Welcome to my easy cinnamon apple cake recipe. This is a great recipe for cooks of all levels, and it's perfect for fall baking. The combination of apples and cinnamon reminds me of my mom's apple crisp and makes this cake irresistible. It's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So let's get started!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
There are some things that just bring me back to being a kid, and this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake recipe is certainly one of them!
My Omi (that's German for Grandma) used to make Cinnamon Apple Cake for my mom when she was a kid. My mom then turned around and made it for me and my sister when we were growing up! It's pretty much one of the easiest cake recipes I know, as it comes together quickly in one bowl.
Apple cake makes for an excellent dessert or even a sweet breakfast if you are a sweets in the morning type of person. I know I am! I could eat cakes for breakfast just about every day, and all would be right in the world!! Whip this one up or the game-changing apple galette this weekend with all those beautiful apples from the market.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Fresh Apples - They're the star of this recipe. I used a mixture of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples to balance the tart and sweet flavors of both varieties, but feel free to use any other firm apples you have on hand.
- Lemon Juice - Helps bring out the apple flavor and balance the sweetness. You can substitute it for orange juice.
- White Sugar - I only use white sugar to sweeten this apple cake recipe to keep it light and airy. I call for two cups, don't freak out. I promise it's not too sweet. I don't recommend cutting the sugar in half.
- Oil - Adds moisture to the cake without making it dense. I use coconut oil, and it adds the most incredible flavor to the cake, but you can substitute it for any vegetable oil -- that's what my Omi used when she made it.
- Eggs - Helps bind all of the ingredients and adds moisture to the apple cake.
- Vanilla Extract - Add the most incredible flavor. This is my favorite vanilla extract to use.
- Flour - I use all-purpose flour for this recipe. If you're gluten-free you can modify this recipe and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute like this one.
- Baking soda - Helps the apple cake rise, and the acidity from the lemon juice activates it.
- Spices - Ground cinnamon and ground cloves give this apple cake a delicious and warming flavor that you will love.
*For a full list of ingredients and instructions please see recipe card below.
How to Make Apple Cake
Step 1: Start by peeling and coring about four apples. Slice them into about ¼ inch thick slices and place them into a large bowl. Pour the sugar over the apples and give them a quick toss with your hands and then add the lemon juice. Let the apples and the sugar sit and macerate for about 30-45 minutes. This process will soften the apples and dissolve the sugar.
Step 2: Then, add the oil, eggs, and vanilla to the apple mixture and stir together with a spoon.
Step 3: Next, add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and cloves into the apple mixture. Combine with a spoon carefully until the dry mixture is just incorporated.
Step 4: Spray a 9x9 or 9x13 baking dish with baking spray and line with parchment paper.
Step 5: Transfer the batter into the baking dish.
Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven for 50-55 minutes for a 9x9 or 45-50 minutes for a 9x13, or until a knife can be inserted in the center and comes out clean.
How to Store Apple Cake
You can leave this cake at room temperature in an airtight container for about 2 to 3 days. If left uncovered, it may dry out more quickly, so it's best consumed within 1 to 2 days.
You can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to extend its life to about a week. The cooler temperature slows down the growth of mold and other spoilage organisms. However, the texture may change slightly, becoming denser. You can bring it to room temperature to eat or warm it a bit in the microwave.
How to Freeze Apple Cake
If you'd like to keep apple cake for a more extended period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or use an airtight freezer container. Frozen apple cake can last up to 3 to 4 months. To thaw, you can place it in the refrigerator overnight or leave it at room temperature for a few hours.
Tips & Tricks
When it comes to baking with apples, the rule of thumb is to use firm varieties since they'll hold up better while baking. I used a mixture of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples to balance the tart and sweet flavors but feel free to use any other firm apples you have on hand. The key is to slice them into about ¼ inch thick slices, so you get a little bit of apple in every bite.
FAQs
What kind of apples are best for baking cakes?
When baking cakes that call for apples, the type of apple you choose can impact the texture and flavor of the cake. Some apples hold their shape well during baking, while others become softer and mushier. Here are some popular apple varieties that are commonly used for baking cakes:
Granny Smith: These apples are known for their tartness and firm texture, which holds up well during baking. They're great for balancing sweet cake batters.
