If you’re a true enthusiast of warm, comforting cinnamon flavors, you’ll adore this Apple Cinnamon Cake. For more delightful cinnamon-infused treats, don’t miss our tempting Chocolate Cinnamon Bread or these wonderfully soft Cinnamon Roll Muffins, both perfect for elevating your autumn baking.

Embracing the Cozy Charm of Fall with Our Signature Apple Cinnamon Cake

There’s an undeniable magic that sweeps in with the arrival of fall. While summer holds a special place in our hearts with its vibrant energy and sun-drenched days, the transition to cooler weather and the breathtaking spectacle of changing leaves always brings a unique sense of joy and anticipation. Just recently, I was escaping the heat in Florida at Disney World – a truly magical place, but one where the temperatures felt like a million degrees with humidity to match! Coming home to crisp air and even a hint of snow on distant mountain peaks was an instant delight.

The immediate change in climate was a welcome embrace after days of sweltering heat. I found myself instinctively reaching for a cozy sweatshirt, lighting a favorite fall-scented candle, and simply reveling in the fresh, cool atmosphere. It’s moments like these that perfectly set the stage for one of fall’s greatest pleasures: baking. The kitchen transforms into a haven of warmth and enticing aromas, inviting us to create comforting treats that perfectly complement the season. And what better way to celebrate this transition than with a homemade Apple Cinnamon Cake, a true symbol of autumnal comfort?

Why Apples Deserve the Spotlight in Your Fall Baking

It’s no secret that as soon as autumn officially begins (or even a few weeks prior, these days!), pumpkin-flavored everything makes its grand return. And don’t get me wrong, I truly adore pumpkin; its rich, earthy flavor is a cornerstone of fall cuisine. However, I often feel that apples, another quintessential fall ingredient, sometimes get overshadowed. They are just as much a symbol of harvest season, offering a versatility and classic appeal that deserves ample recognition, yet they rarely receive the same enthusiastic fanfare as their orange counterpart.

But today, we’re changing that narrative. Today, the humble yet magnificent apple takes center stage, basking in the well-deserved spotlight it so richly merits. This isn’t just any apple dessert; it’s a celebration of crisp, sweet-tart apples mingling with the warm embrace of cinnamon in a moist, tender cake that speaks volumes of autumnal comfort. This easy apple cake recipe is a testament to the timeless appeal of a classic fruit, proving that sometimes, the simplest ingredients yield the most extraordinary results.

The Uncomplicated Elegance of Our Apple Cinnamon Cake

This particular Apple Cinnamon Cake recipe, complemented by its luscious Cinnamon Whipped Cream, might not boast an overly elaborate presentation, and frankly, that’s precisely where its undeniable charm lies. It embraces a delightful simplicity, a certain wholesome “homely” quality that feels both comforting and inviting. Yet, don’t let its modest appearance fool you; a generous drizzling of decadent caramel sauce and a fluffy dollop of our spiced cinnamon whipped cream effortlessly elevate this creation, transforming it from a mere cake into a truly special dessert experience. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures – a resounding “yes” to autumn indulgence!

Crafted entirely from scratch, this homemade apple cake is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, almost as easy as using a boxed mix, but with a flavor profile that’s infinitely superior. You’ll likely find most of the necessary ingredients already in your pantry. With just a few basic components and minimal effort, you can have an utterly irresistible, fragrant Apple Cinnamon Cake cooling on your kitchen counter, ready to delight your family and guests. It’s the kind of uncomplicated, satisfying bake that makes any day feel a little more special, embodying the true spirit of autumn baking at its finest.

The Magic of Toppings: Cinnamon Whipped Cream and Caramel Sauce

While the apple cinnamon cake itself is wonderfully moist and flavorful, I cannot stress enough the transformative power of its accompaniments. The addition of extra caramel sauce and a generous serving of homemade cinnamon whipped cream is what truly takes this Apple Cinnamon Cake from good to absolutely extraordinary. The creamy, light texture of the whipped cream, subtly spiced with cinnamon, provides a perfect counterpoint to the dense, apple-laden cake. Each spoonful is a delightful balance, enhancing the warm flavors of the cake without overwhelming them, creating a harmonious blend that delights the palate.

Then there’s the caramel. Its rich, buttery, and slightly salty notes create a sensational depth of flavor, marrying beautifully with the sweet apples and spicy cinnamon. The way the caramel cascades down the sides of the cake, mingling with the whipped cream, is pure dessert poetry. Together, these toppings don’t just garnish; they integrate into the overall experience, creating a harmonious blend that makes every bite a luxurious treat. They are the secret weapons that turn a delightful fall cake into a show-stopping caramel apple dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. This is truly the best apple cake for those who appreciate elevated simplicity.

Now, if only I had more time to go apple picking again this weekend so I could bake another one of these irresistible apple cinnamon cakes!

Watch the Easy Steps: Apple Cinnamon Cake Video Tutorial

See for yourself how incredibly easy this Apple Cinnamon Cake is to make by watching the step-by-step video above! It demonstrates each stage, ensuring a smooth baking experience from start to finish for this perfect moist apple cake.

