Hey there, baking buddies! Are you craving that warm, comforting hug only a perfectly spiced apple cake can provide? Then you’ve come to the right place! This Ultimate Cozy Cinnamon Apple Cake is everything you’re looking for and more. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, tender cake, bursting with the sweet and tart flavor of juicy apples, all wrapped in a cloud of warm cinnamon spice. That’s the magic we’re creating here.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, the incredible texture, and the surprisingly quick preparation time. Forget those complicated recipes that take all day! This one is friendly, approachable, and delivers outstanding results without the fuss. You’ll taste the love in every bite, from the perfectly browned top to the soft, cinnamon-infused crumb. It’s the kind of cake that evokes cozy evenings, warm fireplaces, and the feeling of being completely and utterly content. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a special celebration.

This recipe is your go-to for a simple yet impressive dessert. The combination of brown sugar, oil, and apples creates an unbelievably moist crumb that simply melts in your mouth. The cinnamon topping adds a delightful crunch and extra layer of warm spice. This isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience. So, get ready to bake up some cozy happiness!

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to gather for this delightful baking adventure. Remember, using fresh, high-quality ingredients will truly elevate the flavor of your cake:

Brown sugar (packed): 1 ½ cups – Provides that rich, deep caramel flavor that’s essential for a perfect apple cake.
Oil: ⅓ cup (vegetable, canola, or even olive oil works well) – Keeps the cake incredibly moist.
Large egg: 1 – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Milk (regular or low-fat): 1 cup – Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups (properly measured, using the spoon and level method) – The structural base of our delicious cake.
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon – The leavening agent that gives the cake its light and airy texture.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon – Enhances the other flavors in the cake.
Baking apples (peeled, cored, and chopped): 2 cups – Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are all great choices!
Granulated sugar: ½ cup – For the crunchy, cinnamon-spiced topping.
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – The star of the show, bringing all the warm, cozy vibes.
Melted butter: 1 tablespoon – Added to the topping for extra richness and shine.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a slice of warm apple heaven in no time.

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the brown sugar and oil until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, stir in the milk. Tip: Make sure your brown sugar is properly packed for the best sweetness and moisture.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent, leading to a lighter cake.
Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to a tough cake.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples. Be gentle to prevent mashing the apples, which will release their moisture and make the cake soggy.
Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Tip: A spatula will help you get everything spread nicely.
Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter. Drizzle the melted butter over the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra pointers to ensure your apple cake is absolutely perfect:

Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
Use fresh apples: Fresh apples provide the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overbake: Overbaking will dry out the cake. Check for doneness with a toothpick or wooden skewer.
Let the cake cool completely: This will allow the cake to set properly and prevent it from crumbling.
Store properly: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to change up this recipe:

Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the batter for extra warmth and complexity.
Add nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Use different apples: Experiment with different apple varieties for varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
Add a glaze: Drizzle a simple cream cheese glaze over the cooled cake for extra richness.

Storing and Reheating

To keep your apple cake tasting its best, store it properly. At room temperature, in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then slice and microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also reheat slices in a toaster oven for a crispier texture.

Remember, the texture and taste might subtly alter after freezing and reheating, but it’ll still be delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this cozy cinnamon apple cake:

Q: Can I use a different type of oil? A: Yes! Vegetable, canola, or even a mild olive oil will work perfectly.
Q: How long does the cake keep? A: Stored properly at room temperature, it will last for up to 3 days. In the refrigerator, it will keep for up to a week. Frozen, it can last up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use frozen apples? A: It’s best to use fresh apples for the optimal texture and flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen apples, ensuring they are completely thawed and drained before adding them to the batter.
Q: What if my cake is overbaked? A: Overbaked cakes are often dry. Try wrapping the slightly overbaked cake in a damp paper towel for 15-20 minutes to restore some moisture.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can bake this cake a day or two in advance, store it properly, and reheat slices as needed.

The Final Word

This Ultimate Cozy Cinnamon Apple Cake is the perfect blend of simple preparation and incredible flavor. The moist, tender crumb, the burst of warm cinnamon spice, and the sweet and tart apples make this a truly unforgettable dessert. It’s the kind of cake that will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up some cozy happiness! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your cake turned out. And if you loved this recipe, please give it a rating!

Cinnamon Apple Cake

A moist and delicious apple cake with a cinnamon sugar topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Servings 12 slices

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

9×13 inch baking pan Or similar sized baking dish
Mixing bowls

Ingredients

Cake Batter

1.5 cups brown sugar packed
0.33 cup oil
1 large egg
1 cup milk regular or low-fat
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2.5 cups all-purpose flour properly measured
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.25 teaspoon salt
2 cups apples peeled, cored, and chopped baking apples

Topping

0.5 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the brown sugar (ing_1) and oil (ing_2). Beat in the egg (ing_3), then stir in the milk (ing_4) and vanilla (ing_5).
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour (ing_6), baking soda (ing_7), and salt (ing_8).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the chopped apples (ing_9).
Pour batter into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar (ing_10) and cinnamon (ing_11). Sprinkle evenly over the batter. Drizzle melted butter (ing_12) over the cinnamon sugar topping.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

This recipe can be easily doubled for a larger cake.