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    You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Dessert / Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

    Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

    Published: Sep 22, 2019 · Modified: Sep 9, 2022 by Anna 47 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is a soft and fluffy cinnamon cake with a layer of spiced brown sugar apples cooked in a skillet. You can use any apples you want to make this delicious dessert!

    A slice of Cinnamon Apple Cake on white plate.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients:
    • How to make Cinnamon Apple Cake?
    • Kitchen tools you need:
    • What apples can I use to make this cake?
    • Storing:
    • More delicious cake recipes:
    • Cinnamon Apple Cake

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    I could tell you that this cake was a result of having a bunch of apples that desperately needed to be used. But honestly, seeing apple and pumpkin desserts popping up on social media got me in the mood for a fall dessert. The apples were perfect for that. This Cinnamon Apple Cake is easy and so incredibly delicious! The cake is soft and fluffy and the apples perfectly spiced and sweet.

    I used the cake part recipe from my very popular, Best Apple Crumb Cake recipe. If you made it and love it, you will love this Cinnamon Apple Cake too! A generous dusting of powdered sugar and a cup of latte and you are set for a delicious afternoon break.

    If you love apple desserts, you may also like to try my caramel apple cheesecake, apple crumb muffins or my delicious fritters.

    Ingredients:

    • flour
    • sugar
    • baking powder, baking soda, salt
    • buttermilk
    • butter
    • vanilla extract
    • oil
    • eggs
    • apples
    • brown sugar
    • spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger

    How to make Cinnamon Apple Cake?

    This recipe makes generous pieces, baked in 8" square pan. I lined the bottom with a square of parchment paper for easy removal of the pieces. I also didn't have to grease and flour the pan.

    Sauteed apples in white skillet.
    • Start by peeling and coring apples. Chop into small squares and saute in butter. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and brown sugar.
    • Cook until fragrant and softened but not turned into mush. We are not making applesauce here.
    • Next, make the cake batter. It's one of the easiest you can make, no mixer needed. Simply whisk all the ingredients together.
    • Pour half of the cake batter into a square pan and bake for 10 minutes.
    • Remove from oven, spread cinnamon apples over the cake and pour the remaining batter over the top. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the toothpick inserted in a few places comes out clean.
    • Cool cake completely in pan and dust with powdered sugar.

    Kitchen tools you need:

    •  non-stick pan: it's perfect for making the cinnamon apples
    • 8" square cake pan but round cake be used as well
    • large mixing bowl
    • whisk
    • measuring spoons and cups

    What apples can I use to make this cake?

    Any you have on hand! I had 6 red delicious apples and that's what I used. If you have apples from the orchard, they will be perfect for this cake. The fact that we are cooking the apples in a skillet with spices and brown sugar before using them in the cake, lets you use any kind of apples you like. Just cook the apples until soft but not mushy. They won't release moisture into the cake batter, be under or overcooked. They will make a perfect layer of spiced brown sugar apples.

    Storing:

    The best way to store this cake or any leftovers is in a container with a lid. It will prevent this cake from drying out.

    A piece of apple cake on plate.

    More delicious cake recipes:

    • Easy Peach Cake
    • One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
    • Eggless Chocolate Cake
    • Moist Carrot Cake

    If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!

    A slice of Cinnamon Apple Cake on white plate.

    Cinnamon Apple Cake

    Author: Anna
    A soft and fluffy cinnamon cake with a layer of spiced brown sugar apples cooked in a skillet. You can use any apples you want to make this delicious dessert!
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 9 pieces
    Calories 354 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    for the apples:

    • 6 apples I used red delicious
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

    for the cake:

    • 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 3/4 cup buttermilk
    • 1.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
    • 2 large eggs room temperature

    Instructions
     

    to make the apples:

    • Peel and core apples. Cut into 1/2" pieces.
    • Melt butter in a non-stick skillet. Add apple chunks. Add spices and brown sugar. Stir with a wooden spoon. Saute apples until very fragrant and softened, but not mushy. The time of cooking will depend on the apples. Set aside to cool completely. You can prepare the apples a day ahead.

    to make the cake:

    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line an 8" square cake pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda and salt. In a measuring cup whisk buttermilk, oil, vanilla and eggs. Add to dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth.
    • Pour half of the batter into prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and spread cinnamon apples over baked cake. Pour the remaining cake batter on top. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes OR until the toothpick inserted in a few places comes out clean.
    • Cool cake completely. Dust with powdered sugar. Cut and serve.

