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This tender cinnamon apple cake delivers a perfect blend of warm spices and juicy fruit in every bite. The simple milk glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness to complement the cinnamon sugar topping that creates a delightful crunch when baked.
I first made this cake for a casual Sunday family gathering and it disappeared before dinner was even served. Now it's my go-to recipe whenever apple season arrives or when I need a foolproof dessert that feels both special and homey.
Ingredients
- Plain flour: Provides the perfect structure allowing the cake to rise beautifully while staying tender
- Baking powder and baking soda: Create the ideal lift and texture
- Caster sugar: Gives sweetness without being overwhelming
- Red apple: Adds moisture and natural sweetness; choose a variety like Honeycrisp or Gala for best results
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile without overpowering the apples
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist for days
- Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and creates an incredibly tender crumb
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warm aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with apples
- Butter: In the topping creates those irresistible caramelized bits
- Powdered sugar: Makes a simple glaze that adds just the right finishing touch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Grease and line an 8inch round cake pan with parchment paper making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal. Preheat your oven to 180C standard or 160C fan-forced to ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl whisking thoroughly to eliminate any lumps. Add your chopped apple pieces and toss gently to coat them in the flour mixture; this prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
- Prepare wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla, oil, and yogurt just until combined. Do not overmix. The yogurt might look a bit curdled when mixed with oil, but this is completely normal and will incorporate smoothly into the batter.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold together using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Use gentle strokes scraping the bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated. Stop mixing as soon as no dry flour remains; the batter will be thick and studded with apple pieces.
- Add cinnamon topping:
- Mix the cinnamon, sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl until it forms a wet crumbly mixture. Sprinkle this evenly over the cake batter making sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor in every slice.
- Bake to perfection:
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked with the cinnamon topping forming a delicious crust.
- Glaze and serve:
- Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the glaze. Mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth then drizzle artfully over the cake letting it run down the sides. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before slicing.
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The cinnamon topping is truly what makes this cake special. I discovered that letting the melted butter cool slightly before mixing with the sugar and cinnamon creates the perfect crumbly texture that forms little pockets of spiced sweetness throughout the top of the cake. My family fights over the corner pieces where the topping gets extra crunchy.
Make Ahead and Storage
This apple cake actually tastes even better on day two when the flavors have had time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, transfer it to the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to a week. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Seasonal Variations
While this cake is perfect with any apple variety, you can adapt it to showcase seasonal fruits throughout the year. In summer, try substituting peaches or plums. In fall, mix in some pears with the apples and add a pinch of nutmeg. Winter calls for adding cranberries and orange zest, while spring might welcome some strawberries and lemon zest for a brighter profile.
Serving Suggestions
For an elevated dessert experience, serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For brunch, pair with a cup of strong coffee or hot apple cider. If serving as an afternoon treat, a dusting of extra cinnamon over individual slices adds a beautiful finishing touch and enhances the aromatic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the cinnamon topping?
The cinnamon topping is made by mixing together sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a wet, lumpy consistency. Sprinkle it over the cake batter before baking.
- → Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use any firm apple variety, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for this recipe. Just ensure it's peeled and chopped into small pieces.
- → What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
If you don't have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with sour cream or plain regular yogurt for similar results.
- → How do I know when the cake is ready?
The cake is ready when it's golden brown on top and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This usually takes about 30-35 minutes.
- → Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the glaze is optional. The cake is still delicious without it, but the glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness and enhances the presentation.