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Apple Cinnamon Cake

This Apple Cinnamon Cake delivers warmth and comfort in every bite with tender apple chunks and a fragrant cinnamon-scented crumb. The nutty, brown sugar topping adds a delightful crunch and extra caramelized flavor, making it perfect for cozy autumn mornings or a simple, satisfying dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour 190g
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
  • ½ cup unsalted butter 115g, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar 150g
  • ¼ cup brown sugar 50g
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt (substitute)
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced about 1½ cups; choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn
Topping
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar for topping
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for topping
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts optional, adds a toasted nutty crunch

Equipment

  • 8-inch cake pan
  • Medium bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Toothpick
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan to ensure the cake releases easily.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy; this should take about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, then fold in the sour cream (or plain yogurt), followed by the remaining dry ingredients. Gently fold in the diced apples, being careful not to overmix.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons brown sugar and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake batter, and if desired, add the chopped nuts on top.
  7. Slide the cake into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

This cake is wonderfully versatile—feel free to swap sour cream with Greek yogurt if that's what you have on hand. You can also experiment with different apple varieties to adjust the flavor profile and texture. For an extra twist, consider adding dried cranberries or a handful of extra nuts into the batter for added texture. The cake pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of salted caramel, or even a cup of coffee or tea for a truly comforting treat.