This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is the ultimate homemade fall dessert — warm, comforting, and bursting with the flavors of cinnamon and fresh apples. Made with brown sugar, buttermilk, and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping, this easy cake bakes up moist and golden every time. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon coffee, or a cozy weekend bake, it’s the kind of simple recipe that fills your kitchen with the best autumn aroma imaginable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this apple cake recipe because it’s easy to make, perfectly moist, and full of real apple flavor. Every bite has a soft crumb and just the right amount of sweetness, balanced by a crisp cinnamon-sugar crust on top. It’s a true comfort dessert — simple ingredients, minimal prep, and no mixer needed. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, this cinnamon apple cake delivers warm, nostalgic flavor that never fails to impress.

Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

When the air turns cool and apples fill the markets, nothing beats the smell of a Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake baking in the oven. It’s that perfect fall dessert — simple, rustic, and bursting with cozy spice. One slice, and you’re instantly reminded why homemade baking always tastes better than store-bought sweets.

This cake is built on old-fashioned flavors that never go out of style. Brown sugar adds depth and caramel notes, while buttermilk keeps the crumb extra tender. The chunks of fresh apples create little pockets of juiciness throughout the cake, giving it that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture you only get from scratch-baked desserts.

The cinnamon-sugar topping is what makes it unforgettable. It bakes into a crisp, crackly crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake underneath — like a built-in glaze that adds both texture and aroma. You’ll smell the cinnamon the moment you open the oven door.

This recipe shines because it’s so approachable. You don’t need a mixer or fancy tools — just a few bowls and a whisk. It’s one of those “stir-and-bake” recipes that always turns out right, even if you’re new to baking. And because it’s made with basic pantry staples, you can whip it up anytime without a special grocery run.

If you’ve ever loved apple crisp, this cake gives you that same flavor comfort in sliceable form. It’s lighter, yet still rich with caramelized apple goodness and that hint of spice that screams autumn.

For the best flavor, use crisp apples that hold their shape while baking — like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or an heirloom variety such as Wealthy or Cortland. Their sweet-tart balance gives the cake a more complex taste. You can even mix two apple types for depth.

This cake also happens to be incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert, or at room temperature with coffee for breakfast. It’s sweet enough to feel indulgent but not heavy — perfect for any time of day.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser during the holidays. Bring it to a Thanksgiving potluck or wrap slices in parchment for a simple homemade gift. It’s the kind of dessert that looks humble but always gets asked for again.

And beyond the flavor, there’s something deeply comforting about baking with cinnamon and apples. The smell alone feels like a hug — a promise of warmth, simplicity, and joy in every bite.

This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is proof that the best desserts don’t need layers or frosting — just honest ingredients, baked with love, and finished with that perfect sugary crunch on top.

Servings & Time

Servings: 10–12 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar, or 1/2 cup yogurt + 1/2 cup milk)

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups chopped apples (use firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Wealthy)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, oil, and egg until smooth.

3. Stir in buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla until combined.

4. Add flour and mix gently until no dry streaks remain.

5. Fold in chopped apples until evenly distributed.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

7. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon together; sprinkle evenly over the batter.

8. Drizzle melted butter on top of the cinnamon sugar layer.

9. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Let cool slightly before slicing — serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips

• Apple Options: Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples give the best texture and flavor.

• Make Ahead: The cake stays moist for up to 3 days at room temperature; wrap tightly for freshness.

• Serving Idea: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle for an extra treat.

• Dairy-Free Swap: Use almond milk with vinegar instead of buttermilk.

• Texture Tip: Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the crumb soft and fluffy.