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This cinnamon apple loaf cake is packed with spiced apples, cinnamon sugar, and topped with a sweet glaze, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Loaf Cake
If you’ve followed me for a while, you already know how much I adore a good cinnamon apple dessert. This loaf cake is no exception—it’s moist, flavourful, and packed with warm, cozy spices.
Loaf cakes are a favourite in my house, and my husband loves this one so much that he’s been caught leaving me just crumbs! With the combination of tender apples and sweet cinnamon, this cake is sure to become one of your favourites too.
What Makes This Cake Special?
One of the reasons I love this recipe is how well cinnamon pairs with apples. The sweet, spiced aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes is absolutely irresistible.
This recipe uses a 3lb loaf tin, which is roughly equivalent to a tin that measures about 9 x 5 inches. It’s the perfect size for a generous loaf that can serve a crowd or keep well for a few days.
Equipment You’ll Need
To make this cake, you’ll need:
- 3lb (1.5kg) loaf tin – Approximately 9 x 5 inches in size.
- Mixing bowls – For the cake batter and cinnamon apple mixture.
- Electric mixer – To make the cake batter.
- Parchment paper – To line the loaf tin snugly, ensuring the cake releases easily.
- Toothpick – To check for doneness.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Loaf Cake
For the Cake:
- 115 g salted butter, softened (½ cup salted butter)
- 130 g granulated sugar (⅔ cup granulated sugar)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 180 g self-raising flour (1 ½ cups self-rising flour)
- 120 ml milk (½ cup milk)
For the Apple Mixture:
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced (about 2 cups diced apples) – I like to use Granny Smith apples but any crunchy apple will work
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar:
- 60 g light brown sugar (¼ cup packed light brown sugar)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 100 g icing sugar (¾ cup powdered sugar)
- 1–3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired thickness)
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Loaf Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Loaf Tin and Preheat the Oven
Start by lining your 3lb loaf tin with parchment paper, ensuring it fits snugly. This will help the cake release easily once baked. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F.
Step 2: Make the Apple Mixture
In a small mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set this aside while you prepare the cake batter.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl or ramekin, combine the sugar and cinnamon with a spoon until evenly combined.
Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter
Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Next, beat in the eggs, followed by the vanilla extract.
Add in the self-raising flour and fold this in with a rubber spatula, then carefully pour in the milk, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf tin and spread it out evenly. Layer half of the apple mixture on top, followed by half of the cinnamon sugar.
Repeat this process with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the loaf tin in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cake.
Step 7: Add the Glaze
Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tin for about 30 minutes before removing it. While it’s still slightly warm, prepare the glaze by mixing the icing sugar with milk until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. You can add the glaze while the cake is warm or wait until it has fully cooled—it’s delicious either way!
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion
This cinnamon apple loaf cake is a dessert that works for any time of the year. Its cozy flavors make it perfect for fall, but it’s equally delightful as a year-round treat.
Because it’s baked in a loaf tin, it’s easy to slice and serve for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert. It’s also a great option for gifting or taking to gatherings.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Apple Loaf Cake
- Snug Parchment Paper: Make sure your parchment paper fits tightly in the tin to prevent batter from seeping under the edges.
- Don’t Overbake: Check the cake with a toothpick at 50 minutes. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready!
- Customize the Glaze: For a tangy twist, add a splash of lemon juice to the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
This cinnamon apple loaf cake is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s simple to prepare, uses pantry staples, and delivers incredible flavour every time.
Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Its moist texture, spiced apples, and sweet glaze make it a dessert that’s hard to resist.
Watch My Step-by-Step Video
For a full walkthrough on how to make this Cinnamon Apple Loaf Cake, check out my video tutorial on the Fitwaffle Kitchen YouTube channel. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @fitwafflekitchen and TikTok @fitwaffle for even more delicious recipes!
Looking For a Deliciously Different Cake?
Why not try my popular Cinnamon Apple Cake or my Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread and don’t forget my Biscoff Loaf cake.
Cinnamon Apple Loaf Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 115 g salted butter softened (½ cup salted butter)
- 130 g granulated sugar (⅔ cup granulated sugar)
- 2 large eggs room temp
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 180 g self-raising flour (1 ½ cups self-rising flour)
- 120 ml milk any, I used skimmed (½ cup milk)
Apple mix:
- 2 large apples peeled and diced (2 large apples, about 2 cups diced)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Cinnamon Sugar:
- 60 g light brown sugar (¼ cup packed light brown sugar)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Glaze:
- 100 g icing sugar (¾ cup powdered sugar/confectioners’ sugar)
- 1-3 tbsp milk (adjust for thickness; 1 tbsp for thicker glaze, up to 3 tbsp for thinner glaze)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Loaf Tin and Preheat the Oven
- Start by lining your 3lb loaf tin with parchment paper, ensuring it fits snugly. This will help the cake release easily once baked. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F.
Step 2: Make the Apple Mixture
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set this aside while you prepare the cake batter.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar
- In a small bowl or ramekin, combine the sugar and cinnamon with a spoon until evenly combined.
Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter
- Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Next, beat in the eggs, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Add in the self-raising flour and fold this in with a rubber spatula, then carefully pour in the milk, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf tin and spread it out evenly. Layer half of the apple mixture on top, followed by half of the cinnamon sugar.
- Repeat this process with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Place the loaf tin in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cake.
Step 7: Add the Glaze
- Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tin for about 30 minutes before removing it. While it’s still slightly warm, prepare the glaze by mixing the icing sugar with milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. You can add the glaze while the cake is warm or wait until it has fully cooled—it’s delicious either way!
amazing, moist, and delicious. my fav recipe for leftover apples