Easy Apple and Cinnamon Cake Recipe

This easy apple and cinnamon cake is soft, moist, and full of warm spice. Diced apples cook down into tender pockets of fruit, while cinnamon gives the cake a cozy flavor that works for a weekday snack or a relaxed dessert with family. You only need one bowl and a basic pantry list, so it is a practical choice when you want something homemade without a long process.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Most of the items come from a standard baking pantry.
• One bowl method: You mix the batter in one bowl and fold in the apples at the end.
• Moist texture: Oil keeps the crumb soft for days when stored properly.
• Flexible serving: It works warm, at room temperature, or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 medium apples (about 300 g), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch (1 cm) pieces
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) packed brown sugar, optional, for the topping

Ingredient Notes

Use a tart or firm apple such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala. These hold their shape better than very soft apples. Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist for longer than butter, which firms up as it cools. Room-temperature eggs blend more evenly into the batter.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan or 9-inch (23 cm) round pan
• Parchment paper or nonstick spray
• Medium mixing bowl and large mixing bowl
• Whisk and rubber spatula
• Cutting board and paring knife
• Wire cooling rack

How to Make Easy Apple and Cinnamon Cake

1. Preheat the oven. Set the oven rack to the center position and heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the apples. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. Toss them with 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon and set aside so the spice coats the fruit.
3. Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for about 20 seconds until evenly combined.
4. Mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth and slightly frothy, about 30 seconds.
5. Combine the batter. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain. The batter should be thick but pourable.
6. Fold in the apples. Gently fold the diced apples into the batter. Stop as soon as they are evenly distributed.
7. Fill the pan. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top if using.
8. Bake. Bake for about 35 to 45 minutes. Baking time is an estimate and depends on your oven and pan size. The cake is done when the top is golden, the edges pull slightly away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to cool for at least 20 more minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Dice the apples small so they cook through without making the center wet.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour, or the cake may turn dense.
• Check the cake a few minutes early, since thinner pans bake faster.
• Pat the apple pieces dry if they are very juicy after dicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using very soft apples: They can break down and make the cake watery. Choose firm apples instead.

Slicing too soon: A warm cake can seem gummy in the center. Let it cool before cutting for cleaner slices.

Skipping the toothpick test: Ovens vary, so check doneness rather than relying only on the timer.

Variations and Substitutions

• Nutmeg twist: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg with the cinnamon.
• Nut topping: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the batter before baking.
• Different pan: Bake in a 9-inch round pan, though the baking time may be a few minutes shorter.
• Dairy substitute: Unsweetened plant milk can replace regular milk with a similar result.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. A dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a spoonful of whipped cream adds contrast. It also pairs well with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

Storage and Reheating

Store the cooled cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Freezing works well: wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm a slice in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds, or let it thaw at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes. Firm apples such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work well. Avoid very soft apples, since they can make the cake wet.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake it a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. It often tastes even better the next day.

Why did my cake turn out dense?

Overmixing after adding the flour is the most common cause. Stir only until the flour disappears.

Can I skip the milk?

You can replace it with another unsweetened milk, but skipping it completely may change the texture and make the batter stiffer.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Check for a golden top and a toothpick that comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking near the low end of the baking time estimate.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Easy Apple and Cinnamon Cake

Short Description: A soft, moist, one-bowl apple cake with warm cinnamon flavor.

Prep Time: About 15 minutes

Cook Time: About 35 to 45 minutes (estimate)

Total Time: About 1 hour, including cooling

Servings: 9 squares or 8 slices (estimate)

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Cooking Method: Baking

Notes: Use firm apples and check doneness with a toothpick.

Storage: Room temperature up to 2 days, refrigerated up to 4 days, or frozen up to 2 months.

Nutrition: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.

Image Ideas for Process Photos

Related Recipe Ideas

• Cinnamon sugar muffins
• Brown sugar banana bread
• Classic apple crisp

Have you tried this cake with a different spice? Share your favorite apple pairing in the comments.