If you’re on the hunt for a warm, cozy dessert that screams autumn comfort in every bite, this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Picture moist, tender cake infused with just the right hint of cinnamon, topped generously with sweet apple pie filling that adds a delightful burst of flavor and juiciness. It’s a simple yet stunning dessert that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends—and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe. From the cake mix providing a light base to the tangy sour cream adding moistness, every element contributes to that rich texture and deliciously spiced flavor.
- White cake mix (2 layer): The foundation of this recipe, offering a soft and fluffy cake texture with minimal effort.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds that signature warmth and spice that defines the character of the cake.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender while lending a subtle tangy undertone.
- Eggs (3): Essential for structure and richness in the batter.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps bind everything together and keeps the batter smooth.
- Apple pie filling (21 oz can): The sweet star topping with tender apple pieces and cinnamon syrup that brings that lovely homemade apple pie vibe.
- Confectioners’ sugar and milk (for glaze): A simple sweet glaze that adds a beautiful finishing touch and extra sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish thoroughly to make sure the cake doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly shaped and easy to slice.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, ground cinnamon, sour cream, eggs, and water. Stir everything until you get a smooth, lump-free batter. The sour cream here is key—it keeps the cake moist and prevents it from drying out during baking.
Step 3: Spread the Batter
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and even it out with a spatula so it’s spread smoothly across the bottom. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and has a consistent texture.
Step 4: Add the Apple Filling
Next, spoon the apple pie filling generously over the batter. Cover the surface evenly so that every slice you cut will have those delightful pieces of apple nestled on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for around 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cake turns a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This careful baking ensures a tender cake with a subtly caramelized apple topping.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool completely right in the baking dish. Then whisk together confectioners’ sugar and a bit of milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it generously across the cooled cake to add the perfect touch of sweetness and shine.
Step 7: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy
Finally, slice your beautiful Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe, serve with a smile, and delight in every tender, flavorful bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this cake even further, sprinkle some chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top after glazing for a delightful crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream also pairs beautifully with the warm apple flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake shines wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple cup of hot coffee or chai tea, balancing sweetness and spice in every bite. For a brunch twist, serve with a side of creamy mascarpone or Greek yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe in rustic style on a wooden board for a homey vibe, or dress it up with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent finish that will wow your guests. You can also cut it into smaller squares for bite-sized party treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and glazed, cover your cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for about 5 days, maintaining all that wonderful moistness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze sliced pieces of the cake in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully at room temperature.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a low oven, just until soft and cozy again. This brings back that freshly baked magic without drying out your cake.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh apples, peel, core, and slice them, then toss with cinnamon and sugar before layering on top. Just be sure to cook the cake a little longer to ensure the apples are tender.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the white cake mix for a gluten-free version. Ensure all other ingredients like apple pie filling and glaze components are gluten-free too for a safe and delicious gluten-free treat.
How do I know when the cake is baked through?
The best indicator is a clean toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center of the cake and if it comes out without wet batter, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to come out of the oven.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
With some tweaks, yes! Use a dairy-free cake mix and substitute the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt or sour cream alternative. For the glaze, use dairy-free milk instead of regular milk.
Does the glaze have to be added?
The glaze adds a lovely sweet finish and visual appeal, but the cake is still delicious without it. If you want a lighter option, you can skip the glaze or dust the cake lightly with cinnamon sugar instead.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is one of those rare, effortless desserts that feels like a loving hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten an ordinary day, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you make this cake, it will become your go-to when you want something comforting, delicious, and delightfully simple. Happy baking!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the warm spice of cinnamon with sweet apple pie filling. Easy to prepare with a cake mix base and topped with a simple glaze, it’s perfect for casual gatherings or a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 package of white cake mix (2 layer, about 15.25 oz)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup water
Additional Toppings
- 1 (21 oz) can apple pie filling
Glaze
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, ground cinnamon, sour cream, eggs, and water. Mix until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour batter into dish: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish, spreading it out smoothly with a spatula.
- Add apple pie filling: Spoon the entire 21 oz can of apple pie filling evenly over the top of the batter, covering the surface completely.
- Bake the cake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. The cake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth to form a glaze.
- Glaze the cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 servings, serve, and enjoy your delicious cinnamon apple cake.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting and running off.
- You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apple pie filling before baking.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- The apple pie filling adds extra sweetness, so additional sugar is not necessary in the batter.
