Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Moist Texture: The combination of fresh apples and yogurt ensures a soft, moist crumb in every bite.
Warm Cinnamon Flavor: A generous amount of cinnamon adds a comforting spice that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up without a trip to the store.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake stays moist for days, making it an excellent option for preparing ahead of time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup peeled and roughly chopped red apple (approximately 1 large apple)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup Greek yogurt

For the Cinnamon Topping:

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon melted butter

For the Glaze:

1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1–2 tablespoons milk

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar.
Add the chopped apple to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and Greek yogurt until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon topping ingredients until combined. Sprinkle evenly over the cake batter.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk, adding more milk as needed to achieve a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 slices
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for a deeper spice flavor.
Fruit Swap: Replace apples with pears or peaches for a different fruit profile.
Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

FAQs

What type of apples are best for this cake?

Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well, as they hold their shape during baking and provide a balanced sweetness.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake stays moist for several days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the peels on for added fiber and a rustic feel.

Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, sour cream can be used as a substitute for Greek yogurt in equal amounts.

How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a denser cake. Mix until just combined.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can be used as alternatives to the glaze.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, the cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I add raisins to the batter?

Certainly. Adding 1/2 cup of raisins provides additional sweetness and texture.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

Conclusion

This moist and tender cinnamon apple cake is a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon in a soft, flavorful cake. Easy to make and versatile, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. Enjoy it warm with a cup of tea or coffee, or serve it as a sweet ending to your meal.

Cinnamon Apple Cake

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This moist and tender cinnamon apple cake is packed with fresh apples, warm spices, and topped with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar layer and light glaze. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, it’s perfect for fall baking or any cozy occasion.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Stir chopped apple into the dry mixture.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla, oil, and Greek yogurt until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed. Do not overmix.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the surface.
Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle evenly over the batter.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Drizzle glaze over the cooled cake before serving.

Notes

For extra crunch, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

Swap apples for pears or peaches for a fruity twist.

Don’t overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.

Glaze is optional—dusting with powdered sugar also works well.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American