Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you adore desserts that feel cozy and comforting without a ton of fuss. That’s exactly why this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe quickly became a go-to in my kitchen. It’s the perfect balance of tender cake, sweet cinnamon sugar topping, and the subtle tang of thinly sliced apples baked right in. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon treat or a dessert that’ll make any gathering feel a little more special, this recipe will win you over.

What I love most about this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe is how approachable it is—no fancy equipment, no complicated steps. Plus, it uses ingredients that you probably already keep on hand, like apple cider and cinnamon. You’ll find that this cake is not only delicious but also a crowd-pleaser, from my family’s casual weekend brunch to holiday dessert tables. It’s one of those easy recipes you’ll come back to time and again, trust me!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe plays its own delicious role—from the tangy reduced apple cider that adds depth, to the crisp apple slices that bake tenderly within. I always recommend choosing fresh, sweet apples like Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.

• Apple cider: Reducing it intensifies the flavor—you’ll want that rich apple taste shining through.
• Coconut oil: Melted for moisture and a subtle, nutty background note.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts the cake’s warmth and aroma.
• Egg: Binds everything together while helping the cake rise.
• Honey or maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness—choose your favorite for a personal touch.
• Apple butter: Amplifies apple flavor and adds a hint of spice.
• All-purpose flour: The cake’s base—make sure to measure correctly for perfect texture.
• Baking soda: Gives the gentle lift for a tender crumb.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Apple or pumpkin pie spice: The secret to that cozy autumn vibe in every bite.
• Honeycrisp apples: Thinly sliced for even baking and softness.
• Cold salted butter: Grated to create a clumpy, buttery cinnamon sugar topping that crisps up wonderfully.
• Granulated sugar: Works with cinnamon and butter to give a crunchy, sweet crust.
• Ground cinnamon: For that classic warm spice loved in apple desserts.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe is how you can customize it to suit your tastes or pantry staples. Over time, I’ve tried different spices and sweeteners, and it’s fun to experiment with what works best for you.

• Spice Variation: I sometimes swap pumpkin pie spice for apple pie spice for an earthier flavor that my family really enjoys in fall.
• Sweetener Swap: Maple syrup gives a deeper, woodsy sweetness, while honey makes it lighter and floral—both are winners!
• Apple Choices: If you don’t have Honeycrisp, Granny Smith or Fuji apples also work great for a tart or sweeter profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend—just be sure to check the baking soda amount and adjust if needed.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction

Start by bringing your apple cider to a boil on high heat, then lower it to a simmer until it reduces down to about half a cup. This step might feel a little extra, but I promise it’s worth the patience—it concentrates the apple flavor, making the cake taste like autumn in every bite. Let it cool completely so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled apple cider reduction, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, egg, honey or maple syrup, and apple butter. Make sure everything is well combined; you want a smooth base before adding the dry ingredients. This mixture is the heart of your cake’s moisture and delicious apple essence.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients & Fold in Apples

Now, sift in the flour, baking soda, the apple or pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt. Stir just until combined—don’t over-mix here or your cake might turn out dense. Gently fold in the thinly sliced apples; they add great texture and natural sweetness. Your batter will be thick, almost like a hearty pancake batter.

Step 4: Assemble & Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking dish. For the topping, mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cold grated salted butter until it forms a clumpy sugar mixture. This step is such a game changer—sprinkle it generously over the cake surface to get that perfect sweet and slightly crunchy crust as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake and Serve Warm

Bake at 350°F for about 30 to 40 minutes until the cake is just set and the topping looks golden and crisp. I love to serve this cake warm, sometimes with a dollop of honey butter (which you can find notes on below) or just as is. It’s a simple pleasure that never fails to delight.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple here—just a light dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. But if you want to go the extra mile, a smear of honey butter elevates the warmth and sweetness. Some chopped toasted pecans on top add a lovely crunch that beautifully complements the tender apple cake.

Side Dishes

Since this cake is flavorful and filling, I like pairing it with cider or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon. If you’re planning brunch, a soft cream cheese spread or whipped mascarpone makes a lovely sidekick. For dessert, a drizzle of caramel sauce brings out the apple and cinnamon flavors even more spectacularly.

Creative Ways to Present

Whenever I make this cake for special occasions, I like to cut it into neat squares and serve on a pretty wooden board garnished with fresh apple slices and sprigs of thyme. It instantly makes the presentation feel intentional and festive! You can also layer slices with whipped cream and caramel for a quick trifle twist if you want to impress guests with minimal extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

My experience is this cake keeps well covered at room temperature for about two days—just loosely cover it to preserve the crunchy topping. After that, I move leftovers to the fridge wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container to keep them fresh up to 4 days.

Freezing

If you want to make ahead or save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. I slice it into pieces, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want a sweet treat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight—it tastes almost as good as fresh!

Reheating

To bring back that warm-from-the-oven feeling, I pop slices in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes or microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds. This revives the cinnamon sugar crust nicely without drying out your cake.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the kind of dessert that reminds me of cozy afternoons, warm kitchens, and sharing simple joys with loved ones. It’s a recipe I always feel confident making because it’s forgiving yet consistently delicious. I hope you’ll try it soon and find yourself reaching for it whenever you need a little slice of comfort. Trust me, this cake will become one of your favorites, just like it did mine!

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