Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake Recipe

If there’s a dessert that never fails to warm my heart and fill my kitchen with the coziest aroma imaginable, it’s Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake. This marvel brings together soft, tender crumb with the sweet-tart tang of apples, a gentle scattering of spice, and the ease of baking in one pan. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together, a potluck, or just want a treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, this sheet cake is fuss-free and absolutely irresistible. The magic of fresh apples and cinnamon takes center stage, creating a treat that’s just as perfect for brunch as it is for dessert.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple, but not one is unnecessary—together, they build deep flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need for the Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake and how each part makes a difference.

• Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold their shape beautifully while adding a bright, juicy bite.
• Cinnamon: This warm spice is essential, lending its signature aroma and cozy depth throughout the cake.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that gives the cake its light-but-never-dry crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to let the apples shine without making the cake overly sugary.
• Brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like richness that pairs perfectly with apples and cinnamon.
• Baking powder: This ensures your cake rises tall and fluffy rather than dense.
• Baking soda: Helps tenderize the crumb for that perfect sheet cake softness.
• Salt: A pinch is all you need to heighten every sweet and spiced note.
• Eggs: They bind the batter and bring richness, making the cake pleasantly moist.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and fresh tasting, even after a couple of days.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash to round out all the flavors and mellow the spices.
• Milk: This adds moisture and helps blend everything into a pourable, silky batter.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a rimmed sheet pan or cake pan. Peel, core, and dice your apples into small, even pieces—this helps them distribute beautifully so you get a taste of apple in every bite.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures all the leavening agents and spices are perfectly combined, preventing any pockets of raw flour or spice overload in the final cake.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and a bit frothy. This mixture brings the cake its signature moist, tender texture and rich vanilla aroma.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as you have a uniform batter. Fold in the diced apples to evenly distribute them through the batter, adding moments of juicy sweetness in every slice.

Step 5: Bake the Sheet Cake

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden, with bits of apple peeking through the perfectly spiced crumb.

Step 6: Cool and (Optional) Glaze

Let your Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. If you’d like, whip up a quick glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla, then drizzle it over the cooled cake for an extra sweet finish.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

Garnishes

Top your slices with a dusting of powdered sugar or a generous drizzle of vanilla glaze for a touch of elegance. A few thin apple slices or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon make each piece look as heavenly as it tastes.

Side Dishes

If you’d like to round out your treat, serve the Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For autumn gatherings, a mug of apple cider highlights the warm, spiced flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into little squares and serve them as bite-sized treats for parties. For a brunch spread, stack slices with a spoonful of yogurt and a drizzle of honey, or add a scattering of toasted nuts for a delightful crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake tasting fresh, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors mellow and deepen over time, making each slice even more delicious.

Freezing

This sheet cake freezes beautifully! Cool it completely, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, just thaw a slice at room temperature or warm it for a treat anytime.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If you’re serving a crowd, reheat larger amounts in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes—the cake will become beautifully soft and aromatic.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith add a lovely contrast, feel free to use whatever variety you prefer—Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady all work and will slightly change the flavor and sweetness of your Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour with great results. Double-check your baking powder and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Certainly! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, while golden raisins bring extra bursts of sweetness. Stir in about a cup of your favorite add-ins with the apples before baking.

What if I don’t have a sheet pan?

No worries! You can bake this recipe in a 9×13-inch cake pan instead, just keep an eye on bake time as it might need a couple more minutes in the oven.

How can I make the glaze extra special?

Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of maple syrup to your vanilla glaze for even deeper flavor. If you love a citrusy note, a touch of lemon zest is delightful as well.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is the kind of easygoing, always-welcome dessert that brings people together and simply never grows old. If you’re looking for a sweet way to celebrate apples and cinnamon, give this recipe a try—the aroma alone will have everyone lining up for seconds!

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