Name: Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake for a Quick Treat Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.5 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and downright delicious, look no further than this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake for a Quick Treat. It’s the kind of cake that feels like a warm hug in every bite—moist, tender, and bursting with the sweet-tart goodness of fresh apples swirled through a perfectly spiced cinnamon batter. Whether you need a last-minute dessert or a special snack to brighten your afternoon, this recipe is quick, effortless, and endlessly satisfying.

Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake for a Quick Treat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, coming together in a simple yet harmonious blend that makes this cake so irresistible. From the fragrant cinnamon to the crisp Granny Smith apples, every component is essential for creating the perfect texture and flavor.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the base for the cake’s tender crumb.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that beautiful golden crust.
2 tsp baking powder: Gives the cake a light, fluffy rise with every bite.
1 tbsp ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice that perfectly complements the apples.
0.5 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
0.5 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering other flavors.
2 large eggs: Help bind everything together while adding richness.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness that rounds out the taste.
2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced: Provide a fresh, tart contrast and juicy bursts throughout the cake.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake for a Quick Treat

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan. This simple prep step ensures the cake bakes evenly and releases easily when it’s done.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Getting these dry ingredients well incorporated is key for even flavor distribution and a perfect rise.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended. This mixture adds moisture and richness that make the cake tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix here—folding helps maintain a light texture.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in the diced Granny Smith apples, making sure each piece is evenly distributed. These apples are the star of the show, giving your cake those delightful bursts of freshness and a touch of acidity that balances the cinnamon’s warmth.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and level the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden and puffed up just right.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm if you prefer that cozy, just-baked feeling.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake for a Quick Treat

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream is all you need to elevate this cake into something truly special. For an extra touch, a drizzle of caramel sauce brings an indulgent twist that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and apples.

Side Dishes

This cake is wonderful alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Those hot beverages highlight the cinnamon notes and make every bite a little celebration of cozy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cake in rustic slices on pretty dessert plates, or cut into squares for casual get-togethers. For a festive occasion, pair it with a slab of sharp cheddar cheese—yes, it’s a classic combo that surprisingly works wonders with the cinnamon and apple.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps beautifully at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil, for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen and meld together if you leave it overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake for a Quick Treat later on, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to two months and thaw easily on the counter.

Reheating

To bring the cake back to that freshly baked warmth, microwave slices for 20-30 seconds or warm them gently in a low oven. This quick reheating brings out the apples’ juiciness and makes the cake feel like it just came out of your own kitchen.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness and cinnamon, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples for a slightly different flavor profile.

Is this cake gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to accommodate dietary needs.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can lower the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake, but keep in mind that sugar affects texture and moisture, so don’t reduce it by more than a quarter cup without adjusting other ingredients.

What’s the best way to dice the apples?

Peeling first helps prevent the apples from becoming tough or chewy in the cake. Dice them into small, even pieces about 1/2-inch to ensure they cook through evenly and distribute throughout the batter.

Can I make this into muffins instead of a cake?

Definitely! Just divide the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, checking with a toothpick. Muffins make a perfect grab-and-go version of the Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake for a Quick Treat.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake for a Quick Treat enough—it’s a heartfelt, simple recipe that feels like a little moment of joy with every forkful. Whether you’re serving it up on a busy weekday or sharing it with friends and family, it’s a sweet reminder that sometimes the best things in life are homemade, easy, and made with a sprinkle of cinnamon love.

Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake for a Quick Treat Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 30 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is a quick and delicious treat perfect for any occasion. Featuring warm cinnamon and fresh diced Granny Smith apples, this moist cake combines simple pantry ingredients to create a comforting dessert that can be served warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

0.5 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Produce

2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced

Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Fold in apples: Gently fold the peeled and diced Granny Smith apples into the batter to distribute them evenly.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use Granny Smith apples for a tart, crisp flavor that balances the cinnamon’s sweetness.
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
To enhance the aroma, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
This cake keeps well at room temperature for 2 days or can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
You can add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American