Moist Apple Cake with Cinnamon Icing – The Ultimate Cozy Fall Dessert

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Introduction

Hey there, cozy bakers! 🍎✨

If you love soft, spiced cakes that fill your kitchen with the smell of cinnamon and warm apples, then today’s recipe is going to be your new best friend. This Moist Apple Cake with Cinnamon Icing is one of those all-season desserts that feels comforting, nostalgic, and irresistibly delicious — without requiring complicated steps or fancy ingredients.

I first made this cake during a chilly September afternoon after a weekend apple-picking trip. I had a basket full of Honeycrisps, a craving for something sweet, and zero desire to fuss with pies. I wanted something simple, warm, and satisfying. So I whipped together a basic batter, folded in heaps of diced apples, poured it into a pan, and let the oven work its magic.

But the real magic happened when I drizzled a warm cinnamon icing over the cooled cake. It seeped into the cracks, hugged every crumb, and turned the cake from “really good” to “WOW, what is this and why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Friends asked for the recipe. Neighbors asked for seconds.
And now? You’re about to add it to your personal favorite-desserts list too.

Let’s dive into this incredibly moist, tender, apple-packed cake that pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or—let’s be honest—your fingertips at midnight.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the perfect Moist Apple Cake with Cinnamon Icing, plus optional substitutions and special-diet ideas.

For the Apple Cake

  • 2 large apples, peeled and finely diced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala all work great)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg (optional but adds warmth)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (or cream)
  • ½–1 tsp cinnamon, depending on how strong you like it
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Substitution Ideas

Healthier / Lower-Sugar Options

  • Swap half the sugar for coconut sugar.
  • Use whole-wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose.
  • Use unsweetened applesauce in place of ⅓ of the oil.

Vegan Options

  • Replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp water).
  • Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter.
  • Swap Greek yogurt with vegan yogurt (coconut or almond).
  • For icing, use plant-based milk.

Gluten-Free Version

  • Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
  • Add an extra tablespoon of yogurt if batter seems thick.

Nutty or Spiced Variations

  • Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
  • Increase cinnamon to 1 ½ teaspoons.
  • Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a deeper fall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s bake this beautiful Moist Apple Cake with Cinnamon Icing together. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, the steps are easy and foolproof.

1. Prep the Good Stuff

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan (or line it with parchment paper).

Peel and dice your apples. Aim for small pieces so they blend into the batter and help keep the cake moist.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

  • flour
  • baking powder
  • baking soda
  • salt
  • cinnamon
  • nutmeg

Set it aside.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl:

  1. Beat the eggs with both sugars until smooth.
  2. Add oil, yogurt, and vanilla.
  3. Mix until creamy and well combined.

This mixture should smell amazing already.

4. Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix — this helps keep the cake tender.

5. Fold in the Apples

Add the chopped apples and fold gently.
The batter will look thick, chunky, and loaded with fruit — exactly what we want.

6. Bake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 35–42 minutes, or until:

  • The top is golden
  • A toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are OK)

Let the cake cool fully before adding the icing. Trust me — the patience is worth it!

7. Make the Cinnamon Icing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • powdered sugar
  • cinnamon
  • vanilla
  • 1–2 tbsp milk

Add milk slowly until you get a thick but pourable consistency.

It should fall off a spoon in a smooth ribbon.

8. Ice the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the cinnamon icing over the top.

You can:

  • zigzag it,
  • pour it generously,
  • or spread it edge to edge like a glaze.

Whatever your icing style, it will taste amazing.

Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Extra Tips

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Pair with chai, latte, or apple cider.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon over each slice for an extra cozy touch.

Storage

Room temperature:
Store covered for 2–3 days.

Refrigerator:
Keeps for 5–6 days (and stays super moist).

Freezer:
Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

Ingredient Variations

  • Substitute apples with pears for a sweeter twist.
  • Add raisins, chopped dates, or cranberries for extra texture.
  • Make a brown butter cinnamon icing for richer flavor (highly recommended!).
  • Add a bit of lemon zest to brighten the cake.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per slice — 9 slices total)

  • Calories: ~260–300
  • Carbohydrates: ~38 g
  • Sugar: ~22–25 g
  • Fat: ~10–12 g
  • Protein: ~3–4 g
  • Fiber: ~2 g

Values vary based on apples used, icing amount, and ingredient brands.

FAQ Section

How long does Moist Apple Cake with Cinnamon Icing take to make?

Can I substitute the apples?

Yes! Try:

  • pears
  • peaches (in summer)
  • grated carrots + raisins for a carrot-cake spin
  • shredded zucchini for extra moisture

Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely.
Freeze the whole cake or individual slices for up to 3 months.
Wrap in plastic + foil for best freshness

Can I make this without the icing?

Yes — the cake is delicious on its own.
You can also dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel.

Can I bake this in a loaf pan?

Yes!
Just increase baking time to about 55–60 minutes.

Conclusion

There you have it — a beautifully simple, incredibly cozy, and irresistibly delicious Moist Apple Cake with Cinnamon Icing that you’ll want to bake all year long. Whether it’s fall apple season, a weekend brunch, or just a quiet afternoon craving, this cake fits the moment perfectly.

Bake it once, and I promise it’ll become a repeat recipe in your home. The soft crumb, the juicy apple bits, the cinnamon-infused icing… it’s pure comfort.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment, share a picture, or pass the recipe along to your fellow dessert lovers. Your kitchen is about to smell AMAZING — enjoy every bite! 🍎✨