15 Cozy Apple Cinnamon Desserts Perfect for Cold Winter Days

There’s something magical about the smell of apples and cinnamon baking on a cold winter day. These apple cinnamon desserts bring warmth to your kitchen and hearts to your table—from classic pies to creative twists I’ve perfected over the years. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving comfort food, this collection has something for everyone!

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1. Classic Apple Cinnamon Pie

Nothing says winter comfort like a traditional apple pie, with a perfectly spiced filling and a flaky, golden crust.

Prep Time	30 minutes
Bake Time	50 minutes
Servings	8 slices
Difficulty	Medium
Calories	~320 per slice

Essential Equipment:

• 9-inch pie dish – Ensures even baking and beautiful presentation. See my favorite pie dish
• Pastry cutter – Makes perfect flaky crust every time. Grab my go-to pastry cutter
• Apple peeler – Saves so much time with prep work!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold butter, cubed
• ¼ cup ice water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 6 cups sliced Granny Smith apples
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. Make the crust by combining flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs—I learned this technique from Nonna Rosa, and trust me, cold butter is the secret to flakiness!
2. Add ice water gradually, mixing just until dough comes together. Divide in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and lemon juice. The cornstarch prevents that soggy bottom I used to get when I was starting out.
4. Roll out bottom crust and fit into pie dish. Add apple filling and dot with butter pieces.
5. Roll out top crust, place over filling, and crimp edges. Cut slits for steam to escape—don’t skip this step!
6. Bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes until crust is golden and filling bubbles. The smell alone will have your neighbors knocking!

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2. Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars

These portable bars combine buttery shortbread, spiced apples, and a crunchy oat topping—perfect for lunchboxes or afternoon tea.

Prep Time	20 minutes
Bake Time	40 minutes
Servings	16 bars
Difficulty	Easy
Calories	~210 per bar

Essential Equipment:

• 9×13 inch baking pan – For perfectly sized bars every time. Here’s the one I use
• Parchment paper – Makes cleanup a breeze and easy removal.

Ingredients:

For the Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 3 cups diced apples
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Topping:

• 1 cup oats
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Press base mixture into lined pan and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. You’re creating a sturdy foundation here—I learned this prevents soggy bottoms!
2. Mix filling ingredients and spread over partially baked base. The cornstarch helps everything set beautifully.
3. Combine topping ingredients until crumbly and sprinkle over apples. Don’t worry if it looks uneven—that’s part of the rustic charm!
4. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden and apples are tender. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

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3. Warm Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding

This cozy dessert transforms day-old bread into something extraordinary with tender apple chunks and a creamy custard.

Prep Time	15 minutes
Bake Time	45 minutes
Servings	10 servings
Difficulty	Easy
Calories	~285 per serving

Essential Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl – For combining custard ingredients smoothly.
• 9×13 baking dish – Perfect size for family gatherings. Grab my trusted baking dish

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed day-old bread
• 3 cups diced apples
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Toss bread cubes and diced apples in buttered baking dish. I like using challah or brioche—they soak up custard beautifully!
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and spices until smooth. This usually takes me about 2 minutes.
3. Pour custard over bread mixture, pressing down gently so everything gets coated. Let sit for 15 minutes to absorb.
4. Drizzle with melted butter and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until golden and set. The top should be slightly crispy while the inside stays custardy—perfection!

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4. Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake

All the flavors of cinnamon rolls with tender apple pieces baked right in—no yeast or rising time required!

Prep Time	25 minutes
Bake Time	35 minutes
Servings	12 slices
Difficulty	Medium
Calories	~340 per slice

Essential Equipment:

• 9×13 inch cake pan – Essential for even layers. Check out my go-to pan
• Offset spatula – Makes spreading swirls so much easier!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 cups diced apples

For the Topping:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients, then add milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Fold in diced apples gently—overmixing makes tough cake, and I’ve learned that the hard way!
2. Pour half the batter into prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of cinnamon-butter mixture over batter.
3. Add remaining batter and more cinnamon-butter dollops. Swirl with a knife for that signature cinnamon roll look.
4. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. While it cools, whisk together glaze ingredients and drizzle generously over warm cake.

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5. Skillet Apple Cinnamon Cobbler

Rustic, bubbly, and absolutely irresistible—this one-pan dessert is my go-to when I want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Prep Time	15 minutes
Bake Time	30 minutes
Servings	8 servings
Difficulty	Easy
Calories	~295 per serving

Essential Equipment:

• 10-inch cast iron skillet – Goes from stovetop to oven seamlessly. Get my recommended skillet

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 6 cups sliced apples
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Topping:

• 1 cup flour
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ½ teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

1. Cook apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in your skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Trust me on this one—pre-cooking ensures tender apples throughout.
2. Mix topping ingredients until just combined. You’ll see some lumps, and that’s exactly what we want for a tender cobbler topping!
3. Drop spoonfuls of batter over hot apples, leaving gaps for steam. Don’t spread it smooth—the rustic look is part of the charm!
4. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate winter comfort dessert.

