There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of apple and cinnamon—it’s a match made in fall heaven. This Apple Cinnamon Cake is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert that blends the sweetness of apples with the warm, spicy kick of cinnamon. The result is a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for everything from cozy afternoons to special holiday gatherings.

What sets this cake apart is its fluffy texture, balanced by the burst of apple slices and a delicate spiced crumb. The cinnamon creates a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the apples, while the slight caramelization of the fruit adds an extra layer of sweetness.

To elevate this cake even further, serve it with a drizzle of Caramel Sauce for a rich, indulgent touch or enjoy it alongside some homemade Gingerbread Cookies for a fun, festive treat. Trust me, this cake will become a favorite for years to come.

Why You Will Be Hooked?

A top-down view of a golden brown apple cinnamon swirl loaf resting on a white ceramic plate placed on a white marble countertop. The loaf has visible chunks of tender apple and swirls of cinnamon sugar throughout the crust, giving it a rustic, homemade feel. The soft texture and rich aroma of baked cinnamon and apples are visually inviting, with a clean and minimalist background that focuses entirely on the loaf’s freshly baked charm.

Simple ingredients: It doesn’t get easier than apples, cinnamon, and a few pantry staples.
Perfect balance of sweetness and spice: The apple and cinnamon blend creates the ultimate fall flavor combo.
Moist and fluffy: This cake is the ideal texture—tender, yet perfectly airy.
Versatile and fun: Top it with caramel sauce for a rich, indulgent treat, or serve it with gingerbread cookies for a festive twist.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a holiday dessert, this cake fits any event beautifully.

Baking this Apple Cinnamon Cake will fill your home with the irresistible scent of apples and spice—it’s the perfect slice of comfort in every bite.

Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe

This apple cinnamon loaf blends tender apples, a swirl of cinnamon-sugar, and a buttery, moist base for a delightful dessert or snack—perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 208 kcal

Equipment

9×5-inch loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Spoon or spatula
Toothpick

Ingredients

⅓ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅔ cup white sugar
½ cup butter softened
2 large eggs
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
½ cup milk
1 apple peeled and chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
Beat white sugar and butter until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Combine flour and baking powder; stir into the butter mixture. Mix in milk until the batter is smooth.
Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Add half the apples and brown sugar mixture on top and lightly pat down.
Pour remaining batter over the first layer, then top with the remaining apples and brown sugar mixture. Lightly pat and swirl with a spoon.
Bake for 30–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before serving.

Nutrition Facts:

Nutrition	Value
Calories	208 kcal
Carbohydrates	30g
Sodium	143mg
Fat	9 g
Protein	3g
Sugar	17g

Helpful Variations for Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf!

Add Spices for Depth
While cinnamon is the star here, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth and complexity in flavor. These spices pair wonderfully with the apple and can elevate the loaf to a more aromatic treat.
Use Different Apples
Different apple varieties bring different levels of sweetness and tartness to the loaf. For a more tart and firm texture, try Granny Smith apples. If you prefer a sweeter and softer loaf, Fuji or Gala apples are great choices.
Caramelize the Apples
For a richer flavor, try sautéing the apples in a bit of butter and brown sugar before adding them to the batter. This caramelizes them slightly, giving the loaf a more indulgent, caramelized apple taste.
Nuts for Texture
Add a bit of crunch by folding in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. They’ll complement the softness of the loaf and give it an extra layer of texture.
Add a Streusel Topping
For an extra layer of sweetness and a bit of crunch, top the loaf with a streusel topping before baking. Simply mix a bit of flour, sugar, and butter until it forms crumbs, then sprinkle it over the top before baking.
Swap Milk for Buttermilk
For a tender crumb and a slight tang to balance the sweetness, substitute buttermilk for regular milk. The acidity in the buttermilk helps activate the baking powder, creating a lighter texture.
Make It Gluten-Free
If you’re looking to make this loaf gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to adjust the consistency slightly by adding a touch more milk or flour, depending on the blend.
Infuse with Honey or Maple Syrup
Instead of using just white sugar, try replacing some of it with honey or maple syrup. This will not only change the flavor profile but also add moisture to the loaf, giving it a slightly denser, richer texture.
Frozen Apples for Extra Moisture
If you’re planning ahead, try using frozen apple chunks. As they thaw, they’ll release extra moisture, keeping the loaf super moist and tender, especially when baked a day ahead.
Layering with Jam
For a burst of flavor in the center, swirl in some apple or apricot jam between the layers. The fruit preserves will melt into the loaf as it bakes, adding a subtle sweetness and richness.

By tweaking these elements, you can customize the recipe to your own preferences and make it unique for any occasion. Enjoy the process and get creative!