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A close-up of a freshly baked apple cinnamon cake in a cake pan on a white marble cooktop. The golden-brown top has a slightly cracked surface with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust. A knife rests beside it, ready for slicing and serving.

Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe

This Apple Cinnamon Cake is soft, moist, and bursting with warm cinnamon spice. Topped with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar layer, it’s the perfect cozy dessert for fall, holidays, or any sweet craving!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 208 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • 9-inch cake pan
  • Oven
  • Knife (for chopping apples)

Ingredients
  

  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ⅔ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 apple peeled and chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
  • Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
    A close-up of a glass mixing bowl on a white marble cooktop, where brown sugar and cinnamon are being stirred together with a small whisk. The mixture has a rich, golden-brown color, evenly blended to create a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mix.
  • Cream butter and white sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla extract.
    A close-up of a glass mixing bowl on a white marble cooktop, where softened butter and white sugar are being creamed together. A wooden spoon rests on the side of the bowl, showing the smooth, fluffy texture of the well-mixed ingredients.
  • Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking powder) and gradually mix them into the batter, alternating with milk.
    A close-up of a glass bowl on a white marble cooktop, where all-purpose flour and baking powder are being whisked together. A fine dusting of flour coats the edges of the bowl, as the dry ingredients are evenly combined for a smooth cake batter.
  • Fold in chopped apples gently, ensuring even distribution.
    A close-up of peeled and chopped apples being gently folded into the thick cake batter inside a glass mixing bowl on a white marble cooktop. The apple pieces are evenly distributed, adding texture and flavor to the mixture.
  • Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mix, then add the remaining batter and top with more cinnamon-sugar.
    A close-up of a greased 9-inch cake pan on a white marble cooktop, with half of the cake batter being spread evenly. The cinnamon-sugar mixture is generously sprinkled on top before the remaining batter is added, creating a delicious layered effect.
  • Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool for 10 minutes, then slice and enjoy warm!
    A close-up of a freshly baked apple cinnamon cake in a cake pan on a white marble cooktop. The golden-brown top has a slightly cracked surface with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust. A knife rests beside it, ready for slicing and serving.