12 Cakes That Start Cozy and End with You Scraping the Plate

Apple cakes are a cozy and flavorful way to enjoy one of the most loved fruits of the season. Whether you prefer your cake spiced, sweet, or packed with chunks of apple, there’s a style for everyone. They’re great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat.

There are so many ways to make apple cakes, from simple one-bowl recipes to layered cakes with frostings and glazes. Some are packed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, while others highlight the fresh, juicy taste of the apples themselves. You can keep it rustic or dress it up, depending on what you need.

Apple cakes are perfect for family gatherings, holiday tables, or just a cozy weekend bake. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find a recipe that fits your mood and the ingredients you have on hand. Baking with apples brings a touch of comfort to any day.

Tasty Cinnamon Apple Swirl Cake

This cozy cake weaves cinnamon and apple into every soft, tender bite. The swirl gives it a beautiful pattern when sliced, making it just as nice to look at as it is to eat. Perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea. A simple, homey treat that’s great for any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Cinnamon Apple Swirl Cake

Apple Cake with Cinnamon

Chunks of fresh apple and a hint of cinnamon make this cake moist and warmly spiced. It bakes up with a lovely, slightly crisp edge and a soft, rich center. A light dusting of powdered sugar finishes it off perfectly. Great for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy afternoon at home.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cake with Cinnamon

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

This cake starts with a layer of gooey caramel and tender apples that turns stunning once flipped. The moist cake soaks up all the rich caramel flavors as it bakes. Serve it warm for an extra comforting dessert. A sweet, sticky, and impressive dessert without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Apple Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Rich and tender from the sour cream, this coffee cake is studded with chunks of juicy apple and a ribbon of cinnamon sugar. It’s the kind of cake that works just as well for breakfast as it does for dessert. The crumb topping adds a buttery crunch. A cozy, old-fashioned favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Apple Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

Sweet butternut squash makes this cake extra moist and flavorful without being heavy. The tangy buttermilk glaze adds a light finish that pairs perfectly with the warm spices. It’s a great way to bring a little autumn flavor to your dessert table. A gentle twist on more traditional fall cakes.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

Gluten-free apple cake

Soft and packed with apples, this cake doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture, even without the gluten. A hint of cinnamon and a tender crumb make it perfect for anyone looking for a classic dessert with a gluten-free twist. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Serve it with a little whipped cream or ice cream if you like.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-free apple cake

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Layers of apple pie filling, caramel, and cake mix come together for a dessert that’s ridiculously easy and incredibly good. As it bakes, the top becomes golden and buttery while the apples stay warm and tender underneath. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A quick fix when you need something sweet and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Almond apple cake with apple roses

This almond-flavored cake is soft and slightly nutty, topped with delicate apple roses for a beautiful finish. It’s a little bit fancy without being complicated. The apples bake into tender, slightly caramelized spirals. A showstopper for holidays, brunches, or any special get-together.
Get the Recipe: Almond apple cake with apple roses

Apple mug cake

When you need a warm treat fast, this apple mug cake delivers. In just a few minutes, you can have a soft, cinnamon-spiced cake with real apple pieces, ready to eat right out of the mug. Great for late-night cravings or a quick afternoon pick-me-up. No sharing required.
Get the Recipe: Apple mug cake

Apple Cinnamon Cake

A simple, soft cake loaded with apples and plenty of cinnamon warmth. It bakes up with a lovely golden top and stays moist for days. A dusting of cinnamon sugar after baking adds a little extra charm. Perfect for everyday baking when you want something easy but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Cake

Nanna’s Apple Cake

Passed down from generations, this cake is packed with tender apples and sweet spices. It’s the kind of dessert that fills the kitchen with the best smells as it bakes. Moist, comforting, and perfectly simple. Just like something you’d expect from a beloved family recipe.
Get the Recipe: Nanna’s Apple Cake

French Apple Cake

This classic French dessert keeps it simple with soft, buttery cake and layers of apple throughout. The apples melt into the batter as it bakes, giving it a tender, custard-like texture. Lightly sweet and not too heavy, it’s perfect with a dusting of powdered sugar. A lovely way to enjoy fresh apples in a more understated dessert.
Get the Recipe: French Apple Cake