Honeycrisp: A sweeter apple that still maintains its shape when baked, Honeycrisp apples are juicy and flavorful.
Fuji: Known for their sweetness, Fuji apples are often used in desserts. They can become quite soft when baked, so they might be best combined with a firmer apple variety if you prefer some texture.
Golden Delicious: These apples are sweet and soft, and they blend well into the cake, providing moisture and sweetness without overwhelming tartness.
How do you know when apple cake is done?
Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter on it, continue baking.
Touch Test: Gently press the center of the cake with your finger. If it springs back and leaves no indentation, the cake is likely done. If it feels too soft or leaves an indentation, it probably needs more time.
Visual Inspection: Look at the color and texture of the cake. A fully baked apple cake should be golden brown and may start to pull away from the sides of the pan slightly.
Knife Test: Similar to the toothpick test, you can insert a thin knife into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Thermometer Test: If you have a kitchen thermometer, you can check the internal temperature of the cake. Most cakes are done when they reach an internal temperature of around 200°F to 210°F (93°C to 98°C).
What Size Pan Should I Use to Bake Apple Cake?
You can bake this apple cake in a 9x9 inch baking pan, which yields 9 servings, or you can bake it in a 9x13 inch pan, which yields 12 slices of cake. Keep in mind the larger your pan is, the shorter your cake will be.
How Long to Bake Apple Cake?
Bake the apple cake in a 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes, depending on the cake pan size.
9x9 Cake Pan: 50-55 minutes
9x13 Cake Pan: 45-50 minutes
Similar Recipes
If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today
Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced apples about 3-4 apples depending on the size of your apples (peeling optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups white sugar
- ¾ cup coconut oil or avocado oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- To prepare the apples, peel and core about 4 apples. Slice them into about ¼ inch thick slices and place them into a large bowl. Pour the sugar over the apples and give them a quick toss with your hands and then add the lemon juice. Let the apples and the sugar sit for about 30-45 minutes. This process will soften the apples and dissolve the sugar.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add the oil, eggs and vanilla to the apple mixture and stir together with a spoon.
- Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and cloves into the apple mixture. Combine with a spoon carefully until the dry mixture is just incorporated.
- Spray a 9x9 or 9x13 baking dish with baking spray and line with parchment paper. Transfer the batter into the baking dish and bake in a preheated oven for 50-55 minutes for a 9x9 or 45-50 minutes for a 9x13, or until a knife can be inserted in the center and comes out clean.
- Serve with freshly whipped cream.
How long is the cooking time for a Bundt pan please?
Haven't tested it in a bundt so I can't say for sure
I haven’t made it yet but it looks delish!! Can I substitute a different oil instead of the coconut oil? If so, what do you recommend?
Vegetable oil is neutral and great for this
Can this be frozen and then cooked or vice versa? Thank you sharing.
Bake it and then freeze - no prob!
It’s just me, but I have to have a recipe to make the cake. Here on the side, I cannot find it. Please let me know.
bottom of this page!
Such an easy and delicious way to use up fall apples. Really just stellar!
So easy and big hit with family.
Can you make into muffins?
sure can!! keep your eye on baking time - will be significantly less
Easy recipe to follow! Very delicious! My family and I loved it! The only thing that I did differently was that I peeled the apples and used vegetable oil instead of coconut oil.
So easy to make and great for breakfast with a cup of coffee.
I made the recipe like "Oma" made it with oil, but I will need to make it again with coconut oil.
Definitely a keeper recipe for all fall season, apple season.
Thank you
Is it meant to be gooey or more cake lime on texture? May have undercooked butvsure tastes delish anyway
not too gooey! Def a bit more cake-y
Absolutely delicious and so easy to make, thank you Omi
Can you make this in a bundt pan ?
sure can!
I just made it! Super easy, very delicious and aromatic cake!I love it! Thank you!
Better than apple pie! This recipe was a huge hit and turned out great even on the first go
Loved this recipe! Very easy to make
Loved this recipe!
Can I make this the night before and bake it in the morning?
sure can!