Ah, fall in Manhattan. The leaves turn a breathtaking mix of red and gold, and the air is filled with a crisp, fresh promise of new beginnings. As a mom, nothing quite brings the family together like the aroma of something delicious baking in the oven. Cinnamon Apple Cake is that perfect fall dessert that fills our home with warmth and sweetness. My kids love it, my husband can’t get enough of it, and frankly, it’s become a family staple from October right through Thanksgiving.
After a fun afternoon of picking apples upstate, there’s nothing quite like coming back and using our haul to make something special at home. If you’re looking for more fun breakfast ideas, you might want to check out our crescent roll breakfast recipes .
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With its moist texture and vibrant cinnamon flavor, it’s a treat that everyone will adore. Plus, it’s adaptable to using whatever apples you have on hand, making it a versatile option throughout the apple-picking season.

Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced apples
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups white sugar
- ¾ cup coconut oil or avocado oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Step-by-step instructions
- Peel and core about 4 apples. Slice them into about ¼ inch thick slices and place them into a large bowl. Pour the sugar over the apples and toss, then add the lemon juice. Let the apples and sugar sit for about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add the oil, eggs, and vanilla to the apple mixture and stir together with a spoon.
- Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and cloves to the apple mixture. Combine carefully until just incorporated.
- Spray a 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish with baking spray and line with parchment paper. Transfer the batter into the baking dish and bake in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-55 minutes for a 9×9 or 45-50 minutes for a 9×13, or until a knife can be inserted in the center and comes out clean.
- Serve with freshly whipped cream.
Recipe tips & variations
- Oil Choice: Coconut oil adds a slight tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with the apples, but if you’re aiming for a more neutral taste, avocado oil works perfectly.
- Apple Varieties: Feel free to use different types of apples. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith adds a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Add-ins: For a bit of texture, try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the batter.
Storage & reheating
This Cinnamon Apple Cake keeps well at room temperature for a couple of days when stored in an airtight container. If you need to store it longer, place it in the fridge and it will last for up to a week. Just warm up a slice in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake stays moist, so feel free to bake it a day in advance. It might even taste better as the flavors meld together.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
No worries! In a pinch, you can use bottled lemon juice. The goal is to keep the apples from browning and to add a hint of tartness.
Is there a substitute for eggs in this recipe?
You can try using applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute if you need to.
Recipes you may like
If you loved this Cinnamon Apple Cake , you might also enjoy these:
- Breakfast Potatoes Recipe Easy & Crispy
- Breakfast Pizza Recipe Easy & Cheesy
- Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes
There’s something truly comforting about baking, especially when the result is something as lovely as this cake. Make it a family affair or surprise them, and watch as everyone gathers around the kitchen—the favorite place in our home. Happy baking!

Cinnamon Apple Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is a perfect fall dessert that brings warmth and sweetness to any gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced apples
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups white sugar
- 3/4 cup coconut oil or avocado oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Peel and core about 4 apples. Slice them into about ¼ inch thick slices and place them into a large bowl. Pour the sugar over the apples and toss, then add the lemon juice. Let the apples and sugar sit for about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add the oil, eggs, and vanilla to the apple mixture and stir together with a spoon.
- Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and cloves to the apple mixture. Combine carefully until just incorporated.
- Spray a 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish with baking spray and line with parchment paper. Transfer the batter into the baking dish and bake in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-55 minutes for a 9×9 or 45-50 minutes for a 9×13, or until a knife can be inserted in the center and comes out clean.
- Serve with freshly whipped cream.
Notes
- Oil Choice: Coconut oil adds a slight tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with the apples, but if you’re aiming for a more neutral taste, avocado oil works perfectly.
- Apple Varieties: Feel free to use different types of apples. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith adds a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Add-ins: For a bit of texture, try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
