Apple Cinnamon Delight Cake Recipe

Sweet & Spiced Apple Cinnamon Delight Cake Recipe

Sweet apple cinnamon delight cake brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen like a gentle embrace.

Fragrant spices dance through soft, moist layers that promise pure indulgence.

Rich aromas will float through your home, creating an inviting atmosphere of delectable anticipation.

Imagine cutting into a slice that melts softly on your plate, revealing tender fruit and warm spice notes.

Baking becomes an art form with this delightful recipe that connects traditional flavors to modern dessert creativity.

Subtle hints of nostalgia blend perfectly with contemporary baking techniques.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and culinary passion.

You can want to savor every delicious moment of this extraordinary dessert experience.

Apple Cinnamon Cake That Smells Like Fall

  • This apple cinnamon cake delivers warm, nostalgic flavors that wrap you in a cozy culinary hug, perfect for chilly afternoons or family gatherings.
  • Enjoy a delightful contrast between the soft, moist cake base, crunchy crumb topping, and tender apple chunks that create an exciting mouthfeel in every bite.
  • With simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels to create a delicious dessert without complicated steps or professional training.
  • Suitable for breakfast, afternoon tea, potlucks, or dessert, this cake adapts to various occasions and satisfies sweet cravings with its rich cinnamon-apple essence.

What You’ll Need for Apple Cinnamon Cake

Sugars and Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Dark Brown Sugar: Sweet foundation for the cake with rich caramel undertones, adds moisture and depth of flavor.

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Dry Ingredients:
  • Cake Flour: Provides delicate, tender cake texture with lower protein content.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that complements apple perfectly.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and creates light, fluffy texture.
  • Oats: Adds rustic texture and nutty background to crumb topping.
  • Table Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients and Fruits:
  • Butter, Melted Butter: Provides rich, smooth flavor and helps bind ingredients.
  • Eggs, Egg Yolk: Adds structure, richness, and helps cake hold together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor profile with sweet, complex notes.
  • Buttermilk: Creates tender crumb and adds subtle tangy flavor.
  • Diced Apple: Fresh fruit component that brings moisture and natural sweetness.

How to Make a Cinnamon-Apple Cake from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Crumb Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Sugar
  • Dark brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Table salt
  • Melted butter

Whisk ingredients until well blended. Add cake flour and mix until a crumbly dough forms.

Step 2: Prepare Apple Mixture

In a separate bowl, gently toss:
  • Diced apples
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Rolled oats

Set the apple mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Prepare Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 325 Fahrenheit. Grease a cake pan with baking spray or butter and flour.

In a stand mixer, blend:
  • Cake flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking soda
  • Table salt
Gradually add butter and mix until crumbly. Incorporate:
  • Whole egg
  • Egg yolk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Buttermilk
  • Diced apples
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Brown sugar

Mix until the batter becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan. Break the crumb topping into chunks and distribute over the batter. Spoon the apple-oat mixture on top of the crumb topping.

Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips for Moist Cake with a Spiced Kick

  • Dice Apples Precisely: Cut apples into uniform, small cubes to ensure even distribution and consistent texture throughout the cake.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Pat diced apples dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy during baking.
  • Layer Toppings Strategically: Sprinkle crumb topping and apple-oat mixture gently to create a beautiful, textured surface that adds crunch and visual appeal.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Use the knife test sparingly and look for golden-brown edges as an additional indicator of perfectly baked cake.
  • Cool Completely Before Serving: Allow cake to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, which helps set the structure and enhances flavor melding.

Reheating and Storage That Preserves Softness

  • Refrigerate: Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Room Temperature: Let cake cool completely before storing at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

What Goes Great with Cinnamon Apple Cake

  • Pair with Warm Caramel Latte: The rich, buttery notes of the cake complement the sweet, creamy caramel latte, creating a harmonious blend of apple and coffee flavors that dance on your palate.
  • Enhance with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of cold, smooth vanilla bean ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced cake, balancing the cinnamon and apple with its cool, creamy texture.
  • Serve alongside Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea echo the cinnamon and apple in the cake, offering a cozy, comforting beverage that enhances the dessert's warm, inviting flavors.

Twist Ideas for Apple Cinnamon Dessert Fans

  • Rustic Apple Walnut Cake: Replace oats with chopped walnuts, adding a rich, nutty crunch to the existing recipe. Sprinkle additional ground walnuts over the top for extra texture and depth of flavor.
  • Spiced Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cake after baking, enhancing the apple and cinnamon profile. Add a pinch of nutmeg and cardamom to the batter for a more complex spice blend.
  • Maple Pecan Apple Cake: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup in the batter and topping. Incorporate chopped pecans into the crumb mixture, creating a sweet and crunchy layer that complements the soft apple pieces.
  • Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Cake: Use gluten-free flour blend instead of cake flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, maintaining the cake's original moisture and flavor while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Apple Cinnamon Cake FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work great. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best texture and flavor.

  • How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to touch.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, which helps preserve its moisture.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum for best results in texture and binding.

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Apple Cinnamon Delight Cake Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Delight Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet aromas of “Apple Cinnamon Delight Cake” waft through kitchens, promising comfort and warmth. Fragrant spices and tender apples blend perfectly, creating a dessert that embraces classic home-baked goodness you’ll savor with pure joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups (7 ounces) cake flour
  • 1 ¼ cups (7 ounces) cake flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 fuji apples, diced

Sweeteners and Sugars:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Spices, Fats, and Other Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted and warm
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ¾ cup regular oats
  • ⅓ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon table salt
  • ¼ teaspoon table salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft a luscious mixture of granulated and dark brown sugars, combined with ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt, then fold in melted butter until a cohesive texture emerges.
  2. Gradually incorporate cake flour into the sugar mixture, kneading gently until a soft, pliable dough forms.
  3. Prepare the apple filling by delicately coating diced apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon and rolled oats, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Warm the oven to a gentle 325 degrees fahrenheit and meticulously coat a cake pan with baking spray or a thin layer of butter and flour.
  5. In a stand mixer, combine cake flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt, creating a light, airy base.
  6. Introduce softened butter to the dry ingredients, mixing until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Incorporate a whole egg and an additional egg yolk, followed by a splash of vanilla extract and creamy buttermilk, blending until the batter becomes smooth and velvety.
  8. Gently fold the prepared apple-oat mixture and a hint of brown sugar into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
  9. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a delicate touch.
  10. Crumble the reserved dough mixture over the top, creating a rustic, textured surface.
  11. Artfully scatter the spiced apple-oat mixture across the cake’s surface.
  12. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a inserted knife emerges cleanly, signaling the cake’s perfect doneness.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: This recipe requires two separate mixing bowls, one for the crumb topping and another for the cake batter, ensuring smooth ingredient integration.
  • Temperature Matters: Maintain a consistent 325°F oven temperature for even baking and perfect cake texture.
  • Moisture Magic: Buttermilk and fresh diced apples guarantee a wonderfully soft, tender cake with natural fruity sweetness.
  • Topping Technique: Crumble the topping into irregular chunks for a rustic, bakery-style appearance and delightful textural contrast.
  • Doneness Check: Use the knife test by inserting it into the cake’s center; a clean knife indicates the cake is perfectly baked.
  • Storage Wisdom: Store covered at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for extended freshness, bringing to room temperature before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 245
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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