Description
This creamy cinnamon apple cake is a cozy, homemade dessert packed with tender apples, a decadent creamy swirl, and warm cinnamon flavor. Perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting treat any time, it’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping, optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Add flour mixture to wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk. Mix gently after each addition.
- Fold in diced apples with a spatula.
- Spread half the cake batter into the prepared pan. Dollop creamy filling over the batter and gently swirl with a knife. Top with remaining batter and smooth the surface.
- Mix 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the cake (optional).
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely on a rack before slicing.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients and dice apples into small cubes. Don’t overmix the batter or the creamy swirl. The cake tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. You can substitute gluten-free flour or dairy-free alternatives as needed. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: apple cake, cinnamon, creamy swirl, fall dessert, homemade cake, easy apple cake, autumn baking, comfort food, cream cheese filling, moist cake