Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake (Kid-Friendly & Naturally Sweetened)

A few things bring the warmth and comfort of falling into your kitchen like a homemade apple cake. This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe is soft, moist, and perfectly spiced with natural sweetness, making it a wholesome treat for the whole family. Whether serving it for breakfast, as an after-school snack, or as a simple dessert, this cake is always a winner. It’s kid-friendly, free of refined sugar, and bursting with fresh apple flavor.

Ingredients For Apple Cake

To make this apple cake, you’ll need simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Apples: Fresh apples bring natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour: Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients, while all-purpose flour creates a softer texture.
• Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise.
• Cinnamon & nutmeg: The perfect warm spices to enhance the apple flavor.
• Eggs: Provides structure and binds the ingredients together.
• Unsweetened applesauce & honey or maple syrup: These natural sweeteners make the cake sugar-free.
• Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds moisture and keeps the cake soft.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Coconut oil or melted butter: Provides richness and moisture.
• Salt: Balances the flavors.

How To Cut Apples For Apple Cake

For the best texture, properly cutting your apples is key. You have a few options:

1. Small Dice: This ensures little bites of apple in every slice of cake without making it too chunky.
2. Thin Slices: Thin slices work well for a more rustic look and feel and add a bit of texture.
3. Shredded Apples: This option moistens the cake as the apple blends seamlessly into the batter.

Peeling is optional, but you may prefer peeled apples for a softer texture.

The Best Apples For Apple Cake

Choosing the right apple variety makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Here are some great options:

• Honeycrisp: Naturally sweet and crisp, perfect for baking.
• Granny Smith: Tart apples add a nice contrast to the sweetness.
• Fuji: Very sweet and juicy, remarkable for natural sweetness.
• Pink Lady: A good balance of sweet and tart flavors.
• Gala: Soft, mild, and naturally sweet, perfect for kids’ palates.

A mix of sweet and tart apples can create a well-rounded flavor.

Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this apple cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the whole wheat or all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

What natural sweeteners can I use?

This recipe uses honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness, but mashed bananas or date syrup could also work.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of regular milk and swap butter for coconut oil.

How do I store apple cake?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. You can also freeze slices for up to three months.

Can I make this cake in muffin form?

Absolutely! Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.

Here’s How To Make This Apple Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or butter
• 2 cups diced or shredded apples

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Mix wet ingredients. Whisk eggs, applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), milk, vanilla, and melted coconut oil in another bowl.
4. Combine. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Fold in the apples.
5. Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes clean.
6. Cool and serve. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Ways To Serve This Apple Cake

• Warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
• Top with yogurt or whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
• Dust with cinnamon sugar for extra flavor and crunch.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
• Enjoy with a cup of tea or milk for a cozy treat.

Apple Cake Variations

Add Nuts or Raisins:

Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins for extra texture and flavor.

Make It Vegan:

Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg).

Caramel Apple Cake:

Drizzle with homemade date caramel or a light maple glaze.

Spiced Apple Cake:

Increase cinnamon to 1.5 teaspoons and add ¼ teaspoon cloves or allspice for a deeper spice flavor.

This naturally sweetened Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is simple to make, full of real ingredients, and perfect for kids and adults alike. Whether baking for a family gathering, a school lunchbox treat, or just a cozy autumn day, this cake will become a favorite in your home!