Last Updated on 30 May, 2026 by Elby | The Tasteful Pantry
Apple cinnamon cake is the perfect afternoon tea cake treat. With its moist, tender crumb and warming spice, this cake is the perfect balance of sweet and fragrant. The combination of apples and cinnamon brings a cosy flavour that works beautifully for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting afternoon tea with scones or serving as a dessert with cream, this cake is sure to be a hit. And, like the delicious apple blueberry cake, it is a great way to use up old apples.
More Fruity Family Favourites
- Cinnamon Orange Tea Cake
- Spiced Apple Muffins
- Apple Cinnamon Scrolls
- Easy Chocolate Orange Cake
- Classic Apple Crumble
Like the above recipes the delicious apple cinnamon tea cake recipe is the perfect treat for Mother’s day and other special occasions.
Ingredients for the Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe
I made the apple cinnamon cake to use up old apples and I’m so glad I did, each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavour, texture, and appearance. Here are some tips to help you make the most of these ingredients.
Cinnamon & Apples: The star ingredients! The cinnamon adds a nice warmth, while the apples keep the crumb soft. Any apples work in this recipe, you don’t need to stick to traditional Granny Smiths. Instead opt for the old ones from your fruit bowl. But note that some varieties will have more moisture and make for a slightly longer bake.
Topping: The caster sugar and cinnamon topping create a nice crunch to the crust, while increasing the cinnamon flavour. Combine the cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter. Then use a toothpick to swirl the mix through the top 5mm of the batter.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake stays moist for a number of days, but you can also pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to increase the softness if it feels a little dry.
Apple cinnamon cake is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also lovely served slightly warm, straight from the oven, when the apples are soft and the outer crust has a delicate crunch.
Feedback and More
Have you given the apple cinnamon tea cake recipe a go? I’d really love to know what you thought. Select a star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment below to share your thoughts. Cheers, Elby!
If you liked this recipe, check out some of my other delicious cakes. Also, follow The Tasteful Pantry on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for all the latest recipes and info.
Apple Cinnamon Cake
*Note: Adjusting servings will not adjust the ‘light grey’ quantities
Ingredients
Topping
- 1 tbsp caster sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Cake
- 240 grams flour - plain, approx. 1½ cups
- 165 grams caster sugar - approx. ¾ cup
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp bicarb soda - baking soda
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 185 grams sour cream - approx. ¾ cup
- 120 ml vegetable oil - mild flavour, approx. ½ cup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large apples - peeled, cored and diced into ½ cm cubes, approx. 300 grams cut weight
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C | 160°C fan forced and grease and line a 20cm cake tin.
Topping
- Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and set aside
Cake
- Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, bicarb, cinnamon and salt into a large bowl.
- In a small bowl whisk together the eggs, sour cream, oil and vanilla and pour into the dry ingredients. Add the apple. Using a wooden spoon, stir until all ingredients are just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared tin and sprinkle all over with the topping mix. Using a fork, drag the topping mix through the very top of the cake batter. This will incorporate the topping into the first few millimetres of the batter.
- Bake for 30 minutes (see notes), or until cooked through when tested with a skewer. Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
Nutrition
*Nutrition and calorie figures are estimates only.
