Celebrate apple season with an Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake, a delightful Cinnamon Apple Dessert that combines a soft, spiced cake with fresh apple chunks for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat. This cozy apple cake is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dessert, offering a beginner-friendly recipe with irresistible fall flavors. Packed with warm cinnamon notes, this spiced apple treat will become your go-to for autumn gatherings. Let’s bake this fall sheet cake and savor the season!
Why You’ll Love Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake
- Cozy and Simple: A quick, no-fuss spiced apple treat for any occasion.
- Perfect Texture: Moist, tender crumb bursting with fall sheet cake flavor.
- Apple-Packed: Uses fresh apples for a natural, fruity sweetness.
- Versatile: Great for gatherings, lunchboxes, or cozy nights in.
- Make-Ahead: Ideal for stress-free prep for your cozy apple cake.
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake
Here’s what you need for this spiced apple treat (makes ~12–16 servings):
Sheet Cake:
- 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 stick (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 2 cups (240g) apples, peeled and finely chopped
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Apple peeler and corer
Ingredient Tips
- Apples: Use firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best cozy apple cake flavor.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness; substitute with milk plus 1 tsp vinegar for this fall sheet cake.
- Butter: Room-temperature butter ensures a fluffy spiced apple treat.
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a dietary-friendly cozy apple cake.
- Spices: Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg for a bolder or milder fall sheet cake.
Directions for Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake
Let’s bake this cozy apple cake—a fall favorite!
Prep and Preheat
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, and line with parchment for easy removal if desired.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, I whisk 1½ cups flour, ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, 1½ tsp cinnamon, and ½ tsp nutmeg, setting aside for the base of this spiced apple treat.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, I cream 1 stick butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. I add 2 eggs one at a time, then 1 tsp vanilla, mixing well for a moist fall sheet cake.
Combine and Fold
I alternate adding the dry ingredients and ½ cup buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with dry, mixing until just combined to avoid a dense cozy apple cake. I gently fold in 2 cups chopped apples with a spatula.
Bake
I pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. I let the cake cool in the pan.
Serve
I dust the cooled fall sheet cake with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream for a stunning spiced apple treat.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: ~50–55 minutes (plus cooling)
- Servings: ~12–16 servings
- Calories: ~220–250 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 35g carbs, 3g protein, 10g fat, 1g fiber
Variations for Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake
Try these twists on this cozy apple cake:
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts for texture in this spiced apple treat.
- Caramel Drizzle: Top with caramel sauce for a decadent fall sheet cake, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Pumpkin Rolls.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a dietary-friendly cozy apple cake.
- Streusel Topping: Sprinkle an oat-cinnamon streusel before baking for a crunchy spiced apple treat.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for plant-based butter and use non-dairy milk with vinegar for a dairy-free fall sheet cake.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a cozy treat.
- Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for a sweet finish.
Storage
I store the spiced apple treat in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5–6 days. For longer storage, I wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, thawing at room temperature or overnight in the fridge for a fresh cozy apple cake.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Slice this fall sheet cake into squares and serve on a rustic platter for gatherings.
- Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar or add a dollop of Greek yogurt for cozy apple cake charm.
- Pairing: Enjoy with chai tea or LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca.
- Portion Size: 1 square per person for a satisfying treat.
- Occasions: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or weeknight desserts.
FAQs About Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?
Yes, replace up to ½ cup apples with applesauce for extra moisture in this cozy apple cake, but keep some chunks for texture.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk with 1 tsp vinegar for a dairy-free spiced apple treat.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling ensures a softer fall sheet cake, but keep peels on for added texture if desired.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with ½ tsp xanthan gum if needed for a dietary-friendly cozy apple cake.
Why is my cake dense?
Avoid overmixing and use fresh baking powder/soda for a light spiced apple treat.
More Dessert Ideas You’ll Love
- Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake (with sponge cake)
- Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Sweet, Simple Deligh
Conclusion
Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is a warm, inviting dessert that captures the essence of fall with its tender crumb and apple-cinnamon goodness. This cozy apple cake is easy to make, perfect for using up fresh apples, and ideal for any autumn gathering. Bake this fall sheet cake and enjoy a spiced apple treat that everyone will love!
Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake
Ingredients
Sheet Cake:
- 1½ cups 190g all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 stick 113g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- ½ cup 100g light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup 120ml buttermilk
- 2 cups 240g apples, peeled and finely chopped
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Prep and Preheat
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, and line with parchment for easy removal if desired.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, I whisk 1½ cups flour, ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, 1½ tsp cinnamon, and ½ tsp nutmeg, setting aside for the base of this spiced apple treat.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, I cream 1 stick butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. I add 2 eggs one at a time, then 1 tsp vanilla, mixing well for a moist fall sheet cake.
Combine and Fold
- I alternate adding the dry ingredients and ½ cup buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with dry, mixing until just combined to avoid a dense cozy apple cake. I gently fold in 2 cups chopped apples with a spatula.
Bake
- I pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. I let the cake cool in the pan.
Serve
- I dust the cooled fall sheet cake with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream for a stunning spiced apple treat.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor balance.
- Don’t overmix the batter—mix just until combined for a tender crumb.
- Pat apples dry if overly juicy to avoid excess moisture in cake.
- To make dairy-free, use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk plus vinegar in place of buttermilk.
- This cake freezes well—wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
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