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6. Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars

Creamy cheesecake meets spiced apples on a graham cracker crust—these always disappear first at my holiday gatherings!

Prep Time	25 minutes
Bake Time	45 minutes
Servings	16 bars
Difficulty	Medium
Calories	~310 per bar

Essential Equipment:

• 9×13 inch pan – Perfect for uniform bars.
• Electric mixer – Gets cheesecake filling ultra-smooth.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup sugar

For the Cheesecake:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the Topping:

• 2 cups diced apples
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup flour
• ¼ cup cold butter

Instructions:

1. Press crust mixture firmly into pan and bake at 325°F for 10 minutes. A firm crust prevents soggy bottoms—I promise you’ll thank me later!
2. Beat cream cheese until fluffy, add sugar, then eggs one at a time. The key here is room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest texture.
3. Pour over crust. Toss apples with sugar and cinnamon, then arrange on top.
4. Make crumble topping and sprinkle over apples. Bake 35-40 minutes until center barely jiggles. Chill completely before cutting for clean slices.

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7. Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake

The easiest dessert you’ll ever make—just layer, dump, and bake! Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something sweet.

Prep Time	10 minutes
Bake Time	40 minutes
Servings	12 servings
Difficulty	Easy
Calories	~280 per serving

Essential Equipment:

• 9×13 baking dish – Standard size works perfectly here.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ cup melted butter
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Spread pie filling in bottom of greased baking dish. Even on my worst baking days, this never fails me!
2. Mix cake mix with cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over apples. Don’t stir—that’s the magic of dump cakes!
3. Drizzle melted butter over dry mix, making sure to cover as much as possible. Add pecans if using.
4. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly. The edges get wonderfully crispy while the center stays gooey and delicious.

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8. Apple Cinnamon Stuffed Crescents

Flaky crescent rolls wrapped around sweet cinnamon apples—like mini apple turnovers that come together in minutes!

Prep Time	15 minutes
Bake Time	15 minutes
Servings	8 crescents
Difficulty	Easy
Calories	~240 per crescent

Essential Equipment:

• Baking sheet – For perfectly golden crescents.
• Parchment paper – No-stick guarantee!

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1½ cups finely diced apples
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Mix diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. This little trick will change everything for you—let it sit for 5 minutes to release juices.
2. Unroll crescents and place a spoonful of apple mixture on wide end of each triangle. Don’t overfill—I learned that lesson after apple explosions in my oven!
3. Roll up starting from wide end, tucking in sides as you go. Place on lined baking sheet.
4. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

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9. No-Bake Apple Cinnamon Icebox Cake

Layers of cinnamon cookies, spiced apple filling, and whipped cream create this impressive make-ahead dessert that needs zero oven time.

Prep Time	30 minutes
Chill Time	4 hours
Servings	10 servings
Difficulty	Easy
Calories	~265 per serving

Essential Equipment:

• 9-inch springform pan – Makes serving elegant and easy.

Ingredients:

• 2 packages cinnamon graham crackers
• 3 cups cooked spiced apples (cooled)
• 3 cups heavy cream
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Whip cream with powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until stiff peaks form. After years of testing, I’ve found this takes about 3-4 minutes with a stand mixer.
2. Layer graham crackers in bottom of pan, breaking to fit. Spread with whipped cream, then spiced apples.
3. Repeat layers two more times, ending with whipped cream. Here’s where most people go wrong—you need to press down gently between layers for stability!
4. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. The crackers soften into cake-like layers while you sleep—it’s pure magic!

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10. Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

This makes breakfast feel like dessert! Custardy bread with caramelized apples—perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunch.

Prep Time	20 minutes
Bake Time	45 minutes
Servings	8 servings
Difficulty	Easy
Calories	~320 per serving

Essential Equipment:

• 9×13 baking dish – Standard size for family servings.

Ingredients:

For the Bake:

• 1 loaf French bread, cubed
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 cups diced apples

For the Topping:

• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Arrange bread cubes in buttered dish and top with diced apples. I like to use slightly stale bread—it soaks up custard better without getting mushy!
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour evenly over bread and apples.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or let sit at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial—trust me, I skipped it once and regretted it!
4. Before baking, mix topping ingredients and sprinkle over top. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until golden and puffy.

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11. Mini Apple Cinnamon Hand Pies

Adorable individual pies with flaky crust and perfectly spiced filling—great for parties or grab-and-go treats!

