Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the cinnamon, both sugars, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix until the batter is smooth and no streaks of flour remain.
Step 4: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in the chopped apple and walnuts. The apples provide moisture and sweetness, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days, though it may firm slightly. Bring to room temp before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap slices in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cake
- Use a firm apple variety – Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best, as they hold their shape during baking.
- Don’t overmix – Stir until just combined to keep the cake tender.
- Toast the walnuts – Lightly toast nuts before adding for deeper flavor.
- Try it warm – Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Dust with sugar – A sprinkle of powdered sugar makes for a simple yet elegant finish.
Creative Variations
- Cinnamon Apple Bundt Cake: Bake in a bundt pan for a more dramatic presentation.
- Apple Crumble Cake: Add a buttery streusel topping for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Glazed Apple Cake: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for added sweetness.
- Apple Spice Cake: Add nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to complement the cinnamon.
- Apple Carrot Cake: Fold in shredded carrots for extra texture and flavor.
Perfect Pairings
- With Coffee: The warmth of cinnamon pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee.
- With Tea: Earl Grey or chai tea complement the cake’s spice.
- With Ice Cream: Vanilla or salted caramel ice cream makes it indulgent.
- With Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different oil?
Yes, you can use canola or even melted coconut oil, though it may slightly change the flavor.
Can I make this cake without nuts?
Absolutely! Simply omit the walnuts, or replace them with raisins or dried cranberries.
What if I only have light brown sugar?
Light brown sugar works too, though the cake will have a slightly milder flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Bake in a 9×13-inch pan instead, adjusting bake time to 50–55 minutes.
Can I add frosting?
Of course! A cream cheese frosting would pair beautifully with this cake.
Wrapping It Up
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is the epitome of simple, rustic baking done right. With its tender crumb, bursts of juicy apple, and warm cinnamon spice, it’s a dessert that feels both homestyle and indulgent. Perfect for weeknight baking or special occasions, it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
What makes it truly special is its versatility. Serve it as a dessert with ice cream, as a coffee cake in the morning, or even as a sweet snack in the afternoon. However you slice it, this cake is bound to bring warmth and comfort to your table.
So the next time you’re craving something cozy and sweet, or you have apples sitting in your kitchen waiting to be used, bake this Cinnamon Apple Cake. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to fill your home with the aroma of fall.
