Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Cake: A Light, Fruity Morning Delight

If you’re searching for a cozy and delicious morning treat, this Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Cake is about to become your new favorite. With a soft, fluffy texture and a tender crumb, it blends the sweet juiciness of apples with warm cinnamon flavor, making it a perfect start to any day. This cake is easy to make, satisfying, and ideal for both breakfast and brunch — or even as a light dessert. The cornstarch-flour combo ensures a delicate texture, while the cinnamon-sugar topping creates a crisp crust that elevates each bite.

What Makes This Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Cake So Special

This apple cinnamon breakfast cake isn’t just another sweet loaf — it’s a moist, fruit-filled cake with just the right balance of flavor and texture. It’s family-friendly, simple to prepare, and uses pantry staples. Whether you’re serving it warm with tea or grabbing a quick slice on a busy morning, it never disappoints.

• Quick & Easy: No complicated steps — just mix, top, and bake.
• Perfect Texture: Cornstarch lightens the batter, resulting in a cake that’s soft and tender.
• Seasonal Comfort: Apples and cinnamon bring fall-inspired warmth to your table year-round.
• Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, snack, or dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Baking Apples: Adds moisture and tart-sweet flavor — ideal for balancing sweetness
• Butter: Contributes richness and a soft crumb
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and forms a crispy crust with cinnamon
• Eggs: Provide structure and bind the ingredients
• All-Purpose Flour: The main dry base — gives the cake body
• Cornstarch: Softens the texture and prevents the cake from being too dense
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness
• Ground Cinnamon: Offers warm spice and aromatic appeal

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are some easy swaps and variations to keep the apple cinnamon breakfast cake just as delicious:

• No cornstarch? Use cake flour instead for a similar light texture.
• Gluten-free version: Swap flour and cornstarch for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Egg-free option: Use applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) to maintain moisture and add extra apple flavor.
• Apples: Try pears, plums, or blueberries for different seasonal twists.
• Sugar alternative: Use coconut sugar for a richer, caramel-like sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Cake

1. Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C). Butter a 20cm (8-inch) springform pan to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. Set aside for topping.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and remaining sugar until fluffy and pale.
5. Add the Eggs: Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to create a smooth, creamy batter.
6. Fold in Dry Mix: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
7. Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Top with halved and scored apples, cut-side up.
8. Add the Topping: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix over the apples and batter.
9. Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before removing it. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Cake

• Use tart apples: Varieties like Boskoop, Granny Smith, or Braeburn hold their shape and add bright flavor.
• Scoring the apples: Lightly slicing the top of each apple half keeps them juicy and helps them bake evenly.
• Don’t overbake: The cake should be moist and tender — test with a toothpick at 40 minutes.
• Add crunch: Sprinkle with turbinado sugar for extra texture on top.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4 days.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Pair this apple cinnamon breakfast cake with:

• Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and balances sweetness.
• Maple Syrup Drizzle: For extra indulgence at brunch.
• Whipped Cream or Mascarpone: Transforms it into a light dessert.
• Chai or Spiced Tea: Complements the warm spices beautifully.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for texture.

Looking to change things up? Try these fun versions:

• Blueberry Cinnamon Breakfast Cake: Swap apples for blueberries and add lemon zest.
• Autumn Spice Version: Mix in nutmeg and allspice for deeper fall flavors.
• Vegan Apple Breakfast Cake: Use plant-based butter and egg replacements without compromising texture.

A Cozy Seasonal Treat That’s Always in Style

There’s something comforting about apple and cinnamon together, especially in a warm, tender breakfast cake. Whether it’s chilly fall mornings or springtime brunches, this apple cinnamon breakfast cake fits any season. It’s not only an easy recipe for beginners but also a crowd-pleaser with endless variation potential. Keep it in your baking rotation — your mornings will thank you.

A Final Slice of Comfort

This Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Cake captures everything we love about a homemade morning treat — warm spices, juicy apples, and a soft, airy crumb. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or save a slice for the next day, it’s a simple yet satisfying way to start your day with comfort and flavor. With just one bowl and a handful of ingredients, this cake proves that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult. Bake it once, and it’ll quickly become a staple on your breakfast table.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake stores well at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container, or in the fridge for 4–5 days. You can also freeze slices for up to a month. Warm them slightly before serving to bring back the fresh-baked texture.

2. What type of apples work best for this cake?
Tart baking apples like Boskoop, Granny Smith, or Braeburn are perfect. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet cake base and cinnamon topping.

3. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely. You can reduce the sugar in the batter slightly without affecting the texture. Keep the cinnamon-sugar topping as is for that signature crisp crust. If you’re using sweeter apples, you may find you need even less sugar.

4. Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
This cake can easily be adapted for various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free option, substitute plant-based butter. To make it egg-free, use unsweetened applesauce or commercial egg replacers.

More Relevant Recipes

• Strawberry Milkshake Recipe
• Baked French Toast Casserole
• Pink Hot Chocolate

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