Autumn’s Embrace: A Cozy Cinnamon-Spiced Delight

There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through the house—it’s the scent of warmth, of comfort, and of home. This Cinnamon Apple Cake is exactly that: a nostalgic dessert that wraps you in the flavors of fall. Whether served warm on a chilly day or chilled and dusted with powdered sugar, this cake is a perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and tender fruit.

Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or a quiet afternoon with coffee, this easy-to-make treat captures the essence of old-fashioned home baking with a modern ease.

🍏 Why This Recipe Works

Classic Ingredients: Pantry staples like flour, cinnamon, and sugar combine with fresh apples for a flavor-packed batter.
Perfect Texture: Moist from the oil and milk, with chunks of apple in every bite.
No Fancy Equipment: Just two mixing bowls and a baking dish—no mixers needed.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

🛒 Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the simple but powerful lineup of ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour – The base of your cake. Spoon and level for accuracy.
1 cup granulated sugar + ½ cup brown sugar – A mix of sugars adds depth and a slight molasses flavor.
4 tsp baking powder – Leavens the cake beautifully, giving it rise without yeast or soda.
2 tsp ground cinnamon – The heart of fall flavor.
½ tsp salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure.
1¼ cups milk – Adds moisture; whole milk works best.
⅔ cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist without the heaviness of butter.
2 tsp vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor with aromatic sweetness.
3 cups diced apples, peeled – Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.

🍰 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter and a light dusting of flour.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

3 cups flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
4 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in:

1¼ cups milk
⅔ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps the cake soft and tender. Gently fold in the diced apples.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly crisp.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cold with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a lighter finish.

🍂 Tips & Variations

Apple Varieties: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a bold contrast or sweeter ones like Honeycrisp for a milder, smoother taste.
Add a Streusel: For a bakery-style topping, sprinkle a mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and butter before baking.
Make It Nutty: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Glaze Option: Drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk for a bakery finish.

🧊 Storage & Freezing

To Store: Keep covered at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To Freeze: Cut into squares, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm slightly before serving.

🍽️ Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 350 kcal
Carbs: 50g
Fat: 14g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 24g
Fiber: 2g