Apple and Cinnamon Cake (Soft, Moist & Perfectly Spiced)
This Apple and Cinnamon Cake is soft, moist, and packed with warm spices and tender apple pieces. Made with sour cream for extra richness and finished with a sweet cinnamon sugar topping, this cake is perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert. It’s easy to prepare and fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon while baking.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
Soft and moist crumb
Loaded with real apple pieces
Warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavor
Simple ingredients, big taste
Perfect for fall or year-round baking
Ingredients
For the Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 medium apples)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan or a similar-sized cake pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step helps create a tender cake texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream:
Start with dry ingredients
Add sour cream
Repeat, ending with dry ingredients
Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix, or the cake may become dense.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
Step 7: Transfer to the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
Step 8: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
Step 9: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until:
The top is golden brown
A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Best Results
Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for best flavor
Dice apples small so they cook evenly
Let ingredients come to room temperature before mixing
Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy
Variations & Add-Ins
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
Drizzle with vanilla glaze or caramel sauce
Replace nutmeg with allspice or cloves
Turn it into a loaf cake using a 9×5-inch pan (bake longer)
Storage & Serving
Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days
Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in an airtight container
Freezing: Freeze slices for up to 2 months
Final Thoughts
This Apple and Cinnamon Cake is a timeless, cozy dessert that’s easy to make and always impressive. With warm spices, juicy apples, and a sweet cinnamon topping, it’s the perfect cake for family gatherings, holidays, or a simple homemade treat.