Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake – Moist, Sweet & One-Bowl Simple

I baked this cake on a chilly Saturday morning, just as the sun was rising through the kitchen window. Something about the smell of cinnamon and apples wrapping around the warm hum of coffee felt just right. This easy cinnamon apple cake came out golden and tender, and the first bite tasted like comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is a true one-bowl wonder. No stand mixer needed, no fancy tricks. Just a bowl, a spoon, and some everyday ingredients you likely already have.

It works beautifully as both breakfast and dessert. It’s hearty enough for a slow weekend brunch and sweet enough to end a meal.

The balance of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet Honeycrisp keeps the flavor fresh, while cinnamon and cloves add that cozy spice you crave in cooler months. And because it freezes well, you can bake now and enjoy later.

Ingredients & Substitutions

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• Apples (4 cups, sliced): A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives you a perfect tart-sweet balance. Keep the peels on for rustic texture, or peel if you prefer smoothness.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the apples. You can also use orange juice for a subtle citrus twist.
• Sugar (2 cups): Essential for texture and flavor—don’t skimp.
• Coconut oil (¾ cup): Keeps the cake moist. You can also use avocado or vegetable oil.
• Eggs (2 large): For structure and richness.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds warmth.
• Flour (2 cups, all-purpose): No need to sift—just scoop and level.
• Baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and cloves: This spice combo brings the cake to life.

Pro tip: Slice your apples evenly, around ¼ inch thick. That way, each bite bakes evenly and stays tender.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake

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1. Prep your apples.
Peel (or don’t), core, and slice the apples into uniform pieces. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice and the full amount of sugar. Let them sit for 30–45 minutes. This step, called macerating, draws out the juices and deepens the flavor.

2. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Get your 9×9 or 9×13 pan ready with baking spray and parchment paper. I always line the bottom—it makes lifting out the cake so much easier.

3. Mix wet ingredients.
To your macerated apple-sugar mix, stir in the oil, eggs, and vanilla. No electric mixer needed—just stir until combined.

4. Add dry ingredients.
Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and ground cloves. Mix gently, just until it comes together. Overmixing leads to a tough crumb.

5. Bake.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. For a 9×13, bake 45–50 minutes. For a 9×9, go a bit longer, around 50–55 minutes. A knife or toothpick should come out clean.

6. Cool and serve.
Let it rest at least 15 minutes before slicing. This cake is lovely warm, but even better the next day.

Optional: top with turbinado sugar before baking for a sweet, crackly crust. Or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Testing for Doneness

To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick or knife into the center. It should come out mostly clean, with just a few crumbs.

If you want to be exact, the internal temp should hit 200–210°F.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Storing at Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep it in a cool spot out of direct sunlight.

Refrigerating

Keeps well for up to a week in the fridge. The texture gets a little firmer but still tasty. Let it come to room temp before serving.

Freezing

Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for 3–4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter.

Tips & Tricks

• Tart + Sweet Combo: Use Granny Smith for structure and tang, Honeycrisp for juiciness and sweetness.
• Even slices = even bake: Don’t skip this detail.
• Want crunch? Sprinkle turbinado sugar before baking.
• Don’t cut the sugar too much: It’s key for the moist texture.

If you like simple apple recipes, you’ll also love these Easy Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies and this 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake.

FAQs

More Such Recipes

Try this Healthy Breakfast Apple Crumble for a cozy morning treat, or spread some Slow Cooker Apple Butter on a warm slice of this cake. They’re made for each other.

Conclusion / Final Thoughts

This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is a keeper. It’s forgiving, flavorful, and so satisfying. Whether you bake it for your next brunch, after-dinner treat, or just because—you’ll want to come back to it again and again.

Serve it warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or eat a chilled slice with coffee straight from the fridge. However you enjoy it, let it feel like home.

Stay connected with more home-baked goodness over on Pinterest and Facebook.

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