This old-fashioned apple cinnamon cake is one I keep coming back to. Soft, tender, and full of warm cinnamon flavor, it smells incredible while baking and tastes even better when it is still a little warm. It is simple enough to make any day but feels special enough for a cozy afternoon or family gathering.
Watch my Old-Fashioned Apple Cinnamon Cake video below to see exactly how it comes together and how easy it is to make. If you like it, give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my YouTube channel so you do not miss any of my new baking recipes.
Why You Will Love This Apple Cinnamon Cake
This old-fashioned apple cinnamon cake is soft, tender, and bursting with warm cinnamon and sweet apples. The crumbly top adds texture without being heavy. Every bite is cozy and comforting, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients for this Old-Fashioned Apple Cinnamon Cake
Here is everything you will need to make this cake. I list the ingredients in both cups and grams so everyone can measure them accurately, no matter which system they are used to.
Cooked Apples
- 2 to 3 apples, diced with skin on if you like extra texture
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (65 grams)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (2.5 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 milliliters)
- 1/3 cup milk (80 milliliters)
Cake Batter
- 3 eggs
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 milliliters)
- 3/4 cup sugar (150 grams)
- 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon light olive oil (90 milliliters)
- 2/3 cup yogurt (130 grams)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
- 2 tablespoons baking powder (15 grams)
Crumble Topping
- 3 tablespoons flour (25 grams)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (38 grams)
- 2 tablespoons butter (28 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (1 gram)
Optional Cinnamon Cocoa Layer
- 2 tablespoons sugar (25 grams)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (2.5 grams)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (5 grams)
Equipment You Will Need
You do not need much for this recipe. Just a few basics, keep it simple.
- Medium saucepan for cooking apples
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sieve for sifting flour
- 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan, greased
- Spatula
Preparing the Apples
We start by cooking the apples. This softens them slightly and brings out their sweetness.
Step 1
Add 2 to 3 diced apples to a medium pan over medium heat. Keep the skin on if you want a bit of extra texture.
Step 2
Add 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/3 cup milk. Stir gently to mix everything.
Step 3
Let the apples cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still hold their shape. You want them soft without turning to mush.
Top Tip: Use apples that are firm and slightly tart. They hold up better during cooking and give a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Making the Cake Batter
This part comes together quickly, and it is straightforward.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, crack in 3 eggs and add a pinch of salt. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 3/4 cup sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat everything until combined.
Step 5
Add 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon light olive oil (90 milliliters) and 2/3 cup yogurt (130 grams). Mix until smooth.
Step 6
Sift 2 cups of flour (250 grams) and 2 tablespoons of baking powder (15 grams) into the wet mixture. Stir gently just until the flour disappears. Do not overmix, or the cake can become dense.
Top Tip: Sifting the flour and baking powder helps the batter stay light and airy, which makes the cake soft.
Preparing the Crumble Topping
The crumble is simple but adds a nice texture contrast to the soft cake.
Step 7
In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons flour (25 grams), 3 tablespoons sugar (38 grams), 2 tablespoons butter (28 grams), and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (1 gram). Use your fingers or a fork to mix until it forms small clumps.
Optional Cinnamon Cocoa Layer
If you want a subtle layer in the middle for extra flavor, this is quick to make.
Step 8
Mix 2 tablespoons sugar (25 grams), 1 teaspoon cinnamon (2.5 grams), and 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (5 grams) in a small bowl. Sprinkle it over the bottom layer of cake batter before adding the rest of the batter.
Assembling the Cake
Now everything comes together.
Step 9
Pour half of the cake batter into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon cocoa mix if you are using it. Pour the remaining batter over the top.
Step 10
Spread the cooked apples evenly over the top of the batter. Then sprinkle the crumble mixture on top of the apples.
Top Tip: You do not need to press the crumble. Just scatter it gently so it bakes nicely on top.
Baking the Cake
Baking is where the cake comes alive because the smell is absolutely amazing.
Step 11
Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40 to 50 minutes. The cake is ready when the top is golden and the crumble looks crumbly, and your kitchen smells amazing.
Step 12
Take the cake out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together and makes serving easier.
