There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of fresh apples, cinnamon, and citrus blending together in the kitchen, especially as the cooler months approach. This Warm Apple Cinnamon Cake with a Citrus Twist is the perfect fall dessert that will fill your home with warm, inviting aromas and leave everyone asking for seconds. The addition of a citrus twist elevates this traditional apple cinnamon cake to a whole new level, adding a refreshing zing that balances the sweetness of the apples and the spice of cinnamon.
This cake is wonderfully moist, fragrant, and a true crowd-pleaser. It’s ideal for a cozy weekend dessert, a holiday gathering, or as a treat to serve alongside a hot cup of tea. Whether you prefer it warm out of the oven or at room temperature, this cake offers a comforting blend of spiced apples with a bright citrus kick.
Ingredients for Warm Apple Cinnamon Cake with a Citrus Twist:
For the cake:
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well for their tartness and firmness)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
For the cinnamon sugar swirl:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round or square cake pan (or an 8-inch springform pan)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Grater for zesting the citrus
- Knife and cutting board for apples
- Small bowl for the cinnamon sugar
- Small bowl for the glaze