sauce to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist and the topping crisp enough to enjoy later without drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, I wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then again with foil to prevent freezer burn. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When I want to enjoy it, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a warm oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked texture. You can also microwave slices for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a rush, and adding a pat of butter or a touch of honey butter helps keep things moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe has become one of my go-to favorites during cozy months. It’s straightforward to make, bursting with warm flavors, and brings comfort to any table. If you try it out, I hope you love it as much as I do—there’s something truly special about baking with apples and cinnamon, and this cake nails both with ease. So go ahead, bake it for your friends and family, and watch how quickly it disappears!

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