Choosing the Best Apples for Your Homemade Cake

The success of any great apple dessert hinges significantly on the type of apples you choose. For this Apple Cinnamon Cake, we recommend a combination that offers both sweetness and a touch of tartness, ensuring a balanced flavor profile and a texture that holds up beautifully during baking. Varieties like Golden Delicious provide a lovely sweetness and become wonderfully tender. Granny Smith apples, with their bright tartness, cut through the richness of the cake and caramel, preventing it from being overly sweet. Fuji and Honeycrisp are also excellent choices, known for retaining their shape and offering a crisp-sweet balance even after baking. Avoid apples that become too mushy, such as Red Delicious, as they can alter the cake’s desired texture. A mix of two apple types often yields the most complex and satisfying flavor for your homemade apple cake.

Expert Baking Tips for a Perfect Apple Cinnamon Cake

Achieving a perfectly moist and flavorful Apple Cinnamon Cake is simpler than you might think with a few key baking tips. Firstly, ensure all your cold ingredients, especially eggs, are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother, more uniform batter and a lighter, airier cake texture. Secondly, be mindful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, which can lead to a tough or dry cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Thirdly, when layering the batter and cinnamon sugar ribbon, distribute the batter evenly to ensure the ribbon runs throughout the cake, creating that signature swirl. Lastly, trust your oven! While the recipe provides a general baking time, ovens can vary. Use a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, your cake is done. If the top starts to brown too quickly, a loose tent of aluminum foil can prevent over-browning while the interior continues to bake to perfection, ensuring a truly moist apple cake every time.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

This Apple Cinnamon Cake with Cinnamon Whipped Cream is truly a showstopper on its own, but it also lends itself beautifully to various serving styles and slight modifications. Serve it warm for an extra comforting treat, allowing the caramel to soften and mingle with the cake’s tender crumb – a truly irresistible experience on a cool evening. Beyond the recommended cinnamon whipped cream and caramel drizzle, a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream would be an incredible addition, creating a delightful hot-and-cold contrast. For those who enjoy a nutty crunch, consider folding in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter with the apples, adding another layer of texture and flavor. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle can also enhance its flavor, adding a gourmet touch that truly elevates this fall dessert. Whether for a casual family dessert or an elegant autumn gathering, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

More Irresistible Apple Desserts to Try This Season

If this Apple Cinnamon Cake has sparked your love for fall’s favorite fruit, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of our cherished apple recipes. Each one captures the sweet, comforting essence of apples in unique and delightful ways, perfect for expanding your autumn baking repertoire:

• Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake: Perfect for feeding a crowd or a large family gathering, delivering classic flavors on a grand scale!
• Apple Cider Doughnuts: A quintessential taste of autumn fair, bringing the charm of orchard visits to your home kitchen.
• Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Icing: An elegant and impressive centerpiece, this bundt cake combines rich apple flavor with decadent caramel.
• Classic Apple Crisp: A timeless, comforting favorite, offering warm spiced apples topped with a buttery, crunchy oat topping.
• Sour Cream Apple Pie: A delightfully tangy twist on a traditional apple pie, adding a creamy richness that’s unexpectedly delicious.

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Apple Cinnamon Cake with Cinnamon Whipped Cream

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: 15 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

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Simple and classic – this tender Apple Cinnamon Cake has a cinnamon sugar ribbon running through it. The cinnamon whipped cream and caramel topping turn this into a special dessert, making it an ideal choice for a delicious and easy fall treat.

Ingredients

Cake:

• 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cubed (a mix of 2 Golden Delicious and 2 Granny Smith recommended for best flavor)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup prepared caramel ice cream topping (or homemade caramel sauce)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Set it aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
4. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture. Incorporate it in three additions: add one-third of the flour mixture and beat just until combined, then add half of the remaining flour mixture and beat, and finally, beat in the last portion of the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure a tender cake.
5. Gently fold in the peeled and cubed apples into the cake batter until they are evenly distributed.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and the 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to create your cinnamon sugar ribbon mixture.
7. Spread exactly half of the apple cake batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared 13×9-inch baking pan.
8. Generously sprinkle the entire cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in the pan.
9. Carefully add the remaining cake batter on top of the cinnamon sugar layer by dropping it in dollops, then gently spread it out to completely cover the cinnamon sugar, creating a beautiful ribbon effect inside the cake.
10. Bake the cake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the very center of the cake comes out clean. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
11. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before you proceed with adding the toppings.
12. To prepare the homemade cinnamon whipped cream: Pour the chilled heavy whipping cream into a large, cold mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks begin to form.
13. Slowly add the powdered sugar, followed by the 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form, resulting in a light, airy, and beautifully spiced whipped cream.
14. To serve this delightful dessert, cut a generous slice of the completely cooled Apple Cinnamon Cake. Top it with a generous dollop of the freshly made cinnamon whipped cream. Finish by drizzling generously with the prepared caramel ice cream topping. Enjoy this ultimate fall dessert!

Recipe Notes:

This delightful recipe has been adapted from the excellent collection found in Taste of Home Church Supper Desserts.

Nutrition information provided here is for estimation purposes only. Please note that actual nutritional values can vary significantly based on the specific brands, types of ingredients, and portion sizes used.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 piece

• Calories: 460 kcal (23%)
• Carbohydrates: 63g (21%)
• Protein: 4g (8%)
• Fat: 22g (34%)
• Saturated Fat: 6g (38%)
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 71mg (24%)
• Sodium: 143mg (6%)
• Fiber: 2g (8%)
• Sugar: 41g (46%)

Keywords: apple cinnamon cake, fall dessert, homemade apple cake, easy apple cake, cinnamon whipped cream, caramel apple dessert, moist apple cake, autumn baking, scratch cake recipe