This apple cinnamon cake is fresh apples coated in cinnamon sugar then baked into a buttery vanilla cake base. A delicious fall treat that’s perfect as is or served with a scoop of ice cream on top.
When apples are in season, apple cake is a must-make recipe. This version has a light butter cake base and is topped with a pile of sweetened apples.
This apple cinnamon cake just screams fall, doesn’t it? Too bad it’s 105 degrees here in California. Hopefully it’ll cool off someday…like maybe in November. In the meantime, I’ll still be cooking with apples and this cake is definitely going on the regular rotation. It’s a simple, homey dessert that doesn’t require a lot of prep time but tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen.Â
We have an apple tree in our yard, and the apples it produces are better for cooking and baking than eating out of hand. I make a lot of applesauce with a few baked goods thrown in such as this apple cinnamon honey cake. The girls have been asking to make an apple pie so we’ll have to do that soon too.
How do you make apple cinnamon cake?
This cake consists of a simple batter which is then covered with a mass of sliced apples that have been coated in cinnamon and sugar. The apples soften and sink into the cake as they bake, making a pretty pattern on the top.
After the cake comes out of the oven the top is brushed with honey. I’m going to be totally honest and tell you that I initially brushed the top of the cake with honey primarily for aesthetic purposes, but it truly adds a great finishing touch to this simple yet delicious treat. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream if that’s your kind of thing.
The texture of this cake is almost like a blondie – think buttery blondie base topped with the amazing cinnamon sugar apples and honey. This is the perfect treat for a fall day when you want a little something sweet – hopefully your fall weather will not be as warm as my fall weather! It’s also a great cake to celebrate Rosh Hashanah the Jewish New Year, where apples and honey symbolize the promise and hope for a sweet new year.
Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!
More delicious apple recipes
Apple Cinnamon Cake Video
Apple Cinnamon Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar divided use
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter 1 stick, melted
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 3 to 4 tart apples such as granny smith
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- cooking spray
- whipped cream or ice cream for serving if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat an 8-inch square pan with cooking spray and line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, 1 cup sugar and salt. Stir in the eggs, butter and vanilla. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Squeeze lemon juice into a medium bowl. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples into the bowl. Add the cinnamon and sugar and toss to thoroughly coat each apple slice. Arrange the apple slices on top of the batter in overlapping rows, pressing lightly into the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes. Brush the top of the cake with the honey. Cut into squares and serve with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
Karen Bacolod says
Delicious effing cake. Tasted even better than it looked!!
Jenna says
Could you use gluten free flour to make this gluten free?
Sara says
Yes that should work!
Debbie says
I just made this at it was amazing! Perfect recipe!
skirek says
Love it! Thanks for recipe! These look incredible…
Jennifer Stewart says
This is such a gorgeous dessert! I can’t wait to show up at Thanksgiving with this beautiful thing! Thanks for sharing with Saucy Saturdays
Lauren @ Create Bake Make says
Oh my goodness this cake is stunning! Thank you for linking up with us for Fabulous Foodie Fridays, I hope you are having a great week 🙂
Erin @ Thanks for Cookin'! says
I am currently (im)patiently waiting for the apples on our two trees to ripen a little more and this recipe is not making the wait any easier! What a fantastic recipe.
Angeline P says
Wow this looks amazing! You had me at “think blondie base.” I love blondies and I love apples! 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing.
Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says
I am with you on the weather!! It needs to cool down! This cake is gorgeous though and would put me in the mood for fall despite the heat 😉
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
You had me at “buttery cake!” This cake is definitely something I can handle, and it’s so pretty too! Love it for fall!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
How cool that you have an apple tree in your yard! This cake looks so delicious! I could definitely go for a slice or two!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
This cake is just gorgeous! 🙂 And can I just say how incredibly jealous I am that you have an apple tree in your yard??
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
What a beautiful cake! The presentation is just gorgeous!
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
This needs to be the poster child recipe for the fall! One gorgeous looking cake for sure!
Kelley Orthwein says
This Apple Cake is gorgeous!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
That cake is just beautiful! My sister always gives me a ton of apples in the fall from her tree so I do a ton of baking and applesauce making every year with them too! This cake will have to go on the list!
Erin @ Simple, Sweet & Savory says
I think apple + cinnamon has to be one of my favorite flavor combos ever. These look amazing and perfect for fall. Pinning!
Olivia @ livforcake says
Omg Sara, this looks and sounds AMAZING!! Like, this may be one of the prettiest cakes/desserts I have ever seen. I wish I could have a piece with my morning coffee!
Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me says
WOW this is a beautiful cake! Perfect way to use up those fall apples.
Sarah says
This is so beautiful! I love it-it’s the ultimate autumn recipe!