This Apple Cinnamon Cake is a rustic, moist, and warmly spiced treat that’s perfect for chilly afternoons, festive gatherings, or a simple tea-time indulgence. The batter is rich with oil and yogurt for a soft texture, while chopped apples add bursts of juicy sweetness. A cinnamon-sugar crumble bakes into a golden, slightly crunchy topping, and a light milk glaze finishes it off with a touch of elegance.
It’s a one-bowl wonder that doesn’t require a mixer—just a wooden spoon and a little love. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it chilled with a drizzle of caramel. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like home.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 210g plain flour (about 1¾ cups)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 200g granulated sugar (1 cup)
- 1 cup chopped red apple (peeled and diced)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 120ml flavorless oil (like canola or sunflower)
- 120ml Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
For the cinnamon topping:
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp sugar
For the glaze (optional):
- 30g powdered sugar (¼ cup)
- 1–2 tbsp milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Add the chopped apple and stir to coat the pieces—this helps prevent them from sinking during baking.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla, oil, and yogurt until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cake tender.
4. Make the Cinnamon Topping
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, cinnamon, and sugar until crumbly and slightly wet. Set aside.
5. Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the cinnamon topping evenly over the surface. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden and fragrant.
6. Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk, adding more if needed for a pourable consistency. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Tips & Variations:
- Apple choice: Use sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best flavor and texture.
- Nutty twist: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Presentation idea: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with cinnamon sticks or apple slices for a rustic look.
This cake is a perfect match for your love of nostalgic, comforting bakes, My. I can already imagine you pairing it with a cinnamon-infused whipped cream or layering it into a fall trifle with caramel sauce and custard. Want to turn it into a loaf cake or explore a tropical apple twist next? Let’s keep the oven warm!