Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is a delightful treat that blends tender cake with warm spices and fresh apples. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting dessert, it’s easy to make and full of natural sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh apples, peeled and chopped
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch sheet pan.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the vegetable oil with both sugars until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples and nuts if using.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan and spread it out smoothly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, toss the chopped apples with a little lemon juice before folding them into the batter.
• You can swap out vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
• Add a simple cream cheese glaze after cooling for an indulgent finish.
• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet batter.

Storage

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week or freeze it wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for a warm treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

It’s best to use fresh apples to avoid excess moisture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 99 reviews

This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is a moist and tender dessert bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for cozy gatherings or an everyday treat, this cake combines a light texture with a rich, aromatic flavor. Topped with a classic cinnamon sugar crust, it’s a comforting and easy-to-make cake that everyone will love.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruit

• 2 cups peeled and chopped fresh apples (about 2 medium apples)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch sheet pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This will evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the batter.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar, and eggs. Beat well until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in vanilla extract for flavor.
4. Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a light texture in the cake.
5. Add Apples: Fold in the peeled and chopped fresh apples carefully, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
6. Pour Batter into Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Serving warm or at room temperature is ideal to enjoy the moist texture and warm spices best.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
• For extra moisture, substitute half of the vegetable oil with applesauce.
• You can dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for added sweetness.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• This cake freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.

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