Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake

Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake - this homemade cake is a perfect fall dessert so easy to prepare and it´s filled with juicy apples with buttery cinnamon brown sugar swirl and vanilla glaze drizzle over the top. Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake can be eaten for breakfast, brunch, as a coffee cake or a delicious dessert. 

If you love cinnamon roll flavors, you'll also enjoy these delicious Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cups, Cinnamon Roll Muffins, and Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups.

I really like fall and its desserts, especially apple treats and the smell of cinnamon and apples coming out of the hot oven …is something special. 

Key Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps create a soft, tender cake.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the cake a tender texture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the flavors.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender cake.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the apples and cinnamon.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and buttery flavor while helping keep the cake moist.
• Diced apples: Add natural sweetness, moisture, and delicious fruity flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a tender texture and works well in apple desserts.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich and creamy base for the cinnamon filling.
• Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness, moisture, and a subtle caramel flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice and pairs perfectly with the sweet apple filling, just like in this Apple Cinnamon Bread.
• Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet base for the vanilla glaze, similar to the glaze used on this Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Bread.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the glaze.

How to make Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake?

Step 1. Prepare the Apples

Toss the diced apples with cornstarch and set aside.

Step 2. Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla, and mix until combined. Stir in the melted butter, then gently fold in the apples.

Step 3. Add the Batter to the Pan

Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan and spread it evenly.

Step 4. Make the Cinnamon Swirl

Beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter, then use a knife to create swirls.

Step 5. Bake the Cake

Bake at 350°F for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6. Add the Glaze

Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake. You can also use cream cheese frosting instead of the vanilla glaze, if you prefer.

You can find the full recipe, including the complete ingredient list and exact measurements, in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Expert tips

Cut the apples into small, even pieces: This helps them soften nicely while baking and makes every bite easier to enjoy. If you love the combination of apples and cinnamon, try my Apple French Toast Bake, too.

Don't overmix the batter: Once the ingredients are combined, stop mixing. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of soft and tender.

Use softened butter for the cinnamon mixture: Soft butter blends easily with the brown sugar and cinnamon, creating a smooth mixture that's easy to swirl through the batter.

Don't skip the swirls: Run a knife gently through the cinnamon mixture to create beautiful swirls without mixing it completely into the batter.

Check the cake before removing it from the oven: Baking time can vary slightly. Start checking around the 50-minute mark and use a toothpick to make sure the center is fully baked.

Drizzle the glaze while the cake is warm: The warm cake helps the vanilla glaze spread beautifully over the top and soak slightly into the cinnamon swirls.

Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake?

Yes! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Pink Lady all work well. I recommend using apples that hold their shape during baking so the cake doesn't become too watery.

Can I make this Apple Cake without the vanilla glaze?

Absolutely! The vanilla glaze adds a nice finishing touch, but you can skip it or use cream cheese frosting instead. Both options pair beautifully with the cinnamon and apples.

How do I know when this apple cinnamon cake is done?

The cake is ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Since the cinnamon swirl can make the center look moist, make sure you test the actual cake batter.

Apple season is just around the corner, so it's the perfect time to enjoy delicious homemade apple desserts. If you love apple cakes, be sure to try this Apple Crumb Cake, classic French Apple Cake, and Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake too!

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