Creating Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is a breeze when you follow these straightforward steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using) into the batter until evenly distributed.
7. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Sprinkle Topping: Combine a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible cake effortlessly.