This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake might just become your new fall favorite! It’s simple to make, loaded with juicy apples, and finished with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping that takes it over the top. Seriously, this cake is phenomenal!
Oh how I love fall baking! I have been patiently waiting to start sharing fall baking recipes and even though it’s not technically fall yet I couldn’t wait any longer. This cinnamon sugar apple cake has been on my radar since seeing it last year over on Pinch of Yum. I couldn’t wait another day so I finally made it and I am kicking myself for waiting so long.
This cinnamon sugar apple cake is basically fall in cake form! The apples, the cinnamon sugar, that delicious crunchy topping—it’s everything you want in a cozy fall dessert. And the best part? It’s so simple and quick to throw together, but tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did. It’s loaded with apples and has the most delicious crunchy cinnamon-sugar layer on top. And let me tell you, that topping is SO good!
While you could absolutely eat this cake on it’s own, adding some cinnamon honey butter to the top takes this cake over the top! The honey butter seeps down into the cake and oh my goodness, it’s so, so good!
We had this cake yesterday for dessert and my son Taylor went back for a second piece and told me the honey butter is a game changer for this cake! Don’t leave it off!
Seriously you guys, this cake is so good. I could eat it every. single. day.
It’s definitely best eaten warm, so be sure to warm any leftovers in the microwave before serving.
What kind of apples should I use?
My top three choices would be:
- Granny Smith – these will add a little tartness, making the cake not as sweet.
- Honeycrisp – not too sweet and not too tart.
- Cosmic Crisp – also add a sweetness and a tartness
You can chop, thinly slice or shred your apples for this cake. I usually slice them thin and then cut the thin slices in half. Really any way works, you do you. Also, sometimes I peel the apples and sometimes I don’t, just depends on how lazy I’m feeling.
It’s coziness on a plate. Trust me when I tell you that you need this cake in your life.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 15 servings 1x
Description
This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake might just become your new fall favorite! It’s simple to make, loaded with juicy apples, and finished with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping that takes it over the top. Seriously, this cake is phenomenal!♡
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1 egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 2 1/2 cups chopped or thinly slice apples see notes
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Honey Butter:
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 4 to 5 tablespoons honey
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Cake:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a 9×13 pan and set aside.
- In a medium size bowl whisk together the brown sugar, oil, egg, buttermilk and vanilla until well combined.
- Add the baking soda, salt, cinnamon and flour and stir until just combined. Fold in the apples. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter with a fork until combined, it should feel like damp sand. Sprinkle it evenly over the cake.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Serve warm with honey butter on top (definitely nonnegotiable here).
Honey Butter:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the softened butter and honey until smooth. Add the cinnamon and mix well. Serve over warm pieces of cinnamon sugar apple cake.
Notes
- Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Cosmic Crisp are my favorite apples to use. You can peel them if you’d like or leave the peel on.
- Feel free to chop these apples into small pieces or use a mandolin slice them thin.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
Recipe Source: Adapted slightly from Pinch of Yum
Leave a Reply