Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake: 2 easy steps

Name: Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake: 2 easy steps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1½ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup white sugar; ¾ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2½ cups chopped apples, peeled and cored

by Jannet Lisa

26 de August de 2025

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Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake has always been my go-to for cozy gatherings and those crisp autumn days. I remember my mom making this for our Sunday dinners; the entire house would fill with the warm, comforting aroma of baked apples and sweet cinnamon. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of home. This Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe is incredibly simple, perfect for anyone looking for easy fall sheet cake recipes that deliver big on flavor without a fuss. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

You’re going to adore this simple dessert for so many reasons:

The taste is pure comfort – a perfect blend of sweet apples and warm cinnamon.
It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time.
This easy apple cinnamon sheet cake is wonderfully moist and flavorful.
It’s budget-friendly, using common pantry staples.
It’s a family-friendly recipe that everyone will rave about.
You can whip up this easy apple cinnamon sheet cake even on busy weeknights.
It’s a delightful way to enjoy seasonal flavors any time of year.
It’s a great option for potlucks and gatherings as it’s easy to serve.

Ingredients for Homemade Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious spiced apple sheet cake. They all work together to deliver that perfect moist texture and warm flavor we love!

2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our cake structure
1 tsp baking soda – helps the cake rise beautifully
1 tsp baking powder – for an extra lift and tender crumb
½ tsp salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
1½ tsp ground cinnamon – the star spice that makes this a cinnamon apple cake
¼ tsp ground nutmeg – adds a warm, earthy depth; essential for fall flavors
1 cup brown sugar – packed, for moisture and that classic caramel note
½ cup white sugar – for sweetness and a lighter texture
¾ cup vegetable oil – this is key for a super moist cake
2 large eggs – at room temperature for better incorporation
2 tsp vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors
2½ cups chopped apples, peeled and cored – fresh, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Gala work best for this sheet pan apple cake

How to Make the Best Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

Step 1: Let’s get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly. Next, grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a good grease. This will prevent our delicious sheet pan apple cake from sticking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 1½ tsp ground cinnamon, and ¼ tsp ground nutmeg. Giving them a good whisk ensures the leavening agents and spices are distributed evenly, which is so important for a perfect bake.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Whisk together the ½ cup white sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, ¾ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs (make sure they’re at room temperature!), and 2 tsp vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. The oil is our secret weapon for a wonderfully moist outcome.
Step 4: Now, pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until they are *just* combined. Be careful not to overmix here; we want a tender crumb. Then, gently fold in the 2½ cups chopped apples. You should start to smell that wonderful cinnamon apple aroma!
Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use your spatula to smooth the top so it bakes up nicely and flat. This is what makes it a true sheet pan apple cake – easy to spread and bake!
Step 6: Bake for about 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cake is golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is just heavenly!
Step 7: Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for getting clean slices and preventing the cake from falling apart. Enjoy your beautiful homemade apple cinnamon sheet cake!

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

Follow these tips to ensure your cake is absolutely perfect every time:

Use a combination of apples, like Honeycrisp for sweetness and Granny Smith for a slight tartness, for complex flavor in your spiced apple sheet cake.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour; this is crucial for a tender crumb.
For an extra burst of flavor, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter along with the apples.
If you like a bit more spice, increase the cinnamon slightly or add a pinch of cardamom to your cinnamon apple cake.
Ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh for proper leavening.

What’s the secret to a moist Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake?

The key to a truly moist apple cinnamon sheet cake is the oil and the apples themselves. Oil keeps the cake incredibly tender, and the natural moisture from fresh apples adds to that delightful texture. Don’t overbake it!

Can I make this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and the baking time might be slightly longer.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake?

Avoid overmixing the batter, as this develops gluten and makes the cake tough. Also, don’t overbake; use a toothpick to check for doneness, ensuring it comes out clean, not wet, to guarantee a perfectly baked apple cinnamon dessert cake.

Best Ways to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake

This delightful cake is wonderful on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is pure bliss. Try this classic vanilla ice cream recipe for the perfect pairing.
Dust with powdered sugar or a simple glaze. A glaze made with powdered sugar and a splash of milk or apple cider adds a lovely finish to this apple cinnamon dessert cake.
Pair with whipped cream or caramel sauce. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce complements the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. You might also enjoy our churro saltine toffee for another sweet treat.

Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake - sliced and ready to serve

Nutrition Facts for Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving of this delightful cake:

Calories: 280
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 190mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your homemade apple cinnamon sheet cake.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

Once your delicious apple cinnamon sheet cake has cooled completely, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and flavorful. For enjoying this quick apple cinnamon sheet cake over the next few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The moist texture holds up well! If you want to save some for longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For reheating, you can gently warm a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or place it on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. This brings back that lovely fresh-baked aroma and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

How to make Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake?

Making this apple cinnamon sheet cake is wonderfully simple! You’ll start by preheating your oven and greasing a 9×13 inch pan. Then, whisk together your dry ingredients like flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in one bowl, and your wet ingredients like oil, sugars, eggs, and vanilla in another. Combine them gently, then fold in fresh chopped apples. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. It’s a straightforward process that yields a fantastic result! For more baking tips, check out our focaccia bread secrets and recipes.

What apples are best for this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake?

For the best texture and flavor in your homemade apple cinnamon sheet cake, I recommend using firm, crisp apples. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or even a Granny Smith for a touch of tartness work beautifully. Avoid softer apples like McIntosh, as they can become too mushy during baking. Peeling and coring them before chopping ensures a smooth texture in every bite. If you’re looking for more apple ideas, explore these apple salad recipes.

Can I add a streusel topping to this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake?

Absolutely! A streusel topping is a fantastic addition to this apple cinnamon dessert cake. You can make a simple streusel by combining ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, and ¼ cup cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle over the batter before baking. It adds a delightful crunchy texture that complements the moist cake perfectly. For another sweet topping idea, consider our praline crunch recipe.

What can I serve with this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake?

This cinnamon apple cake is delicious served on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a more complete dessert experience, consider serving it with a side of spiced nuts or a light fruit salad. It truly shines as a comforting fall treat!

Variations of Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are so many fun ways to switch up your apple cinnamon sheet cake! These variations offer new flavors and textures for your favorite dessert.

Apple Cinnamon Cake with Streusel: For an extra layer of texture and buttery sweetness, add a streusel topping! Combine ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon, and ¼ cup cold butter, then sprinkle over the batter before baking.
Gluten-Free Version: Easily make this a gluten-free treat by swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The result is a wonderfully moist cake without the gluten.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use your favorite dairy-free milk instead of any liquid if the recipe called for it.
Bundt Pan Baking: Don’t have a sheet pan? You can bake this batter in a greased and floured Bundt pan. Baking time may need to be adjusted, so check for doneness with a toothpick.