There’s something about the scent of apples and cinnamon baking that instantly transports you—whether to a Parisian patisserie, a Southern grandma’s kitchen, or a crisp autumn day in New England. This Apple Cinnamon Cake marries a rustic charm with global finesse, balancing warm spices with the tender sweetness of apples.
Inspired by European patisserie techniques, this cake embraces a moist crumb, thanks to a balance of butter and yogurt—much like the buttery apple tarts of Normandy. Yet, its ease of preparation makes it feel right at home in an Alabama farmhouse, where recipes are passed down with love and a wooden spoon.
Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla gelato or paired with a morning coffee, this cake effortlessly adapts to the moment. Let’s dive in and create something special—after all, the best recipes aren’t just followed; they’re experienced.
What’s So Great About This Dish?
- Baking it feels like a warm hug. There’s nothing quite like the smell of apples and cinnamon filling your home—it’s an instant mood booster. It reminds me of walking past street-side bakeries in Prague, where spiced pastries perfume the air.
- It’s a foolproof, feel-good dessert. This recipe is as simple as it is rewarding. Even if you’re not a frequent baker, the method is approachable, and the results are reliably stunning. A golden crust, a tender center, and just the right balance of spice—perfection.
- Perfect for every season. While it’s a natural star in autumn, this cake fits any occasion. Add a touch of citrus zest for a springy twist, or serve with spiced whipped cream in winter—small tweaks, endless possibilities.
- A balance of indulgence and nutrition. The apples bring natural sweetness and fiber, making this cake feel less like a guilty pleasure and more like a wholesome treat. I love swapping half the flour for almond meal to add a little extra texture and protein.
- It just tastes so good. The combination of warm cinnamon, caramelized apples, and a tender, buttery crumb creates a depth of flavor that lingers beautifully. One bite, and you’ll want another slice—trust me.
Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 8-inch round cake pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Separate mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Apple Cake
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 210 g plain flour or all purpose flour
- 120 ml Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 120 ml vegetable oil
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup red apple, peeled and roughly chopped
- 150 g caster sugar or granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
Sugar glaze
- 2 tbsp milk
- 30 g icing sugar or powdered sugar, sifted
Cinnamon topping
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 50 g caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) for standard or 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced.
- Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with baking or parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Add the chopped apples and briefly mix them in.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, oil, and yogurt to break up the egg yolks.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir with a wooden spoon until just combined.
- Be careful not to over-mix.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.
- For the cinnamon topping, mix cinnamon, sugar, and butter until lumpy and wet, then sprinkle over the batter.
- Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool on a wire rack.
- For the glaze, combine sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk, stirring until smooth.
- If it’s too thick, add an extra tablespoon of milk.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cake once cooled.
Notes
- Adding the apple directly to the dry ingredients helps prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom while baking.
- The glaze can be adjusted to your desired consistency by varying the amount of milk.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon topping.
- To make the cake extra moist, use full-fat yogurt instead of a low-fat variety.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 310kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42.7g |
| Fat | 14.1g |
| Protein | 4.8g |
| Cholesterol | 42.2g |
