Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake
There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. This Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake has become a treasured recipe in our household, especially on chilly mornings when the whole family gathers around the table. I first made this cake one fall afternoon when we had an abundance of apples from a recent orchard trip. What started as a way to use up extra apples turned into a family staple that’s now requested year-round.
The tender, moist crumb of the cake, combined with the rich cream cheese frosting and a dash of cinnamon, makes it absolutely irresistible. What I love most about this recipe is how it brings warmth and coziness with every bite. It’s a versatile treat—perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or a sweet ending to dinner. My kids devour it, and even my husband (who usually isn’t into sweets) can’t resist sneaking a second slice.
Plus, it’s quick and simple enough to fit into our busy lives. Whether you’re juggling kids, work, or just a packed schedule, this recipe won’t leave you feeling stressed. You’ll love how easy it is to whip together and how wonderfully it fills your home with that cozy, bakery-like aroma. Give it a try and see for yourself—it just might become your family’s new favorite, too!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While I prefer Granny Smith for their tartness, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for a sweeter flavor.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! The unfrosted loaf freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
How long does this cake stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Can I make this without the frosting?
Of course! The cake is delicious on its own if you’re looking for something a bit simpler.
What You Need to Make Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith recommended)
For the Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon for sprinkling
Optional: Cinnamon sticks for decoration
Equipment:
9×5 inch loaf pan
Electric mixer
Mixing bowls
Parchment paper (optional)
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until creamy.
Frost & Decorate: Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with cinnamon and add cinnamon sticks if desired.
Tips:
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake tender and moist.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix smoothly and the cake bake evenly.
Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it up.
Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.
Latest Reviews:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This cake is a family favorite! So easy to make, and the frosting is heavenly. My kids ask for it all the time!” – Jessica R.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really delicious and moist. I used Honeycrisp apples, and it turned out great. Next time, I’ll add a bit more cinnamon!” – Emily K.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for busy mornings. It makes the whole house smell amazing. My husband couldn’t stop eating it!” – Rachel M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved it! I skipped the frosting to keep it simpler, and it was still fantastic.” – Sarah T.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This is now my go-to fall recipe. Easy, delicious, and so comforting!” – Lindsay P.
Printable Recipe:
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Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake
A moist and tender Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Perfect for a cozy family breakfast or afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith recommended)
- For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon for sprinkling
- Optional: Cinnamon sticks for decoration
- Equipment:
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment paper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until creamy.
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