As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm slice of cake to start your cozy fall mornings. This Easy Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the delightful flavors of fresh apples and warm cinnamon, creating a sweet breakfast cake that’s perfect for family gatherings or a special weekend treat. With its soft, tender crumb and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll want to make this apple cinnamon cake recipe a staple in your autumn baking routine. The aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen will beckon everyone to the table, ready to indulge in a slice of this delightful creation.

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Apple Cinnamon Swirl:
  • 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well for their tartness and firmness)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to enhance the apples’ flavor and prevent browning)
• For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for a rich and creamy texture)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.
2. Prepare the Apples: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended and the mixture appears smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay, which will contribute to a tender cake.
6. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. Layer the apple mixture over this batter, ensuring it’s evenly distributed, then top with the remaining batter. Smooth the top gently with a spatula.
7. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is lightly golden and springy to the touch.
8. Cool and Prepare the Glaze: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk as needed for consistency.
9. Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving to enhance the presentation.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure you achieve the best results with your Easy Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake, consider the following tips: You can learn more about this topic.

• Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, firm apples for the best flavor and texture. Avoid overripe apples, as they can turn mushy and affect the cake’s structure. For a unique flavor boost, consider using a mix of apple varieties.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving for a warm treat that revives the flavors.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the batter and apple mixture the night before. Store them separately in the fridge, and mix them together just before baking in the morning for a fresh, warm breakfast.
• Common Mistakes: Be cautious about overmixing the batter; this can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated, as gluten development is what can lead to a dense texture.
• Pro Technique: For a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the batter before baking, which creates a delightful crust.

Variations

While this Easy Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake is delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• Nut Additions: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and nutty flavor, which pairs beautifully with the softness of the cake.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) and use plant-based milk to make this cake suitable for a vegan diet.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make it gluten-free while maintaining the cake’s delightful texture.
• Different Fruits: Swap out apples for other fruits like pears or berries for a different flavor profile while still enjoying a warm fall treat, providing a refreshing twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake is perfect for breakfast or as a dessert. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience:

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider for a delightful fall experience that warms your soul.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that feels like a special treat.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch, elevating the presentation for gatherings or special occasions.

Print

Easy Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 8-10 +

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

35 min

🔥

Calories

—

This Easy Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the delightful flavors of fresh apples and warm cinnamon, creating a sweet breakfast cake that’s perfect for family gatherings or a special weekend treat.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well for their tartness and firmness)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to enhance the apples' flavor and prevent browning)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for a rich and creamy texture)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.

2.

In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

3.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined, ensuring no lumps remain.

4.

In another bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended and the mixture appears smooth.

5.

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay, which will contribute to a tender cake.

6.

Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. Layer the apple mixture over this batter, ensuring it's evenly distributed, then top with the remaining batter. Smooth the top gently with a spatula.

7.

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is lightly golden and springy to the touch.

8.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk as needed for consistency.

9.

Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving to enhance the presentation.