Let me show you how to make a super moist apple cinnamon cake that makes your kitchen smell absolutely amazing… sweet apples, warm cinnamon sugar, and that cozy loaf cake vibe.
Check out my Moist Apple Cinnamon Cake recipe video below… it smells so good while it bakes, you’re going to want a slice right away. If you enjoyed it, please like the video and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more cozy cake recipes and easy home baking ideas!
Why you’ll love this apple cinnamon cake
This apple cinnamon loaf cake is easy, no fancy steps, and it bakes up so pretty with that cinnamon sugar ripple through the middle.
Let’s be honest… anything that makes the house smell like cinnamon and apples while it bakes is already a win. How can you not?!
Texture + flavor
The flavor is warm cinnamon and brown sugar first, then sweet apple comes through in every bite. It’s cozy, buttery, and super delicious.
Texture-wise, it’s soft and tender, not dry at all, with little apple pieces throughout. The top bakes up golden with a thin, lightly crisp cinnamon sugar finish that is sooo satisfying.
Did You Know: Cinnamon gets extra fragrant as it heats, which is why this loaf smells so good before it even comes out of the oven.
Apple cinnamon cake ingredients
Cake batter:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (113 g)
- 1/2 cup milk (120 ml)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180 g)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (7 g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large apple, peeled and chopped, about 1 cup (120 g)
Cinnamon sugar:
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar (110 g)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (about 3.6 g)
Equipment
TAP ON IMAGE TO VIEW PRICE
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Sieve
- Measuring cups and spoons (a kitchen scale is great too)
- Spatula
- Toothpick
- Cooling rack
Instructions for this recipe
Step 1: Prep the oven and pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper so it’s easy to lift out later.
Step 2: Beat the eggs and sugar
In a mixing bowl, add 2 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g). Mix with an electric mixer for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it looks lighter in color and a little foamy on top.
Step 3: Add butter and milk
Pour in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter (113 g). Make sure it’s warm, not hot. Then add 1/2 cup milk (120 ml). Mix just until smooth.
Note: If the butter is steaming hot, it can mess with the eggs. Let it sit for a minute or two after melting.
Step 4: Sift in the dry ingredients
Sift in 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180 g), 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (7 g), and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix on low just until you don’t see dry flour anymore.
Top Tip: Stop mixing the second the flour disappears. Overmixing at this point can make the loaf cake feel heavy.
Step 5: Add the apple
Peel and chop 1 large apple, about 1 cup (120 g). Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady all work great. Fold it in and mix just until the pieces are spread through the batter.
Top Tip: Chop the apple into small, even pieces. Bigger chunks can sink and make wet pockets, but small pieces stay nicely spread out and bake up tender.
Step 6: Mix the cinnamon sugar
In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar (110 g) and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Set it aside.
Step 7: Layer the loaf
Spoon half the batter into the pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Add the rest of the batter on top and spread it out so it covers the cinnamon sugar layer really well. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top.
Step 8: Optional swirl
Run a knife through the batter a few times in loose, gentle loops to create swirls. A few passes is perfect. If you keep going, the cinnamon layer can blend in too much.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes. Start checking at 50 minutes. A toothpick in the center should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs. The top should look golden and set, and your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing.
Step 10: Cool and slice
Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift it out and cool on a rack. Slice once it’s warm or fully cooled, whatever you can handle… I get it.
Related Recipe: If you liked this apple cinnamon cake, try my grandma’s apple cinnamon crumble cake next here.
Moist Apple Cinnamon Cake with Cinnamon Swirls
8
servings15
minutes55
minutes320
kcal1
hour10
minutesSuper moist apple cinnamon cake with warm apple chunks and cinnamon swirls, baked until golden and filled with comforting fall flavors.
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
2 pieces large eggs
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) vanilla extract
½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
1½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons (7 grams) baking powder
¼ teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt
1 piece large apple, peeled and chopped
½ cup + 1 tablespoon (110 grams) brown sugar
1½ teaspoons (about 3.6 grams) ground cinnamon
Directions
- Crack two large eggs into a mixing bowl, add vanilla extract and granulated sugar, then beat with an electric mixer for 3-4 minutes.
- Melt unsalted butter and mix it into the egg mixture along with milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, then add to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until smooth.
- Peel and chop a large apple, add it to the batter, and mix until evenly distributed.
- Combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl to create an even cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and pour in half of the batter, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, then cover with the remaining batter, spreading evenly.
- Top with the remaining cinnamon sugar and create swirls with a knife for the swirl effect.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (347°F) for 50-55 minutes until the top is golden, and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cake slightly before slicing and serving to enjoy the warm apple cinnamon flavors.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Apple choices that work best: Use a crisp apple that holds its shape, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. Cut the pieces fairly small, so you get apple in every slice and the loaf bakes evenly.
- Keep apples from sinking: If your apple pieces always drop to the bottom, toss the chopped apple with about 1 tablespoon of the measured all-purpose flour before folding it in. Just scoop that tablespoon from the 1 1/2 cups of flour you are already using, so you are not adding extra flour.
- Butter temperature matters: Let the melted butter cool for a few minutes before adding it. If it feels hot or looks steamy, it can mess with the egg mixture and make the batter look weird or grainy.
- Fix a soft middle fast: If the center looks wet or sinks a little when you take it out, the loaf just needs more time. Put it back in the oven for a few minutes and loosely cover the top with foil if it is already getting dark.
- Bake time and doneness cues: This loaf is thick, so start checking at 50 minutes, but do not panic if it needs a few more minutes. If the top is getting too dark before the center is done, loosely cover the top with foil and keep baking.
- Storage and reheating: Store slices in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 7 days. Warm a slice for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave to bring back that soft, cozy texture.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 8
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Protein: 5g
Like this recipe?
Check Out @FoodHow on Pinterest.
Like our Facebook Page!
Follow us on Facebook
Storing the cake
Keep the loaf covered at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. Make sure it is wrapped well or stored in an airtight container so it stays soft and moist. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. The cake may firm up slightly in the fridge, but it will still taste great and stay moist inside.
Reheating
Warm a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. It brings the cinnamon smell right back and makes the cake feel extra soft. If the slice is thicker or straight from the fridge, you may need a few extra seconds, but be careful not to overheat it so it doesn’t dry out.
More cozy loaf cakes
If you enjoyed this apple cinnamon cake, go check out my other cozy cake recipes too… and please leave a comment with any questions about this apple cinnamon cake in the blog comments or the YouTube comments.
If you’re in the mood for more simple, comforting bakes, these cozy loaf cakes are perfect to try next.
- Best Apple Cake Recipe Ever! – This ultra-moist apple cake is packed with tender apple pieces and warm spices, making it a true classic you’ll want to bake again and again.
- Simple Moist Christmas Loaf Cake – A soft, festive loaf cake with rich flavor and a tender crumb that’s perfect for the holidays or anytime you want something cozy and special.
- Marble Cake Recipe – A classic marble loaf with beautiful chocolate and vanilla swirls, baked up soft and buttery and perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
I hope you find a new favorite here, and don’t forget to leave a comment if you have any questions, I read them all and love hearing from you!