Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon with fresh apples. Perfect for gatherings or a simple treat, it’s easy to prepare and bakes in a single pan for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 cups peeled, diced apples
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the applesauce. Fold in the peeled and diced apples gently to distribute evenly.
5. Step 5: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Mix the additional 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and sprinkle this topping over the batter.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• For extra moisture, substitute half of the applesauce with plain yogurt.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving for a simple decoration.

Storage

Store the sheet cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or enjoy cold for a different texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apple juice instead of applesauce?

Applesauce provides moisture and texture that juice cannot replicate, so it’s best to stick with applesauce for the right consistency.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for better texture.

Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 756 reviews

This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Loaded with tender apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this easy-to-make cake bakes in a single pan for effortless cleanup and delivers comforting flavors in every bite.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 cups peeled, diced apples

Topping

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air, giving the cake a tender texture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture alternately with the applesauce to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
6. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
7. Spread Batter in Pan: Pour and spread the batter evenly in the prepared 9×13-inch pan to ensure uniform baking.
8. Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter to create a sweet, spiced crust.
9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving to ensure clean cuts and enhanced flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute the unsweetened applesauce with an equal amount of mashed bananas for a different fruity twist.
• For extra texture, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter when folding in the apples.
• Make sure not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• This cake can be served as a dessert or a sweet snack with tea or coffee.

Keywords: apple cinnamon cake, sheet cake, easy dessert, fall dessert, baked apple cake, spiced cake, apple recipe