Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake

If you love the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and the sweetness of apples, this Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake is the dessert for you! It combines the best of both worlds: a light and fluffy cake with a swirl of cinnamon-sugar goodness and chunks of tender, juicy apples. This cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet treat for dessert.

What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to prepare. Instead of rolling dough and layering it, like you would with traditional cinnamon rolls, this cake is made in one simple step. You get all the delicious flavor of cinnamon rolls but with far less effort and time. The combination of cinnamon, apple, and a buttery cake base creates a flavor explosion in every bite. If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert or breakfast treat, this Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake will not disappoint!

What You’ll Need

This Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe calls for basic ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry. The apples give it a fruity sweetness, while the cinnamon adds that warm, spicy kick we all love. Below is the list of ingredients you’ll need to make this cake:

Ingredients for the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and texture for the cake.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake.
1 tbsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Gives the cake a warm, comforting spice flavor.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a moist and tender cake base.
2 large eggs: Provides structure and moisture.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture to the cake and makes it soft and tender.
2 cups apples, peeled and chopped: Fresh apples add a fruity sweetness and texture.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Helps keep the apples from browning and adds a touch of tartness.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, rich sweetness.
1 tbsp ground cinnamon: Enhances the cinnamon flavor and gives the cake that signature swirl.

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and gives the glaze a smooth texture.
1-2 tbsp milk: Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds extra flavor to the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the simple steps to make this delicious Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake. Follow these instructions for a cake that’s sure to impress:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will ensure that your cake comes out easily after baking.

2. Prepare the Apples:

Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. Sprinkle the lemon juice over the chopped apples to prevent them from browning and to add a subtle tangy flavor. Set them aside while you prepare the cake batter.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. These dry ingredients will help create a smooth and fluffy cake base. Set the dry ingredients aside.

4. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then, add the milk to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake. The batter will be thick but should spread easily in the baking pan.

6. Add the Apples:

Fold the chopped apples into the batter gently. You want to evenly distribute the apples throughout the batter without mashing them.

7. Make the Cinnamon Swirl:

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir them together until the mixture is evenly combined.

8. Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Swirl:

Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out into an even layer. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Then, add the remaining cake batter on top and spread it out. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the batter. Use a knife or a skewer to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the cake batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect.

9. Bake the Cake:

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and the cinnamon-sugar swirl should have caramelized slightly.

10. Prepare the Glaze:

While the cake is cooling, make the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk to reach the desired consistency.

11. Glaze the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it soak into the cake for an extra touch of sweetness and richness.

12. Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy your Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake warm or at room temperature. The combination of the soft cake, sweet apples, cinnamon swirl, and rich glaze is simply irresistible.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake turns out perfectly:

Use Firm Apples: Choose apples that hold their shape during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples. These varieties provide the right balance of sweetness and tartness.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients.
Check for Doneness: Oven times can vary, so check your cake by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.
Make It Ahead: This cake is even better the next day! Make it ahead and store it in an airtight container for a few days. Reheat it in the microwave for a warm, comforting treat.
Add More Toppings: If you love extra sweetness, top the cake with whipped cream, ice cream, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon-sugar.

Variations to Try

While this Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to switch things up:

Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for some crunch and added flavor. Simply fold them in with the apples.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake before serving for a decadent touch.
Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, or allspice, to customize the flavor of your cake.
Apple Pie Filling: If you’re short on time, you can use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the batter.
Cream Cheese Glaze: For a richer glaze, swap out the powdered sugar glaze for a cream cheese glaze made by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.

Storing and Reheating

This cake keeps well for several days, making it great for meal prep or as an easy snack. To store:

In the Fridge: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
In the Freezer: You can also freeze this cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds or warm the whole cake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser texture and more fiber. Keep in mind that this might change the texture slightly, so it’s best to use a 1:1 ratio.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with texture.

Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water for each egg) or use an egg replacer to make it egg-free.

How can I make the glaze thicker?

To make the glaze thicker, simply reduce the amount of milk. You can add more powdered sugar if it needs to be thicker as well.

The Final Word

This Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate dessert or breakfast treat. It combines the flavors of warm cinnamon rolls with the sweetness of apples, all in a super easy-to-make cake form. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, a special occasion, or simply as a sweet snack, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Its fluffy texture, cinnamon-sugar swirl, and tangy apple chunks make it a deliciously comforting choice for any time of year, especially when the weather turns cooler. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature with a drizzle of glaze, and you’ll have a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress!