Soft Baked Cinnamon Apple Cake

Name: Soft Baked Cinnamon Apple Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup buttermilk; 2 cups peeled and diced apples (mixed tart and sweet)

Highlighted under: Sweet Creations Co.

I absolutely love making this Soft Baked Cinnamon Apple Cake, especially when the weather turns cooler. The warm spices, juicy apples, and tender crumb come together for a comforting dessert that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Each bite is like a cozy hug, making it perfect for gatherings or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea. I find that using a mix of tart and sweet apples creates the best flavor balance, and the addition of cinnamon adds a delightful warmth that everyone will adore.

Created by

Imogen Walker

Last updated on 2026-02-01T15:45:35.720Z

When my family requests a dessert, this Soft Baked Cinnamon Apple Cake is always at the top of the list. I remember the first time I made it; the combination of cinnamon and apples made the whole house smell divine! It's also incredibly easy to whip up, using common pantry staples. I especially love how the cake has a nice chewy texture on the outside while remaining soft and moist on the inside.

To ensure the apples are perfectly tender, I recommend slicing them thinly and tossing them with cinnamon and a bit of sugar before folding them into the batter. This not only enhances the flavor but also prevents them from sinking to the bottom. Trust me, you'll want to make this cake again and again!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple
Easy-to-follow steps for a beginner-friendly bake
A delightful dessert that pairs wonderfully with ice cream

Understanding Your Ingredients

The choice of apples is crucial for the flavor profile of this Soft Baked Cinnamon Apple Cake. For a balanced taste, I recommend using a mix of tart apples, like Granny Smith, alongside sweeter varieties, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp. Tart apples retain their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake, while the sweet apples create a pleasant fruity essence. Ensure your apples are fresh, firm, and free of blemishes for the best results.

Another key ingredient is buttermilk, which not only adds moisture but also contributes to a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This tangy addition helps to react with the baking soda, giving your cake the perfect rise and fluffy texture.

Baking Tips for Success

When mixing your batter, be careful not to overmix after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the desired light and tender texture. Mix until just combined, then gently fold in the diced apples. This method will keep your cake fluffy, ensuring each bite is soft and airy, without sacrificing the integrity of the apple pieces.

Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary. Start checking your cake at the 35-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter, your cake is ready. If you notice the edges beginning to brown too quickly, you can tent the cake loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning while the center finishes baking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

For the Cake

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
2 cups peeled and diced apples (mixed tart and sweet)

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until combined.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until just combined.

Fold in Apples

Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try adding walnuts or raisins to the batter. If you prefer a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the amount slightly. This cake also stores well
simply cover it and keep it at room temperature for up to three days.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Soft Baked Cinnamon Apple Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, I recommend wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it, which can extend its freshness to about a week. For optimal taste, bring it back to room temperature before serving or reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.

You can also make this cake in advance and freeze it. Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving to bring back its delightful texture.

Serving Suggestions

This cake stands beautifully on its own, but for an extra special touch, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy texture perfectly complements the warm spices and tender apples, making each bite a heavenly experience. You can also sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an added flavor twist.

Another delicious idea is to serve the cake drizzled with a simple caramel sauce or a cinnamon glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This adds a sweet finish that enhances the overall flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, try pairing it with a spiced chai for a warming beverage that echoes the cake's cinnamon notes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any apple variety you prefer, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.

→ Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can be frozen for up to two months.