There’s nothing quite like the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. This Moist Apple Cake with Cinnamon Icing is everything you want in a fall dessert soft, spiced, and perfectly sweet with a drizzle of warm cinnamon icing that melts into every bite.
Made with real apples, applesauce, and cozy spices like nutmeg and ginger, this easy apple cake is naturally moist without being heavy. It’s simple enough for everyday baking but special enough for holidays, family gatherings, or cozy weekends in.
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Moist Apple Cake with Cinnamon Icing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, applesauce, olive oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Sift in flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Add sugar and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in chopped apples to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack. Poke a few holes on top and drizzle with cinnamon icing.
- To make the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed and drizzle over cooled cake.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake
- Moist & Tender Texture Thanks to applesauce and olive oil.
- Perfectly Spiced Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger make it warm and aromatic.
- Easy to Make One bowl, no mixer required.
- Healthier Dessert Uses applesauce for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Crowd-Pleaser Everyone loves that classic apple-cinnamon combo!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- 8×8 inch brownie pan
- Small mixing bowl (for icing)
- Wire rack for cooling
Ingredients for Moist Apple Cake with Cinnamon Icing
Cake:
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup applesauce
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of ground ginger
- Pinch of allspice
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 1½ cups Honeycrisp apples, peeled and chopped
Cinnamon Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
how to make cinnamon apple cake Step-by-Step
- Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, applesauce, olive oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Add the sugar and mix until just combined. - Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the chopped apples to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Bake
Transfer the batter into the lined pan, spreading it out so it’s smooth and even. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. - Cool & Ice
Let the cake cool fully on a wire rack. Using a fork or skewer, make a few small holes on top so the icing can seep in. Then, pour or drizzle the cinnamon icing over the cooled cake.
Cinnamon Icing:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon, whisking until the icing is smooth and lump-free. If it feels too thick, stir in a few extra drops of milk until it reaches a pourable consistency. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake and allow it to firm up before cutting into slices.
Nutrition Benefits (Per Serving – 8 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~240 kcal | Perfect portion for dessert |
| Protein | 4 g | From eggs and flour |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g | Natural energy from apples and sugar |
| Fiber | 3 g | Thanks to apples and whole ingredients |
| Fat | 9 g | Healthy fats from olive oil |
| Sugar | 20 g | Mostly from apples and natural icing |
Flavor Variations
- Add Nuts: Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Make it Whole Grain: Use half oat flour for extra fiber.
- Boost the Sweetness: Add a handful of raisins or chopped dates.
- Spice Twist: Try cardamom or cloves for deeper warmth.
- Icing Upgrade: Swap milk for maple syrup in the glaze for a caramel-like flavor.
Serving Suggestions for homemade apple dessert
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream.
- Enjoy as a breakfast cake with your morning coffee or tea.
- Add a drizzle of caramel or extra cinnamon sugar on top.
- Slice into bars for easy lunchbox treats.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
- Fridge: Keeps well up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze (unglazed) slices for up to 2 months; thaw and add icing before serving.
- Make Ahead: Bake and store the cake a day in advance; drizzle icing just before serving.
FAQs about apple cake with glaze
Can I use any type of apple?
Yes! Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples all work beautifully just avoid overly soft varieties.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely, Use any plant-based milk for the icing.
Why is my apple cake dense?
Over mixing can make it dense. Mix just until combined for a fluffy texture.
Can I bake this in a loaf pan instead?
Yes, but increase baking time to about 45–50 minutes.
What’s the best way to serve it warm?
Heat a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, then drizzle with extra icing.
Conclusion
This Moist Apple Cake with Cinnamon Icing captures everything we love about fall baking the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apples, and that comforting, homemade aroma that fills your kitchen.
Simple, cozy, and irresistibly moist, it’s a dessert that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting a brunch, or simply treating yourself, this apple cake is guaranteed to impress.
For more easy dessert inspiration, check out our Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins or Healthy Date and Walnut Cake.
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