Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake

Posted: January 2, 2026 Last modified: January 4, 2026
Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake

This might just be my all-time favorite cake: apple cinnamon loaf cake! Back when I still worked in an office, I was known for bringing in my apple cinnamon cake and every now and then, I’d find a couple of apples on my desk as a not-so-subtle hint. Naturally, a freshly baked cake would appear the next day.

Why I Love This Recipe

At the end of summer, I always start craving fall and all the cozy flavors that come with it. Apple and cinnamon are my absolute favorite ingredients during this season, and I love adding them to just about any recipe when I can. For this recipe I used coarse cinnamon sugar which give the cake an extra lovely crunch.

In short, this loaf cake:

  • is easy to make
  • has perfect fall flavors
  • is a crowd pleaser
Apple cinnamon loaf cake-2

Recipe Ingredients

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. Check the exact quantities and ingredients below in the recipe card

  • butter – I use unsalted butter at room temperature
  • self-rising flour – can also be replaced with all-purpose flour and baking powder. Read the article on how to substitute flour for self-rising and vice versa.
  • apples – I prefer using Jonagold or Granny Smith apples for this recipe but Honeycrisp, Pink Lady or Braeburn work well too.
  • sugar – in the batter itself, I use white sugar, but for the topping, I’ve used a coarse sugar, like pearl sugar, but with cinnamon flavor. That looks pretty, and ads crunch to the recipe. Using brown sugar instead of white is also an option.
  • ground cinnamon – I used about four teaspoons in this recipe but you can add more or less depending on preference.

How To Make Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake

Making this easy recipe is not much different from any other regular cake, like my favorite vanilla cake recipe.

You start by whisking the butter, sugar and the vanilla sugar together until light and creamy. Add the eggs one by one and mix it until fully incorporated and smooth. Add the rest of the dry ingredients and mix until smooth again.

Peel the apple and cut it into small cubes. I like to toss the cubes with a bit of flour. That helps prevent the cubes from sinking to the bottom of the cake while baking. Using a spatula, fold the apple into the batter.

Using a loaf pan (make sure that it is properly greased and dusted with flour) pour the batter in and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top. Now bake the loaf cake for about 60 minutes or until golden brown.

Insert a skewer into the center of the cake to check if it is properly cooked. Let it cool for a few minutes in the pan before turning it out and letting it cool completely on a wire rack.

Apple cinnamon loaf cake

Cinnamon sticks

Storing Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake

You can store the apple cinnamon loaf cake outside of the fridge. Make sure to wrap the apple cake in aluminum foil and keep it for about a week.

Can I freeze apple cinnamon loaf cake?

Absolutely. You can freeze the whole loaf or slice the entire cake and freeze in smaller portions. I always prefer the latter so I can defrost a portion of cinnamon apple loaf cake when I feel like eating it.

Recipes with Apple

Of course, I’ve tested my favorite flavor combination of apples and cinnamon in many different recipes, which means I have plenty more options to share with you.

For now, check out these recipes:

Apple cinnamon loaf cake-5

FAQ Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake

Which apples should I use?

For sweet baking recipes, I prefer Jonagold or Granny Smith apples. You can’t go wrong with those. Honeycrisp is also a great alternative if you can’t find the others.

Can I make this recipe in a Bundt pan?

Absolutely, I’ve done that many times. The amount in this recipe fits a 25 cm (10-inch) loaf pan, which holds about 1450 ml/49 floz. If you use a Bundt pan with a 2400 ml/81 floz capacity, simply multiply the recipe by 1.5. Keep in mind that Bundt cakes often need a little extra time in the oven. Start checking around 75 minutes.

Can I make apple cinnamon cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes, you can. I also have a dedicated recipe for apple cinnamon cupcakes, which is even easier. I will share that recipe with you soon, but in the meantime you can definitely make this into cupcakes!

 

Apple cinnamon loaf cake

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Best Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake

A simple yet incredibly delicious recipe that works well with different types of pans. This apple cinnamon loaf cake is irresistible!
Preparation15 minutes
Cooking1 hour
Total1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 people

Ingredients 

  • 200 grams unsalted butter
  • 150 grams granulated sugar
  • 8 grams vanilla sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 200 grams self-rising flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 Jonagold or Granny Smith apple
  • 4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Optional: coarse cinnamon sugar for topping

Equipment

  • For a 25 cm (10-inch) loaf pan

Instructions

  • Beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time and mix until smooth.
  • Add the self-rising flour, salt, and cinnamon; mix until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
  • Peel the apple, remove the core, and cut into small cubes. Toss the cubes with a little flour, this keeps them from sinking to the bottom while baking.
  • Fold the apple pieces into the batter. Pour the batter into a greased and floured baking pan. If you like, sprinkle some coarse cinnamon sugar on top.
  • Bake for about 60 minutes at 175°C/345°F (top and bottom heat) until golden brown.
  • Insert a skewer into the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. Let it cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a rack to cool completely.
How to store

Store the apple cinnamon loaf cake outside of the fridge, wrapped in aluminum foil for up to a week. Freezing is a good option too. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months.

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