The Softest Apple Cinnamon Bun Cake

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The Softest Apple Cinnamon Bun Cake

There’s something magical about the smell of warm cinnamon and sweet apples wafting through the kitchen. For me, it conjures images of crisp fall mornings, cozy family gatherings, and the joy of watching my kids eagerly wait for a sweet treat fresh out of the oven. This Apple Cinnamon Bun Cake has quickly become a favorite in our home, not only because it’s a crowd-pleaser but also because it’s incredibly comforting, soft, and bursting with cinnamon-apple goodness.

I first decided to try this recipe when looking for a dessert that was easy to make yet impressive enough for a family brunch. My children adore anything with a crumbly, sweet topping, and my husband loves the warm, spiced flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, so this cake seemed like the perfect solution. The first time I baked it, the whole family was hooked. The cake is moist and flavorful, with just the right amount of sweetness, and the crumbly topping adds a satisfying texture that makes every bite heavenly.

What makes this cake special is how effortlessly it comes together, making it ideal for busy parents like me who want to serve something homemade and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me—whether it’s for a weekend breakfast or a weeknight dessert, this recipe will leave your family asking for seconds.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:

Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples add a nice tart contrast to the sweetness, you can use any apple variety you have on hand, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji.

Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional, but I recommend it for a smoother texture. Leaving the peels on will add a bit of chewiness, which some people enjoy.

Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely. You can bake the cake the day before and store it in an airtight container. Warm it up slightly before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Is there a substitute for the glaze?
If you’re short on time, a dusting of powdered sugar works well. However, the glaze truly enhances the cake’s flavors.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Wrap the cake in plastic wrap, and then in foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.

What You Need to Make Apple Cinnamon Bun Cake:

Ingredients:

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup whole milk

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment:

Mixing bowls

9×13-inch baking dish

Whisk

Spatula

Apple peeler and corer (optional)

How to Make It:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. Set them aside.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and whole milk until well blended.

Incorporate wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.

Pour into the prepared dish: Spread the batter evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle extra brown sugar and cinnamon on top for an added crunch.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the glaze: Mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cake before serving.

Tips:

Use fresh, crisp apples for the best texture. If your apples are too soft, they may become mushy during baking.

Don’t overmix the batter; this helps keep the cake light and fluffy.

Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar, depending on your preference.

Add nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch if your family loves a nutty texture.

Reheat leftovers in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back the cake’s warm, gooey goodness.

Latest Reviews:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This cake was a huge hit with my family! Perfectly soft and so flavorful. I’ll definitely be making this again.” – Jessica L.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Delicious, but next time I might add more cinnamon to the batter. My kids couldn’t get enough!” – Megan T.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I’m not a baker, but this recipe was foolproof. Came out perfect, and the glaze was divine!” – Mike D.

⭐⭐⭐ “Tasty, but it was a bit too sweet for my taste. I’ll try cutting back on the sugar next time.” – Emily K.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great for busy nights! Made it for dessert, and my husband said it was the best cake he’s ever had.” – Rachel P.

Printable Recipe:

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If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook

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