Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

This moist apple cinnamon sheet cake is the kind of comforting bake that fills your kitchen with the sweet aroma of fall. Loaded with chunks of juicy apples and plenty of warm cinnamon, it makes an easy dessert for gatherings or a special treat to brighten any weeknight.

I baked this for a last-minute dinner with friends and everyone ended up taking seconds My kids even love it cold from the fridge for a snack

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: helps give the cake its soft and sturdy base Choose a brand that feels light and sifted
• Baking soda and baking powder: both help the cake rise for a fluffy crumb Make sure your leaveners are fresh
• Salt: boosts the flavor and balances out the sweetness
• Ground cinnamon: essential for that classic apple spice flavor Buy a fragrant Ceylon or Saigon cinnamon if you can
• Ground nutmeg: adds extra warmth and depth Use freshly grated nutmeg if possible
• Brown sugar: adds moisture and a rich caramelly backnote Light or dark both work
• White sugar: keeps things sweet but not overpowering opt for organic for the cleanest flavor
• Vegetable oil: keeps the crumb tender and moist go for a neutral oil like canola or sunflower
• Large eggs: help bind everything together and give structure to the cake
• Vanilla extract: deepens the cake’s flavor use a pure vanilla for the best result
• Chopped apples: peeled and cored bring juicy bursts in every bite Go for firm baking apples like Honeycrisp Fuji or Granny Smith for the perfect sweet tart balance

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Pan:

Grease a nine by thirteen inch pan thoroughly making sure to coat all the corners so your cake releases easily

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour baking soda baking powder salt cinnamon and nutmeg until the spices are evenly distributed and there are no clumps

Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a second bowl whisk eggs vegetable oil brown sugar white sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy and smooth Take an extra minute to ensure sugar is dissolved

Bring It All Together:

Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula until you no longer see dry streaks of flour Do not overmix as this can make the cake tough

Add Apples:

Fold in the chopped apples making sure every bit of batter gets plenty of fruit This step ensures even pops of apple throughout the cake

Bake:

Pour the thick batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula Bake in the center of your preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about thirty minutes until the cake is deeply golden and a toothpick comes out clean

Cool:

Let the cake cool in the pan on a rack for at least thirty minutes so it sets and slices easily

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I always look forward to the way the cinnamon and apples perfume the whole house My daughter loves helping me fold the apples in and sneaking a few bites before they go in the batter

Storage Tips

This cake keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to two days just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap For longer storage put it in the fridge where it will keep for up to five days For freezing wrap individual squares in parchment then foil and store in a freezer bag Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer whole wheat flour swap in up to half for the all purpose for a heartier bite No vegetable oil Run with melted coconut oil or even olive oil for a subtle twist No nuts are added here but pecans or walnuts stir in easily For extra spice try a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom

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Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious plain but you can dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream It pairs perfectly with a drizzle of warm caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream Serve it warm or at room temperature for any occasion

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which apples work best for this sheet cake?

Sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith add both flavor and structure, preventing a soggy texture.

→ Can I prepare the cake in advance?

Yes, making it ahead is ideal—the flavors meld and deepen after resting, making each bite even more delicious.

→ What can I add for extra crunch?

Chopped pecans or walnuts stir easily into the batter and provide a delightful nutty texture with every slice.

→ How do I ensure a moist cake?

Using oil, brown sugar, and plenty of chopped apples helps the cake stay soft and moist after baking.

→ What's the best way to serve this dessert?

Serve at room temperature or gently warmed, either plain or topped with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel drizzle.