I’m so excited to share this cozy apple cinnamon loaf cake with you today, friends. There’s something magical about the scent of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen on a crisp autumn day.
This tender, moist cake perfectly balances sweet chunks of apple with warm spices, all wrapped up in a simple loaf that’s as perfect for breakfast as it is for dessert.
Want to know my secret trick for keeping this cake incredibly moist? Well, you might be surprised…
Why You’ll Love this Cozy Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake
This apple cinnamon loaf cake is about to become your new fall favorite, trust me. It’s that perfect balance of moist, tender crumb with chunks of cinnamon-sugar coated apples in every bite. So comforting.
The simplicity. No fancy equipment needed, just basic ingredients that transform into something magical. The aroma alone will have everyone wandering into your kitchen, asking what’s in the oven.
Perfect with morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up. And those pockets of soft, spiced apples? Divine. Comfort baking at its finest.
What Ingredients are in Cozy Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake?
To create this heavenly fall treat, you’ll need a lineup of simple ingredients that work together to create something truly special.
- 115 g salted butter
- 130 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 180 g self-raising flour
- 120 ml milk
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for the apple coating)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 60 g light brown sugar
- 100 g icing sugar
- 1-3 tablespoons milk (for the glaze)
The quality of your apples really matters here—I recommend using firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape during baking and provide that perfect contrast to the sweet cake.
How to Make this Cozy Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake
Making this apple cinnamon loaf cake is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly autumn day—simple, comforting, and oh-so-rewarding. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then grab a large mixing bowl to cream together 115g of salted butter and 130g of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture looks smooth and velvety. Who knew something so delicious could start so simply?
Next comes the heart of our cake—fold in 180g of self-raising flour alternately with 120ml of milk, creating a batter that’s just the right consistency. In a separate bowl, toss your 2 peeled and diced apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until they’re fully coated in that sweet, spicy goodness. Gently fold these cinnamon-sugar apples into the batter, being careful not to overmix. For professional-quality mixing results, a Premium KitchenAid Stand Mixer would make this process effortless while ensuring perfectly incorporated ingredients. The key here is to distribute those apple pieces evenly throughout for little pockets of fruity delight in every bite.
Pour this fragrant batter into a lined loaf pan and pop it into your preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen while this bakes? Absolutely transcendent. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely before finishing with a simple glaze made from 100g of icing sugar mixed with just enough milk (1-3 tablespoons) to reach a pourable consistency. This final touch adds a sweet finish that complements the warm spices and tender apple pieces hiding inside.
What to Serve with Cozy Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake
Pairing your apple cinnamon loaf cake with the right accompaniments can turn a simple slice into a memorable dessert experience. I love serving mine with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream that slowly melts against the warm cake.
For drinks, nothing beats a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea, their robust flavors complementing the sweet apple and cinnamon notes perfectly. Want something colder? Try apple cider, hot or chilled.
For a breakfast twist, spread a thin layer of salted butter on your slice, and watch it melt into the crumb.
Leftovers and Storage for this Cozy Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake
Your apple cinnamon loaf cake will stay fresh for three whole days when stored properly, and trust me, that’s if you can resist finishing it on day one! Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Want to extend its life? Pop it in the fridge for up to a week, though the texture might change slightly.
For longer storage, this cake freezes beautifully. Slice it first, wrap individual pieces, and freeze for up to three months. When the craving strikes, just thaw a slice at room temperature for about an hour.
Cozy Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake Substitutions and Variations
Let’s plunge into the wonderful world of substitutions and variations for this apple cinnamon loaf cake!
You can easily swap the apples for pears or even peaches when they’re in season. Not a fan of cinnamon? Try cardamom or nutmeg instead. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk works beautifully, and it adds a subtle tropical note.
Need it gluten-free? A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend steps in perfectly. Want more texture? Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans. And for an extra special twist, drizzle with caramel sauce instead of the traditional glaze.
Final Thoughts
This apple cinnamon loaf cake has become my absolute favorite fall baking project, wrapping the kitchen in those irresistible warm spice aromas. I can’t imagine anything more comforting on a chilly afternoon than a slice with my tea.
I adore most is how versatile it is—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday treat. The contrast between the tender crumb and those pockets of soft, cinnamon-scented apples? Pure magic.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might want to try making a seasonal pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting for another delicious fall baking option.
Trust me, your family will request this recipe again and again. Sometimes the simplest bakes create the most lasting memories.