One-Bowl Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cake
Moist and tender apple cake swirled with warm cinnamon sugar, baked in one bowl for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 65 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 cups peeled and diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon cinnamon sugar swirl (1/4 cup brown sugar + 1 tbsp ground cinnamon mixed together)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 2 tsp ground cinnamon until combined.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup whole milk to the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 4: Fold in 2 cups peeled and diced tart apple pieces until evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar swirl (1/4 cup brown sugar mixed with 1 tbsp cinnamon) evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar swirl over the top.
- Step 6: Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Step 7: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Bowl Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cake take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover One-Bowl Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cake?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Bowl Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Bowl Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Bowl Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cake?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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