cinnamon apple cake freshly baked with sugar glaze

Dessert

Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe: The Ultimate Moist & Flavorful Dessert

Name: Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe: The Ultimate Moist & Flavorful Dessert
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 210 grams (1 and 1/2 cups) plain flour or all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 150 grams (3/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar; 1 cup (approximately 1 large) red apple, peeled and roughly chopped; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 120 ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil or flavourless oil; 120 ml (1/2 cup) Greek yogurt; 50 grams (1/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 30 grams (1/4 cup) icing sugar or powdered sugar, sifted; 1–2 tablespoons milk

ByAnna June 21, 2025June 21, 2025

Nothing says comfort quite like a warm, freshly baked Cinnamon Apple Cake. This timeless dessert combines soft, juicy apples with fragrant cinnamon, creating a treat that feels like home with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy fall gathering or simply want to enjoy a sweet homemade dessert, this recipe is here to impress. Featuring simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, and a cinnamon sugar topping, this cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly moist and flavorful.

In this complete guide, you’ll discover exactly how to make the perfect Cinnamon Apple Cake from scratch, including expert tips to keep it super moist, creative variations to try, and answers to your most common baking questions. Ready to bake something delicious? Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Why Cinnamon Apple Cake is the Perfect Dessert Choice

The Irresistible Combination of Apples and Cinnamon

When it comes to desserts that deliver both flavor and comfort, nothing beats the combination of cinnamon and apples. The warmth of ground cinnamon paired with the natural sweetness of fresh apples creates a flavor profile that’s loved around the world. This pairing brings cozy fall vibes to the kitchen but works beautifully year-round for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.

Cinnamon Apple Cake celebrates this iconic combination in every bite. Each piece delivers tender chunks of apple enveloped in a light, fluffy cake, with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping for added texture. The aroma alone is enough to make anyone crave a slice.

What Makes This Cake Stand Out from Other Fruit Cakes?

While there are countless fruit cake recipes out there, Cinnamon Apple Cake stands apart for several reasons:

Moist Texture: Thanks to ingredients like Greek yogurt and vegetable oil, the crumb stays soft and tender, never dry.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items—everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.
Versatility: It can be served warm or cold, with or without the glaze, making it suitable for every occasion.
Crowd Favorite: Its classic flavors make it universally appealing—great for family dinners, potlucks, or afternoon tea.

If you’re searching for a cake that’s easy, satisfying, and bursting with familiar flavors, this one’s for you.

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folding fresh apple slices into cinnamon cake batter

Preparing the cinnamon apple cake batter

Next, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this cake irresistibly good.

Ingredients You’ll Need for a Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Texture and Flavor

Making a Cinnamon Apple Cake doesn’t require a long shopping list or expensive ingredients. In fact, this recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the cake’s soft texture and sweet, spiced flavor.

Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Purpose
All-purpose flour	Provides structure and softness
Baking powder	Helps the cake rise evenly
Baking soda	Adds extra lift and keeps the cake fluffy
Salt	Enhances the overall flavor
Granulated sugar	Sweetens the batter and cinnamon topping
Red apple	Adds moisture, sweetness, and texture
Eggs	Binds the batter for stability
Vanilla extract	Adds rich aroma and warmth
Vegetable oil	Keeps the crumb tender and moist
Greek yogurt	Contributes tanginess and soft, dense texture

These ingredients work together like a well-balanced team. The Greek yogurt and oil are the powerhouse duo when it comes to keeping this cake moist—we’ll dive deeper into that in Part

ding" id="choosing-the-best-apples-for-baking">Choosing the Best Apples for Baking

Not all apples are created equal—especially when it comes to baking. While any red apple will work in this recipe, the right apple can enhance the texture and flavor dramatically.

Here are the top choices for baking:

Honeycrisp: Crisp and juicy, with a natural sweetness.
Fuji: Sweet, slightly tart, and holds shape well during baking.
Gala: Mildly sweet and softens beautifully in cakes.
Granny Smith: Tart flavor for contrast if you prefer less sweetness.

Pro tip: Combining a sweet apple like Fuji with a tart apple like Granny Smith creates a deeper flavor profile.

Now that you know ex

actly what you need, let’s roll up our sleeves and start baking. In the next part, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the entire process, from mixing to glazing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Apple Cake

Preparing the Batter: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Ready to bake the most delicious Cinnamon Apple Cake from scratch? Follow these easy steps to guarantee soft texture and rich, cinnamon-spiced flavor in every bite.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C), or 320°F (160°C) for fan-forced ovens. Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix

Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:

1½ cups (210g) all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup (150g) sugar

Add 1 cup of peeled and chopped red apple to the dry mixture. Give it a quick stir so the apple pieces are coated with flour. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:

2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
½ cup (120ml) Greek yogurt

Whisk until the yolk

s are broken and the mixture is combined. No need for perfection here—just make sure the eggs and oil are blended.

