This Cinnamon Roll Apple Cake combines gooey swirled cinnamon roll sweetness with the richness of apple cake. Packed with fresh apple chunks, warm spices, and a buttery cinnamon ripple throughout, this cake is soft, aromatic, and absolutely irresistible. After baking, it’s finished with a simple 3 ingredient vanilla glaze.
Wow. I have no words. This is my first fall recipe for 2025 and we are starting off strong with this one!
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Cake is so dreamy. It has just the right sweetness, and the hints of tart apple balances it all so well. It really is fall in a cake.
I love the combination of cinnamon and apple. It is such a classic! If you love it too, you have to give this cake a try!
Step by step instructions
Here is how to make and bake this cinnamon roll apple cake. You will need a 9×9 baking pan lined with parchment paper, 3 mixing bowls, a spatula, and a whisk.
Step 1 - Prep. For easy removal of the cake, place parchment paper on the bottom and 2 sides of the pan. Gently grease the other two sides and then set aside. Peel and cut the apples into small cubes. Then set aside while you make the cake batter.
Step 2 - Mix dry ingredients. In a medium sized bowl, add in flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Stir to combine and set aside.
Step 3 - Mix the sugar and oil. In a large bowl, add oil and white sugar. Whisk vigorously for 2-3 minutes until well combined.
Step 4 - Add in eggs and vanilla. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.
Step 5 - Add sour cream. Whisk in the sour cream, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 6 - Create cake batter. Add the dry and wet ingredients together. With a spatula, gently fold until a soft cake batter forms. Do not over-mix!
Step 7 - Add apples. Mix in the apples a few times just until evenly distributed. Once again, do not over-mix!
Step 8 - Make cinnamon filling. In a bowl, add the brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon, Mix together until a filling forms.
Step 9 - Layer. Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Drizzle the cinnamon filling on top, and swirl it around with a knife.
Step 10 - Bake. This cake bakes for 45-60 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the middle will come out clean when it is ready.
Step 11 - Make glaze. Once the cake is cooled, make the glaze. Combine powdered sugar with milk and stir together. Then drizzle it on top of the cooled cake, allow to set, slice, and enjoy!
FAQ
How do I store this cake?
This cake is best enjoyed fresh. It can sit on the counter for 3 days at room temperature, and in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, without the glaze.. Once baked and cooled, slice into squares. Wrap each individual square or the entire cake in saran wrap and then place in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. This cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen in the oven at a low temp (300°F/150°C) until warmed through.
What type of apples work best in this cake?
I prefer using tart apples in this cake! I enjoy how it balances out the sweetness, but you can use any apples.
Can I substitute oil for butter?
Yes!
PS : If you enjoyed this recipe, please make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW down below! I'd love to stay connected on Instagram @taffeybakery! To get more recipes follow me on TikTok @taffeybakery!
Cinnamon Roll Apple Cake
Ingredients
For the apple cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2/3 cups white sugar
- 2/3 cups oil
- 2/3 cups sour cream room temperature
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 2 cups apples sliced into small cubes
For the cinnamon swirl filling
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 6 tbsp butter* melted
- 2 tsp cinnamon
For the glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 1-2 tbsp milk or lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉/176℃. Line a 9x9 baking tray with parchment paper and set aside. Chop the apples into small cubes and set aside.2 cups apples
For the cake
- In a bowl, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Stir together and set aside.1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 tsp baking powder, 3/4 tsp baking soda, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/4 tsp salt
- In a large bowl, add the white sugar and oil. Whisk vigorously for 2-3 minutes until smooth.2/3 cups white sugar, 2/3 cups oil
- Add in the eggs and vanilla, and continue whisking.2 eggs, 1 tbsp vanilla
- Add in the sour cream, and whisk together, scraping the bowl as needed.2/3 cups sour cream
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients together with a spatula just until a soft cake batter forms, do not over-mix.
- Add in the chopped apples and once again, mix together just until evenly distributed. Don't over-mix!2 cups apples
For the cinnamon filling
- Add together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir together until a filling forms.1/2 cup dark brown sugar, 6 tbsp butter*, 2 tsp cinnamon
Layering
- Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Take the cinnamon filling and dollop it all around the cake, then swirl it in with a knife.
- Bake the cake for 45-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Once baked, make the glaze. Combine powdered sugar with milk (or lemon juice if you want a tart glaze). Start with 1 tbsp of liquid, then add more depending on the consistency you want. Drizzle it on the cake, allow it to set, then slice and enjoy!1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tbsp milk
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