Description

This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert featuring tender chopped Honeycrisp apples folded into a spiced batter and topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar crumble. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, it’s ideal for cozy autumn gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting, fruity treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/3 cup oil
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon white vinegar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups chopped Honeycrisp apples

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat and mix batter: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, oil, and egg until smooth. Stir in the buttermilk (or milk with vinegar), vanilla extract, and baking soda until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
Fold in apples: Gently fold the chopped Honeycrisp apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture without breaking down the fruit.
Prepare the baking pan: Butter a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared batter evenly into the pan and smooth the top.
Make cinnamon sugar topping: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Use a fork to mix until the mixture resembles damp sand, breaking down any clumps for even coverage.
Sprinkle topping and bake: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the surface of the apple cake batter. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with honey butter or whipped cream for added richness.

Notes

Using Honeycrisp apples offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavor and holds their texture well after baking.
If buttermilk is not available, substitute with regular milk and add 1 tablespoon vinegar to mimic acidity for cake tenderness.
Testing doneness with a toothpick is essential to avoid under or overbaking.
For a dairy-free option, substitute oil with a plant-based oil and use a vegan butter alternative for the topping.
This cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple cake, cinnamon sugar cake, autumn desserts, Honeycrisp apple recipe, spiced apple cake, easy apple cake