Step 4: Combine
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently using a wooden spoon or spatula. Avoid overmixing—stop stirring as soon as the flour disappears into the batter.

Baking Instructions for Perfect Results Every Time

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Topping
Mix together:

¼ cup (50g) sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp melted butter

Stir until you have

a crumbly, damp mixture. Sprinkle this evenly over the batter in the pan.

Step 6: Bake the Cake
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown with a slight crunch thanks to the cinnamon topping.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, prepare your simple glaze:

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¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar

1-2 tbsp milk

Stir until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk. Drizzle generously over the cooled cake.

The Secret to Super Moist Cake: Expert Baking Tips

How Greek Yogurt and Oil Keep the Cake Moist

Have you ever wondered what’s the secret to super moist cake? The magic lies in two essential ingredients: Greek yogurt and vegetable oil. Here’s why they work:

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Greek Yogurt:
Greek yogurt has a thick texture with just the right amount of tanginess. When added to cake batter, it locks in moisture and creates a tender, dense crumb. Unlike milk, yogurt doesn’t evaporate as quickly during baking, meaning your Cinnamon Apple Cake stays soft for days.

Vegetable Oil:
While butter adds flavor to cakes, oil is the ingredient that guarantees moisture. Oil remains liquid at room temperature, unlike butter, making the cake soft even after cooling. It’s flavorless, so it lets the cinnamon and apple flavors shine.

The combination of Greek yogurt and vegetable oil in this recipe ensures that every bite is rich and satisfying—without ever feeling dry.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Baking Apple Cakes

Even the best recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Want to know how to make apple and cinnamon cake perfectly every time? Avoid these common baking mistakes:

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Overmixing the Batter:
Stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing activates gluten in the flour, making the cake dense and chewy instead of light and fluffy.

Using Too Many Apples:
While apples provide flavor and moisture, using too much fruit can weigh down the batter and make the cake soggy.

Wrong Apple Choice:
As we covered earlier, avoid using overly soft or mealy apples. Opt for varieties that hold their shape while baking, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.

Skipping the Cinnamon Topping:
Don’t skip that beautiful cinnamon sugar topping—it adds crunch, flavor, and contrast to the soft cake below.

Not Testing for Doneness:
Start testing with a skewer at around 30 minutes. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. Don’t wait for it to pull away from the sides of the pan; that’s often too late.

Crafting the Perfect Cinnamon Topping and Sugar Glaze

Making the Cinnamon Sugar Crust

One of the features that makes Cinnamon Apple Cake so irresistible is that signature crunchy cinnamon topping. It’s sweet, slightly crisp, and provides the perfect contrast to the tender crumb of the cake underneath. The best part? It’s super easy to prepare.

Here’s how to make the perfect cinnamon topping:

Ingredients:

¼ cup (50g) sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon melted butter

Method:

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In a small bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon.
Stir in the melted butter until the mixture looks damp and slightly crumbly.
Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of your cake batter before it goes into the oven.

As the cake bakes, this topping melts slightly and forms a sweet, cinnamon-speckled crust on top. It adds both flavor and texture, transforming a simple apple cake into something extra special.

Drizzling the Sweet Sugar Glaze for the Final Touch

While the cinnamon crust adds crunch, the sugar glaze brings a smooth, sweet finish. Drizzled generously over the cooled cake, it creates those beautiful white ribbons of sweetness that make this dessert look bakery-quality—and taste even better.

Here’

s how to make it:

Ingredients:

¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk

Method:

Sift the powdered sugar into a bowl.
Start by adding 1 tablespoon of milk and stir. If it’s too thick, add the second tablespoon slowly until you reach a pourable consistency.
Use a spoon or whisk to drizzle the glaze in sweeping motions over the fully cooled cake.

Want a pro tip? For an extra hit of cinnamon, stir a pinch of ground cinnamon into the glaze before drizzling.

Between the crunchy cinnamon topping and silky glaze, this Cinnamon Apple Cake is dressed to impress. Whether served at brunch, as an afternoon snack, or with after-dinner coffee, every slice is packed with flavor and texture.

ding" id="cinnamon-apple-cake-variations-to-try">Cinnamon Apple Cake Variations to Try

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Alternatives

One of the best things about Cinnamon Apple Cake is how versatile it is. Whether you’re baking for someone with dietary restrictions or just want to experiment in the kitchen, there are plenty of ways to adapt this recipe without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Gluten-Free Option:
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend labeled as a 1-to-1 baking substitute, which already contains binders like xanthan gum to mimic the texture of regular flour. The cake will still bake up soft and tender, with the same irresistible cinnamon sugar topping.

