🛒 Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon (plus more for swirl)
½ tsp nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
3 large eggs
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
¼ cup (60g) plain yogurt or sour cream (adds moisture & tang)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (200g) grated or finely chopped apples (about 2 medium; use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn)
½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl (Optional Magic Layer!):
¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 tbsp cold butter, cut into small pieces
For the Glaze (Because Everything’s Better With Glaze):
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk or apple cider
½ tsp vanilla extract
🍎 Pro Tip: Squeeze excess moisture from grated apples for a denser crumb.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or round springform pan, and line with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking soda
Salt
Cinnamon & nutmeg
3️⃣ Add Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center. Add:
Eggs
Granulated + brown sugars
Oil
Yogurt/sour cream
Vanilla
Stir until smooth.
4️⃣ Fold in Apples & Nuts
Gently fold in apples and chopped nuts (if using).
Batter will be thick — that’s perfect!
5️⃣ Add the Swirl (Optional But Divine!)
Spread half the batter into the pan.
Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Dot with cold butter pieces.
Top with remaining batter and gently swirl with a knife.
6️⃣ Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before slicing.
7️⃣ Glaze & Serve
Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth.
Drizzle over cooled cake.
Slice and serve!
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
With coffee or chai tea
Toasted with butter
As dessert with whipped cream or ice cream
🌈 Variations & Pro Hacks
🌱 Gluten-Free? Use 1:1 GF flour blend — works beautifully
🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Store at room temp 3 days, refrigerate up to 5, or freeze unfrosted cake for 3 months
❄️ Freeze It! Wrap tightly — thaw overnight, reheat at 300°F for 10 mins
🍯 No Yogurt? Swap in applesauce or mashed banana
🥜 Nut-Free? Skip nuts or swap in oats
🧁 Mini Muffins: Bake at 350°F for 18–22 mins — great for portion control
🧠 Why This Works So Well
Fresh apples = natural sweetness & moisture — no need for extra sugar
Brown sugar + cinnamon = nostalgic bakery flavor
Oil-based batter = stays soft for days
Swirl layer = surprise burst of spiced goodness
It’s not magic — it’s smart baking. ✨
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Things Are Simple & Shareable
You don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something truly special.
Just good apples, real spices, and love.
This Cinnamon Apple Cake proves that the most memorable desserts are often the simplest — where every bite tastes like home, comfort, and care.
So next time you want to bake something beautiful…
Grab that loaf pan.
Whip up this easy recipe.
And let your kitchen fill with the scent of cinnamon and joy.
Because sometimes, happiness comes in cake form. 💛