    Notes

    1. I had 6 red delicious apples and that's what I used. If you have apples from the orchard, they will be perfect for this cake. The fact that we are cooking the apples in a skillet with spices and brown sugar before using in the cake, let's you use any kind of apples you like. Just cook the apples until soft but not mushy. The won't release moisture into the cake batter, be under- or overcooked. They will make a perfect layer of spiced brown sugar apples.
    2. This recipe makes generous pieces, baked in 8" square pan. I lined the bottom with a square of parchment paper for easy removal of the pieces. I also didn't have to grease and flour the pan.
    3. Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 134mg | Potassium: 287mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 230IU | Vitamin C: 5.6mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 1.4mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

    More Dessert Recipes

    • Mango Pineapple Popsicles
    • Easy Mini Lemon Cheesecakes
    • Peanut Butter Easter Eggs
    • Cream Cheese Cookies

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Pauline tolley says

      March 21, 2022 at 3:01 pm

      Can we have the ingredients in grams etc not sure about using cups or what size cups very confusing
      Thank you from Spain

      Reply
      • Anna says

        March 21, 2022 at 4:21 pm

        Hi Pauline! In the recipe box, click the button that says "metric". It will convert to grams. I hope this helps!

        Reply
    2. Dalene Appleton says

      April 07, 2021 at 6:13 am

      Hi from sunny South Africa 😉

      I been meaning to leave a message for ages. Oh my word this recipe is the very best. During lockdown level 5 I came across your recipe and made it for my husband several times I must add. He absolutely loved it and now I make it for family.

      We serve it slightly warmed with cold vanilla custard over. I had a problem with our oven so used a Halogen table top oven with a round 9" shallow cake tin.

      I tried what you suggested, substituting buttermilk for milk & lemon juice and it worked absolutely perfectly.

      Was just curious. Could I use this recipe as individual cakes (ie muffin tin size)??

      Thank you soo much for sharing your recipe.

      Happy baking.

      Reply
    3. Julie says

      February 28, 2021 at 10:03 am

      Do you pour all the liquid from the apples in with the base layer of the cake or do you withhold some of the liquid?

      Reply
      • Dalene Appleton says

        April 07, 2021 at 6:19 am

        Hi Julie

        I pour all the liquid onto the cake base layer.

        Reply
    4. Jennifer says

      September 19, 2020 at 6:43 am

      Hello, I just like to thank you for the cinnamon apple cake recipe.

      We have a Bramley Apple tree that doesn’t know when to stop, so it’s apple everything at this time of year. Most apple cakes are a bit heavy and boring, but yours sounded very interesting, I liked the sound of the layer of caramelised apples through the middle, so I made it this morning. Cooking the first layer for 10 minutes works like magic. I used a Bundt tin, because I didn’t have an 8” square one, so it needed a little longer in the oven. We need to save it till later but have eaten the bits shaved off the bottom to give it a flat base. Really good! I’m thinking a drizzle of caramel icing over the top of the ring ...

      Thanks again,

      Jennifer

      Reply
      • Anna says

        September 25, 2020 at 12:24 pm

        Hi Jennifer! Thank you so much! I am so glad the cake was a hit! Caramel drizzle is always a good idea. 😀

        Reply
    5. Lucy says

      June 06, 2020 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      I made this tonight and it was so good. Thanks for sharing your recipe!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        June 06, 2020 at 6:31 pm

        Thank you so much for trying my recipe, Lucy!

        Reply
        • Stephanie Calahasen says

          September 11, 2020 at 3:57 pm

          5 stars
          I just made this and it is my new favorite dessert! I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfect! I served it with icecream.

          Reply
        • Linda says

          January 13, 2021 at 1:53 pm

          Can a box cake mix be used instead

          Reply
          • Anna says

            January 13, 2021 at 2:06 pm

            Hi Linda! I did not test this recipe with cake mix. Sorry!

            Reply
          • Tom says

            May 18, 2021 at 6:41 pm

            Can I use canned apple pie filling? Thanks Tom

            Reply
    6. Be says

      June 06, 2020 at 2:58 am

      Will substituting oil with applesauce work? Or, maybe half applesauce and half the amount of oil? Can't wait to try this!!

      Reply
    7. Denise Tesson says

      May 27, 2020 at 1:02 pm

      I am just wondering if you can use whole milk instead of buttermilk? Somebody let me know. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        May 27, 2020 at 2:33 pm

        Hi Denise! If you are using whole milk, add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar. I hope this helps!

        Reply
    8. Vanessa says

      March 08, 2020 at 5:47 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this and could barely wait for it to cool before digging in - it’s SO good! Exactly what I was looking for in an apple cake recipe. I didn’t have buttermilk so I used someone else’s suggestion of almond milk and it turned out perfectly. Will definitely make this again! Thank you!

      Reply
    9. Leeat says

      May 22, 2019 at 2:35 pm

      5 stars
      Made it with lactose-free dairy products. Great recipe, came out delicious!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        May 23, 2019 at 12:36 am

        Thank you so much! I am so glad it was a hit!

        Reply
    10. Morgan Juniper says

      April 09, 2019 at 8:33 pm

      5 stars
      I used 6 large honey crisp and doubled the cake recipe to make a 9x13. I also found i was out of flour! Oh no! Lol so i used Krusteaz pankcake mix and omitted the baking soda and baking powder. I kept everything else the same. It was wonderful!