Dairy-Free Option:
It’s easy to swap out the dairy without losing that signature moist texture:

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Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or plain almond milk yogurt.

Use plant-based milk like oat or almond milk for the glaze.

Both adjustments will give you a rich, delicious cake that’s suitable for anyone avoiding dairy products.

Fun Add-Ins: Nuts, Raisins, and More Flavor Ideas

Want to kick your Cinnamon Apple Cake up a notch? Try adding these creative ingredients for even more flavor, texture, and fun:

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Add-In	Why It Works
Chopped walnuts or pecans	Adds crunch and a nutty flavor
Golden raisins	Sweet, chewy bursts of flavor
Dried cranberries	Adds tartness to balance the sweet apples
Orange zest	Bright citrus note that enhances cinnamon
Brown sugar in topping	Creates a deeper caramel-like sweetness

Mix and match these ingredients to personalize your cake. Just remember not to overload the batter—½ to ¾ cup of add-ins is usually the sweet spot.

No matter how you make it, Cinnamon Apple Cake is always a winner.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Cinnamon Apple Cake

Dessert Pairings: Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, and More

As delicious as Cinnamon Apple Cake is on its own, pairing it with other treats can turn a simple dessert into something spectacular. Here are a few of the best ways to serve it:

Vanilla Ice Cream:
The warm spices of cinnamon paired with cold, creamy vanilla ice cream? That’s dessert perfection. The melting ice cream seeps into the cake, making each bite extra indulgent.
Whipped Cream:
Light, airy whipped cream balances the richness of the cake. You can add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the whipped cream for an extra flavor boost.
Salted Caramel Sauce:
Drizzle salted caramel over your slice for a bakery-worthy finish. The combination of apple, cinnamon, and caramel is pure comfort food magic.
With Morning Coffee:
Who says cake is only for dessert? A slice of Cinnamon Apple Cake pairs perfectly with your morning cup of coffee or an afternoon tea.

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Cinnamon apple cake paired with vanilla ice cream

How to Store and Reheat for Best Taste

You’ve baked the perfect Cinnamon Apple Cake—now how do you keep it fresh and delicious? Here’s how to store it properly:

Storage Method	How Long It Lasts
Room Temperature	2–3 days in an airtight container
Refrigerated	Up to 5 days, covered tightly
Freezer	2–3 months, wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil

Reheating Tips:

Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15–20 seconds.
Oven: Warm the entire cake at 300°F for 10–12 minutes.

If freezing, wait until the cake is completely cooled and skip the glaze until after reheating for the freshest flavor and texture.

No matter how you se

rve it—warm, cold, glazed, or plain—Cinnamon Apple Cake always hits the spot.

Conclusion: Why This Cinnamon Apple Cake Will Be Your New Favorite

There’s something truly special about a homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake. It’s simple, yet bursting with flavor. The combination of soft, tender apples with warm cinnamon creates that familiar, comforting taste that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, the moist texture, crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, and sweet drizzle make every bite better than the last.

Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try some fun variations like adding nuts or going gluten-free, this cake is a guaranteed hit for any occasion—holidays, family dinners, or just because.

Happy baking—

and don’t forget to explore more easy and delicious recipes at HomeasyRecipes to keep your kitchen full of great flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Apple Cake

What is the secret to super moist cake?

The secret to making a super moist Cinnamon Apple Cake lies in two key ingredients: Greek yogurt and vegetable oil. Greek yogurt gives the batter thickness and moisture retention, while vegetable oil remains liquid at room temperature, keeping the crumb tender even after the cake has cooled. Also, avoid overmixing the batter to ensure the texture stays soft and light.

How to make apple and cinnamon cake?

Making an apple and cinnamon cake is easier than you might think:
Prepare dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices.
Add fresh chopped apples to the dry mix.
Whisk wet ingredients—eggs, vanilla, oil, and yogurt—in a separate bowl.
Combine wet and dry mixtures gently.
Top with a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.
Bake, cool, and drizzle with a sugar glaze.
It’s a simple process with big flavor results.

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What is in a Queen Elizabeth cake?

Queen Elizabeth cake is a classic Canadian dessert made with dates as its primary fruit ingredient, topped with a coconut and brown sugar icing. It’s different from Cinnamon Apple Cake but shares that same moist, sweet character and old-fashioned appeal. While Queen Elizabeth cake leans on caramel-like flavors, apple and cinnamon bring fruity freshness and warm spice.

Which apples are best for apple cake?

The best apples for baking are those that hold their shape and offer a balance of sweetness and tartness. Top choices include:
Honeycrisp
Fuji
Gala
Granny Smith (for a tart bite)
Using a mix of sweet and tart varieties gives your Cinnamon Apple Cake the most interesting flavor profile.