Apple Cinnamon Bun Cake
This Apple Cinnamon Bun Cake features a spiced cake base, a rich cinnamon swirl filling, and is topped with warm baked apples, a crunchy cinnamon streusel, and a drizzle of maple glaze. It’s the perfect comforting treat for fall, combining the flavors of a cinnamon roll with the warmth of baked apples
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below.
Brown sugar
All-purpose flour
Cinnamon
Salted butter
Milk of choice
Apple cider vinegar
Baking powder
Cinnamon
Salt
Granulated sugar
Greek yogurt
Vanilla extract
Apples of choice (I used Honeycrisp)
Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Why You’ll Love Apple Cinnamon Bun Cake:
Cozy Fall Flavors: This cake brings together the warmth of cinnamon and baked apples, making it the perfect treat for cozy fall mornings or holiday gatherings.
Spiced Cake Base: The soft, spiced cake provides a comforting base that’s perfectly balanced with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, adding depth to every bite.
Cinnamon Swirl Filling: The rich cinnamon swirl throughout the cake mimics the gooey center of a cinnamon bun, giving you that same indulgent experience.
Warm Baked Apples: Topped with tender, baked apples, the cake adds a burst of fruity sweetness that complements the spiced cake base beautifully.
Crunchy Cinnamon Streusel: The cinnamon streusel adds a crunchy texture on top, giving you a delightful contrast between the soft cake and crisp topping.
Drizzled with Maple Glaze: The sweet maple glaze ties everything together, adding a rich, buttery sweetness that makes this cake irresistible.
Cinnamon Roll Meets Cake: This recipe combines the best of two favorites—cinnamon rolls and cake—giving you the comforting flavors of a cinnamon bun in a tender, easy-to-make cake.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is versatile enough for any occasion, especially during the fall season.
Easy to Make: Despite its impressive layers of flavor, this cake is easy to whip up, making it a great option for novice and experienced bakers alike.
Impress Your Guests: With its combination of textures and flavors, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Bun Cake:
Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh apples that are firm and slightly tart, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for the topping. They hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness of the cake.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When mixing the spiced cake batter, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a denser cake, while you want a soft, tender crumb. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Create a Perfect Cinnamon Swirl: To create the cinnamon swirl filling, spoon half of the cake batter into the pan, then evenly swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture through the batter before topping with the remaining batter.
Bake Until Golden and Set: Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
Let the Cake Cool Slightly Before Adding the Glaze: After baking, allow the cake to cool slightly so the maple glaze can set without melting completely. Drizzling the glaze over a warm cake creates the perfect gooey topping.
Make the Maple Glaze in Advance: You can prepare the maple glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Warm it slightly before drizzling it over the cake to ensure a smooth, pourable consistency.
Serve Warm for the Best Flavor: This cake is best served warm, straight out of the oven. The combination of the spiced cake, baked apples, crunchy streusel, and maple glaze is at its peak when warm.
How to store Apple Cinnamon Bun Cake:
Room Temperature (Up to 2 Days): If you plan to eat the cake within 1-2 days, store it covered in an airtight container at room temperature. The cinnamon streusel will stay crisp, and the cake will remain moist.
Refrigeration (Up to 5 Days): For longer storage, place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Let the cake come to room temperature or reheat it slightly in the oven or microwave before serving to restore its soft texture.
Freezing (Up to 2 Months): To freeze the cake, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
Reheating the Cake: To reheat, place slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds. This helps restore the cake’s warmth and the slight crunch of the streusel topping.
Storing the Glaze Separately: If you plan to freeze the cake or store it for a few days, consider storing the maple glaze separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the glaze slightly before drizzling it over the cake to keep the topping fresh.
Keeping the Streusel Crisp: If you want to keep the streusel crunchy after storing the cake, you can reheat the cake in the oven uncovered. This will help bring back the crispness of the streusel while keeping the cake moist.
Avoiding Sogginess: To prevent the cake from becoming soggy, make sure it is completely cooled before storing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to retain its moisture without allowing excess condensation.
Best Served Fresh: While the cake can be stored, it’s best served fresh when the flavors of the baked apples, cinnamon swirl, and maple glaze are at their peak.
Freezing Individual Slices for Convenience: If you want to enjoy the cake later in individual servings, slice the cake and wrap each slice tightly before freezing. This makes it easy to thaw and reheat single portions as needed.
Refreshing the Cake After Storing: If the cake becomes slightly dry after storage, drizzle it with a bit of extra maple glaze or serve with a dollop of whipped cream to refresh the flavor and texture.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead. Store it at room temperature in an airtight container. If you want to keep the streusel topping crisp, wait to add the maple glaze until just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftover apple cinnamon bun cake?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months for longer storage.
Q: Can I freeze the cake?
A: Yes, the cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Q: How do I reheat the cake?
A: To reheat, place slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds. This helps restore the warm texture and brings out the flavors.
Q: Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?
A: Yes, you can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or even berries for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the baking time based on the moisture content of the fruit.
Q: How do I make the cinnamon swirl filling?
A: The cinnamon swirl filling is made by mixing brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spoon half of the cake batter into the pan, swirl the cinnamon filling through it, then top with the remaining batter.
Q: Can I use a different glaze instead of maple glaze?
A: Absolutely! You can swap the maple glaze with a classic vanilla glaze or even a caramel drizzle for a sweeter, richer finish.
Q: How do I keep the streusel topping crunchy?
A: To maintain the crunch of the streusel, store the cake uncovered or lightly covered at room temperature for a day. If refrigerating, reheat the cake in the oven to refresh the crunchy topping.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
Q: Should I add the glaze before or after storing the cake?
A: It’s best to add the glaze just before serving to ensure the cake stays fresh and the streusel remains crisp. If you’re storing the cake, keep the glaze separate and drizzle it over the cake when ready to serve.
Check out my other apple recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try this apple cinnamon bun cake. Happy baking!