      Reply
    11. Vicky Valle says

      March 16, 2019 at 7:57 pm

      I’m so excited to make this cake! I’m sautéing my apples tonight, and finishing my cake in the morning. Do I refrigerate the apples tonight? If so, should I warm them before adding them to the batter?

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        March 17, 2019 at 12:19 am

        Hi Vicky! No need to reheat them, just let them sit in room temperature so they are not fridge-cold when you add the cake batter. I hope this helps! Let me know how you like the cake!

        Reply
        • Vicky Valle says

          March 17, 2019 at 10:49 am

          5 stars
          The cake looks wonderful! I wish I could send you a photo of it in my new Le Crueset Apple Pie dish. This dish was MADE for this recipe!

          Reply
    12. Di Lollo Mary says

      January 21, 2019 at 12:45 am

      To make butter milk how much cider vinegar or lemon juice

      Reply
      • GP says

        September 15, 2019 at 11:14 am

        3/4 tablespoon, then make up to 3/4 cup

        Reply
    13. Marta says

      January 08, 2019 at 2:53 am

      Hi, what is the size for a round pan?

      Reply
    14. sigrid says

      December 31, 2018 at 2:31 pm

      5 stars
      Hi! I was wondering if i could just place the layer of apples at the bottom and bake all at once? it would be so much more time conservative!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        January 02, 2019 at 2:03 am

        Hi! I bet you can but that will be a different recipe. This cake is fun because of the three layers that are created. Hope this explains it a bit!

        Reply
    15. Dominic says

      December 02, 2018 at 3:51 pm

      I have never heard of baking half a cake and then pouring wet on a baked cake. What is the difference if i pour in the whole batter?

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        December 02, 2018 at 7:53 pm

        Hi Dominic! The purpose is to create a base for the sauteed cinnamon apples. It's not a typical cake recipe but it's fun to have the apple layer in between cake layers. Hope this helps!

        Reply
    16. Jacqueline says

      November 21, 2018 at 11:31 pm

      If you double it, how long to bake? Thanks

      Reply
    17. Amy Wahl says

      November 12, 2018 at 4:47 pm

      5 stars
      I doubled the recipe and used a bundt pan! Came out beautifully.

      Reply
      • Amy Wahl says

        November 12, 2018 at 9:02 pm

        After eating the cake we all decided it was very dry. The flavor was yummy but texture was way too dry.

        Reply
        • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

          November 14, 2018 at 12:14 am

          Hi Amy! I've made this cake many times and it's never dry. I think you might have measured the flour incorrectly. The crumb of the cake should be soft and not at all dry. Since you doubled the recipe, it's possible the cooking time was also too long.

          Reply
    18. Anna says

      October 10, 2018 at 7:06 am

      I made this cake last night and cooked it for just a bit longer. My toothpick came out clean last night, but when I cut the cake this morning, it seems gooey inside. Has anyone experienced this? Could it be from the apples and not from the cake being undercooked? Thanks!

      Reply
    19. Carolyn says

      September 10, 2018 at 12:11 pm

      5 stars
      Oh this is a thing of beauty! Can't wait to try it.

      Reply
    20. Linda says

      September 08, 2018 at 6:47 pm

      Can you use reg. milk if u don't have buttermilk?

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        September 09, 2018 at 6:22 pm

        Hi Linda! Yes, regular milk will work just fine. You can make homemade buttermilk by mixing apple cider vinegar or lemon juice with milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. I hope this helps!

        Reply
        • Jane says

          September 23, 2018 at 12:12 am

          5 stars
          Thank you! I rarely have buttermilk on hand, so this is a great tip.

          Reply
          • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

            September 24, 2018 at 10:26 pm

            You are very welcome, Jane! I always make my own too! 😀

            Reply
      • Michelle says

        June 09, 2019 at 8:24 pm

        I made it with Almond Milk and it turned out great!!

        Reply
    21. Sabrina says

      September 08, 2018 at 11:10 am

      5 stars
      This is such a family favorite! It's so delicious and hard to resist!

      Reply
    22. Katerina says

      September 08, 2018 at 3:51 am

      5 stars
      WOW!! This looks absolutely delicious!! YUM!!

      Reply
    23. Michael says

      September 07, 2018 at 9:26 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! This looks soooooo crazy delicious! Yummmmm.

      xo Michael

      Reply
    24. helen berkshire says

      September 07, 2018 at 9:18 pm

      Question; would you double the recipe for a 13x9?

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        September 07, 2018 at 10:54 pm

        Hi Helen! Yes, double for a 13"x9" pan. Let me know if you make this cake! Thank you!

        Reply
    25. Emily Hill says

      September 07, 2018 at 2:19 pm

      5 stars
      Holy yum! I could eat the entire pan of this cinnamon apple cake!

      Reply

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