Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

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There’s something magical about fall baking, especially when apples and cinnamon take center stage. This Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake isn’t just a recipe—it’s the taste of crisp autumn air, cozy weekends, and warm family kitchens. Whether you’re searching for the perfect dessert to serve with coffee or looking to impress your guests at a holiday dinner, this cake delivers on flavor, comfort, and simplicity. And the best part? It’s made with boiled-down apple cider, real apple butter, and a generous layer of cinnamon sugar that crisps beautifully in the oven. If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat, you’ve just found it.

Check out this Caramel Apple Fritter Bread recipe if you’re in the mood for another fall favorite loaded with apple goodness.

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Why This Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is the Ultimate Fall Dessert

The Perfect Combination of Apples and Warm Spices

This apple cake captures everything we love about fall. It features Honeycrisp apples for a sweet-tart balance, plus a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove to warm things up. What makes it shine is the contrast between the moist cake and the slightly crisp cinnamon sugar topping that caramelizes as it bakes. The result? A nostalgic, bakery-style flavor that feels homemade—and way better than store-bought.

What Makes This Apple Cake “Easy” Yet Irresistible

Don’t let the gourmet flavor fool you—this cake is surprisingly simple. You’ll only need one bowl to mix the batter, no fancy mixer required. The batter comes together quickly with pantry staples like flour, baking soda, apple butter, and maple syrup. The key lies in the process: boiling down the apple cider until it’s concentrated creates a rich, natural sweetness that’s unmatched. That’s one of the secrets that gives this recipe its bakery-quality flavor, without the complexity.

Apple Butter & Cider: The Secret Fall Flavors You Need

If you’ve never baked with apple butter, prepare to fall in love. Unlike applesauce, apple butter is slow-cooked to bring out deep caramelized notes and concentrated flavor. Combined with reduced apple cider, it gives this cake a bold apple-forward taste that’s richer and more complex. These ingredients not only add moisture, but they also ensure every bite bursts with seasonal flavor. Discover great ideas like Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice to enhance your fall baking even further.

Looking for inspiration? Try this Apple Dapple Cake recipe for another take on old-fashioned apple desserts with a twist.

Don’t miss our No Bake Apple Cheesecake if you’re craving a cool, creamy apple dessert that requires no oven time.

Ingredients Breakdown and Substitutions

Key Ingredients for Flavor and Moisture

The success of this easy cinnamon sugar apple cake lies in using quality ingredients that deliver both moisture and bold flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each matters:

Ingredient	Purpose
Apple cider	Boiled down for concentrated fall flavor
Apple butter	Adds rich, caramelized apple taste and keeps the cake moist
Maple syrup	Natural sweetness with earthy undertones
Coconut oil (or butter)	Provides moisture and richness
Honeycrisp apples	Crisp, sweet-tart apples hold their texture when baked
Autumn spices	Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice bring warmth and depth
Eggs & flour	The base for structure and binding
Cinnamon sugar + cold butter	Creates a crisp topping with buttery, sugary crunch

This is not your average apple cake—it’s layered with intention and flavor at every level.

Best Apples to Use for Apple Cake

While Honeycrisp apples are the go-to here, you can also try these substitutes:

Granny Smith – Tart and firm, balances the sweetness well
Pink Lady – Sweet with a slight tang, great texture
Fuji or Gala – Sweeter apples that bake up soft but flavorful

Avoid apples like Red Delicious—they get mushy and lose flavor during baking.

Smart Ingredient Swaps for Dietary Needs

Need to adjust the recipe for allergies or preferences? Here are easy swaps:

Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free baking flour
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives
Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg)
Sugar-Free: Use monk fruit sweetener or maple syrup alternatives

Looking for inspiration? Try this Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffin recipe if you’re looking for more fall-inspired baked goods that are easy to tweak.

Step-by-Step Recipe for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Preparing the Apple Cider Reduction

Start by pouring 1½ cups of apple cider into a saucepan and boiling it until it reduces to ½ cup. This takes about 10–15 minutes and gives the cake a deeper, more concentrated apple flavor. Let it cool before adding to the batter.

Mixing and Folding the Apple Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the reduced cider, coconut oil, eggs, vanilla, apple butter, and maple syrup. Add in the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, apple pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until just combined, then fold in thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples. The batter will be thick and rustic.

Pro Tip: Leaving the apple skins on adds texture and fiber—totally optional but highly recommended.

Creating the Cinnamon Sugar Crust

Mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon and cold, grated butter. Use a box grater to shred a chilled stick of butter into small curls. Toss with the cinnamon sugar until crumbly. Sprinkle generously over the batter for a crisp, sweet topping.

Optional but Essential: Salted Honey Butter Topping

Mix soft salted butter with honey and a pinch of sea salt. Spread it over the warm cake just before serving. It melts into the topping and adds another layer of cozy, fall flavor. This step may be optional, but trust us—it’s a must-try.

Check out this comforting Apple Bread Pudding recipe if you’re in the mood for more warm, apple-filled desserts that feel like a hug in a bowl.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Texture and Flavor

How to Avoid a Dry Apple Cake

The secret to a moist apple cake lies in balancing moisture with structure. Here’s how:

Don’t overbake: Start checking at the 30-minute mark
Use fresh apple butter—not sauce—for richer texture
Fold apples gently to avoid crushing them
Allow the reduced cider to cool so it doesn’t cook the eggs prematurely

Additionally, use a light hand when mixing the batter. Overmixing can make the cake tough.

Ideal Pan Size and Baking Time

This cake bakes best in a 9×13 inch sheet pan lined with parchment paper. For taller slices, use an 8×8 pan and extend the baking time by 5–10 minutes. Always test doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

This cake stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven for that fresh-baked feel.

Don’t miss our Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls if you want a freezable fall dessert perfect for making ahead!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Perfect Drinks to Serve with Apple Cake

Pair your easy cinnamon sugar apple cake with:

Hot apple cider for a flavor match
Chai latte for spiced comfort
Classic black coffee or cold brew
Salted caramel hot cocoa for indulgence

Dessert Presentation Ideas

Dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle a maple glaze on top. For parties, cut the cake into neat squares and serve on a rustic wooden board with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for decoration.

How to Turn This Cake into a Holiday Favorite

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a holiday twist. You can also drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting to dress it up for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use applesauce instead of apple butter?

Technically yes, but apple butter gives a much deeper flavor and thicker consistency. For best results, stick to apple butter.

What’s the difference between apple pie spice and pumpkin spice?

Both contain cinnamon, but pumpkin spice includes ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, while apple pie spice leans more toward cinnamon and nutmeg.

Can this cake be frozen?

Yes! Freeze in slices wrapped tightly in plastic. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Not at all. Leaving the skins on adds texture and color. But if you prefer a smoother texture, peel away.

Can I bake this in a loaf pan or bundt pan?

Absolutely. Adjust the baking time accordingly. A bundt pan will give it a festive look for special occasions.

Conclusion: The Cozy Cake You’ll Bake All Season

There’s no denying it—this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is fall baking at its best. With warm spices, real apple flavor, and an irresistible sugary crust, it’s destined to become your go-to recipe every year. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just craving something sweet on a chilly day, this cake hits the spot every time.

Check out this rich and indulgent Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Bars for a chocolatey fall dessert twist!

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