Note: Check the cake with a toothpick in the center if you are unsure. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Related Recipe: If you liked this Old-Fashioned Apple Cinnamon Cake, you are going to love this moist apple and cinnamon loaf cake here too.
Old-Fashioned Apple Cinnamon Cake with Crumble Topping
6
servings30
minutes50
minutes543
kcal1
hour20
minutesI found this old family recipe for apple cinnamon cake, and it is just amazing. Soft, sweet, and packed with apples, it has a light crumble on top and that warm cinnamon flavor that makes your kitchen smell incredible.
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients for Cooked Apples
2-3 pieces diced apples
1/3 cup (65 g) brown sugar
1 teaspoon (about 2.5 g) cinnamon
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
1/3 cup (80 ml) milk
- Ingredients for Cake Batter
3 pieces eggs
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon (90 ml) light olive oil
2/3 cup (130 g) yogurt
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (15 g) baking powder
3 tablespoons (25 g) flour
- Ingredients for Crumble Topping
3 tablespoons (38 g) sugar
2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
1/2 teaspoon (1 g) cinnamon
- Ingredients for Optional Cinnamon Cocoa Layer
2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar
1 teaspoon (2.5 g) cinnamon
1 tablespoon (5 g) cocoa powder
Directions
- Add 2 to 3 diced apples to a pan over medium heat and add brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and milk. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until apples soften and liquid thickens slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, crack 3 eggs, add salt, vanilla extract, and sugar. Mix with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale and smooth.
- Add olive oil to the egg mixture and mix until smooth. Then add yogurt and give it another quick mix. Sift in flour and baking powder, then mix until smooth.
- For crumble: Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter using fingertips into a crumbly texture.
- For cocoa mix: Combine sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder in a bowl until fully mixed.
- Pour a portion of the cake batter into a greased pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cocoa mix on top.
- Pour the remaining batter over the cocoa layer, spreading gently to cover evenly. Place cooked apples on top evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumble over apples, breaking it into small clumps. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C or 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Ingredient Alternatives: You can swap light olive oil for melted coconut oil or unsalted butter if you prefer. For yogurt, plain or Greek yogurt works fine, but make sure it is unsweetened to avoid extra sweetness.
- Use Firm Apples: Choose slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to hold their shape while baking. Softer apples can become mushy and release too much liquid.
- Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center to test the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
- Storage and Reheating: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat slices gently in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to restore warmth.
- Serving Extras: Add a light dusting of powdered sugar on top or a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance presentation and flavor.
- Troubleshooting Common Issues: If the cake turns out dense, it is usually from overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Make sure the apples are tender but not mushy to avoid excess moisture on top.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 6
- Calories: 543kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 83g
- Protein: 16g
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Serving and Enjoying
This cake is great warm or at room temperature. You can serve it as is or with a scoop of this old-fashioned vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Top Tip: If you want to keep it moist for longer, wrap leftovers tightly and store them at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to four days.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Use firm, slightly tart apples for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter once you add the flour to keep the cake soft.
- Cook the apples just until tender so they hold their shape on top.
This recipe combines soft, sweet cake, tender apples, and a buttery crumb topping for a comforting dessert that is simple to make and impossible to resist.
More Apple Cake Recipes
If you love apple cakes, head over to my YouTube channel here to see more recipes. You can watch how each cake comes together and get tips for baking them perfectly. Don’t forget to like the videos and subscribe so you never miss a new recipe.
- Got Apples? Make the Best Apple Cake Recipe Ever! – A timeless, crowd-pleasing apple cake recipe that’s soft, moist, and bursting with fresh apple flavor. Perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.
- Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake Without Flour – A naturally gluten-free twist on a classic, this wholesome apple cake uses no flour yet stays incredibly rich, moist, and satisfying.
- Wholesome Oat Apple Cake – Dive into Healthier, Low-Sugar Baking – A hearty oat-based apple cake with less sugar but all the comfort you crave—ideal for guilt-free indulgence any time of day.
No matter which recipe you choose, these apple cakes are sure to fill your kitchen with warmth and delicious aroma—happy baking!