There’s something so comforting about the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. It’s the scent that fills your kitchen with warmth, the kind that makes you pause and smile — and this Old-Fashioned Apple Cinnamon Cake delivers exactly that.
This cake is tender, buttery, and beautifully spiced, with bits of juicy apple tucked inside and a caramelized cinnamon-sugar crust on top. Whether you serve it for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert, it feels like a hug from home. My husband calls it “apple pie in cake form,” and honestly, he’s not wrong!
If you love simple, old-fashioned baking that makes your home smell like heaven — this one’s for you. 🍏💛
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Cake
I promised you cozy — and here’s proof!
This cake is:
- Soft, moist, and packed with apples in every bite.
- Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Easy to make with basic pantry staples.
- Versatile: Great warm, cold, or topped with ice cream.
- Beautifully rustic: No fancy decorating needed — just old-fashioned goodness!
And the best part? The cinnamon-sugar topping caramelizes as it bakes, creating a crunchy crust that’s downright irresistible.
What It Tastes Like
Each bite of this cake is a delightful mix of textures — soft, buttery crumb meets tender apple chunks and a lightly crisp top. It’s sweet, but not too sweet, with the perfect balance of spice and fruit. The aroma alone could sell this cake!
Benefits of This Recipe
- Perfect for fall gatherings or Sunday brunch.
- A great way to use up fresh apples.
- Freezes beautifully for later enjoyment.
- No frosting needed — the cinnamon crust is magic on its own.
🧺 Ingredients
For the Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
For the Cinnamon Topping
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Optional for Serving: Powdered sugar, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls (large & medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Knife & cutting board
- Cooling rack
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine
Add the sour cream and mix until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined — don’t overmix! The batter will be thick.
Step 5: Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the chopped apples. They’ll give the cake its moist texture and lovely bursts of flavor.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle evenly over the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then release the springform and transfer it to a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
🍰 What to Serve With It
This cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few perfect pairings:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍦
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce 🍮
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream
- Or a cozy cup of coffee or tea ☕
💡 Tips for Success
- Use firm apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) to prevent mushiness.
- Don’t skip the sour cream — it keeps the cake moist.
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing for clean pieces.
- Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for extra crunch!
🧊 Storage Instructions
- At room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
- In the fridge: Keeps well for 5 days.
- To freeze: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm before serving.
ℹ️ General Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different apples?
Yes! Any firm variety like Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala will work well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and non-dairy yogurt — it still turns out deliciously moist.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch, and raisins bring a touch of sweetness.
❤️ Conclusion
This Old-Fashioned Apple Cinnamon Cake is everything we love about fall baking — simple, aromatic, and full of cozy flavor. It’s the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell amazing and brings smiles with every slice.
If you loved this one, don’t miss my Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake and Caramel Apple Loaf — they’re just as warm and wonderful! 🍂
📸 Share Your Bake!
If you try this recipe, please leave a ⭐️ review below!
Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest or Instagram — tag your creation with #SoneriBakes so I can see your gorgeous cakes!
🧮 Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sugar: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
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