Prep Time	35 minutes
Bake Time	20 minutes
Servings	12 hand pies
Difficulty	Medium
Calories	~190 per hand pie

Essential Equipment:

• 4-inch round cutter – For uniform hand pies.
• Fork – To seal edges beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 2 refrigerated pie crusts
• 2 cups finely diced apples
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 egg, beaten
• Coarse sugar

Instructions:

1. Cook apples with sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon until tender, about 5 minutes. Let cool completely—warm filling makes soggy crusts!
2. Cut circles from pie dough using cutter. Place spoonful of filling on half the circles, leaving borders.
3. Top with remaining circles and press edges with fork to seal. I swear by this technique—it’s both functional and pretty!
4. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Cut small slits on top. Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes until golden.

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12. Apple Cinnamon Mug Cake

Single-serving cake ready in the microwave in just 2 minutes—when you need homemade apple cinnamon desserts immediately!

Prep Time	5 minutes
Cook Time	2 minutes
Servings	1 mug cake
Difficulty	Easy
Calories	~280 per mug

Essential Equipment:

• Large microwave-safe mug – Must hold at least 12 oz.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ cup finely diced apple
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients in mug with fork. Add milk, oil, and vanilla, stirring until smooth.
2. Fold in diced apples gently. Don’t worry if it looks like too much apple—they cook down perfectly!
3. Microwave on high for 90 seconds to 2 minutes. The top should look slightly dry but spring back when touched.
4. Let cool for 1 minute before eating. Top with whipped cream or ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent!

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13. Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake

Moist, tender cake studded with apple chunks and swirled with cinnamon sugar—this one’s become my go-to for holiday gatherings.

Prep Time	25 minutes
Bake Time	55 minutes
Servings	14 slices
Difficulty	Medium
Calories	~315 per slice

Essential Equipment:

• 10-inch bundt pan – For that impressive presentation.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 3 cups flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups diced apples

For the Swirl:

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons apple cider
• ½ teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. This is what separates good bakers from great ones—patience with creaming!
2. Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream, beginning and ending with dry. Fold in diced apples gently.
3. Pour half the batter into greased pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture, then add remaining batter.
4. Bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes, then invert onto plate. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cake.

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14. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

Chewy cookies packed with oats, apple pieces, and warm spices—these taste like apple cinnamon recipes and cookies had a delicious baby!

Prep Time	15 minutes
Bake Time	12 minutes
Servings	24 cookies
Difficulty	Easy
Calories	~145 per cookie

Essential Equipment:

• Cookie scoop – For perfectly uniform cookies every time.
• Baking sheets – Two speeds up the process.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1½ cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups oats
• 1½ cups finely diced apples

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well. My family goes crazy for this one!
2. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix into wet ingredients until just combined.
3. Stir in oats and diced apples. The dough will look chunky—that’s exactly what we want for hearty, satisfying cookies!
4. Drop rounded tablespoons onto lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 11-13 minutes until edges are golden but centers look slightly underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool!

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15. Apple Cinnamon Poke Cake

Ultra-moist cake soaked with spiced apple syrup and topped with cream cheese frosting—this showstopper feeds a crowd beautifully!

Prep Time	30 minutes
Bake Time	35 minutes
Servings	15 servings
Difficulty	Medium
Calories	~340 per serving

Essential Equipment:

• 9×13 cake pan – The classic poke cake size.
• Wooden spoon handle – For poking perfect holes!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients on box)
• 2 cups diced apples
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Soak:

• 1 cup apple cider
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Prepare cake mix according to package, folding in diced apples and cinnamon. Bake in greased pan at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
2. While cake bakes, simmer cider, brown sugar, and cinnamon until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. After years of testing, I’ve found this is the perfect soaking liquid!
3. Poke warm cake all over with wooden spoon handle. Pour syrup over cake, letting it seep into holes. This little trick will change everything for you—it infuses every bite with flavor!
4. Beat frosting ingredients until smooth and fluffy. Spread over cooled cake and refrigerate until serving. Your kitchen will smell like heaven!

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More Related Recipes

• 13 No-Bake Thanksgiving Desserts
• 10 Best Pumpkin Dessert Recipes for Fall
• Apple Cranberry Upside-Down Cake
• 12 Best Swiss Roll Recipes Perfect for Fall & Holiday Season

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Conclusion

These apple cinnamon desserts bring warmth and comfort to any cold winter day. From easy dump cakes to impressive bundt cakes, there’s something here for every skill level and occasion. The combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon creates that cozy feeling we all crave when temperatures drop. Pick your favorite and start baking—I promise these will become winter traditions in your home!