This easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is soft, moist, and packed with juicy apples. Topped with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar layer and a drizzle of sweet glaze, it’s the ultimate cozy dessert for fall or any time you’re craving warm, comforting flavors.
The Perfect Apple Cake
There’s something magical about the combination of cinnamon and apples. This cake brings those cozy flavors together in the best way. Each slice is bursting with chunks of tender apple and a warm cinnamon topping that bakes into a crunchy, caramelized layer.
It took a few test runs to perfect this recipe. After trying both oil and butter as the base, oil proved to be the winner for the moistest texture. A touch of Greek yogurt adds richness and keeps the crumb tender.
Why You’ll Love It
- No mixer required — just a bowl and spoon!
- Made with basic pantry staples
- Packed with real apple chunks
- Sweet cinnamon-sugar topping for added texture and flavor
- Finished with a quick 2-ingredient glaze
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 210g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (about 1 large) red apple, peeled and chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 120ml (½ cup) vegetable oil
- 120ml (½ cup) Greek yogurt
Cinnamon Topping:
- 50g (¼ cup) sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Glaze:
- 30g (¼ cup) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Stir in chopped apples.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla, oil, and yogurt just until combined.
- Combine: Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just mixed. Don’t overmix. Pour into prepared pan.
- Cinnamon topping: Mix sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake on a wire rack.
- Make the glaze: Stir together powdered sugar and 1 tbsp milk. Add more milk if needed to reach drizzling consistency. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Tips for Success
- Use any apple variety you like — Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work well.
- Chop apples into small, even cubes for even baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter; stir just until combined.
- For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner drizzle, add more.
Storage
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. It also freezes well — just wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
More Apple Desserts to Try
- [Easy Apple Crumble Bars]
- [Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake]
- [Apple Pie Blondies]