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

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This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is a cozy, spiced dessert made simple—perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a weekend baking project. With juicy apples in every bite and warm cinnamon throughout, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple sheet cake format – No layers, no frosting fuss, just mix, pour, and bake.
Tender and moist – Packed with juicy apples and just the right amount of spice.
Stays fresh for days – Great make-ahead dessert that only gets better with time.
Easily customizable – Add nuts or glaze to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
¾ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2½ cups chopped apples, peeled and cored

Directions

Preheat and prepare pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Mix wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine and fold
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 12–16 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: About 50 minutes

Variations

Add crunch: Mix in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
Glaze it: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze on top for a sweet finish.
More spice: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra warmth.
Muffin version: Pour into muffin tins and reduce bake time to about 20–25 minutes.

Storage / Reheating

Room temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps well for up to a week—bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm slightly before serving.

FAQs

1. What type of apples should I use?

A mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith works best for depth of flavor and texture.

2. Can I make this ahead?

Yes—this cake stays moist for several days and actually tastes better after sitting for a bit.

3. Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce either the white or brown sugar slightly without greatly affecting texture, though flavor may vary.

4. Can I use applesauce instead of some oil?

Yes—swap up to ¼ cup of the oil for unsweetened applesauce to lighten it slightly.

5. Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but it’s optional if you prefer a more rustic bite.

6. Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes—substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a denser, more wholesome cake.

7. Can I frost this cake?

It’s great with just glaze, but a cream cheese frosting would also complement it well.

8. What’s the best way to chop apples for this cake?

Small, even cubes (around ½-inch) work best so they cook evenly and distribute well in the batter.

9. Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

Yes—divide the batter into cupcake tins and bake for about 20–25 minutes.

10. How do I prevent the cake from overbaking?

Check for doneness at 30 minutes and use a toothpick to test. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.

Conclusion

This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with the scent of fall—easy to make, incredibly moist, and spiced just right. Whether served on its own or with a drizzle of glaze, it’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll return to again and again. Let me know if you’d like glaze ideas or serving suggestions!

Maggie