The Ultimate Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake Recipe: A Fall Favorite for Every Occasion

Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is the perfect dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every single bite. Last weekend, when the crisp air finally arrived and the leaves began their colorful transformation, I found myself craving something warm, comforting, and undeniably cozy.

That’s when I remembered my grandmother’s handwritten recipe card tucked away in my kitchen drawer – the one with flour fingerprints and love-worn edges that held the secret to the most incredible apple cinnamon creation.

There’s something magical about the combination of tender, spiced apples nestled in a fluffy, cinnamon-kissed cake that brings families together around the kitchen table. This isn’t just any ordinary dessert; it’s a slice of nostalgia that fills your home with the most heavenly aroma and creates memories that last a lifetime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Picture this: you’re hosting a last-minute gathering, and you need a dessert that feeds a crowd without the fuss of individual portions or complicated decorating techniques. This apple cinnamon sheet cake becomes your superhero dessert, effortlessly serving 12-15 people while looking absolutely stunning with minimal effort.

What makes this recipe truly special is its foolproof nature and incredible versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who considers boxed cake mix an adventure, this recipe welcomes you with open arms. The moist, tender crumb paired with chunks of perfectly spiced apples creates a texture that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Explore more irresistible baking recipes here to discover your next favorite treat.

Ingredients List

The beauty of this apple cinnamon sheet cake lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this delicious dessert to life:

The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar creates the perfect balance of depth and sweetness, while the generous amount of cinnamon ensures every bite is warm and aromatic. Find more comforting breakfast recipe ideas here to start your mornings with equal deliciousness.

Step-by-Step Directions

Creating this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your cake turns out perfectly moist and flavorful every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, then lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Toss until the apples are evenly coated and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon until well combined and no lumps remain.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 5: Create the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine and will ensure a tender cake.

Step 6: Add the Apples
Fold the prepared apple mixture into the batter, distributing the fruit evenly throughout.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cake for the best absorption.

Exact Timing to Make Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Cooling Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This timing makes it perfect for those moments when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert without spending your entire day in the kitchen.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional content of your Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake helps you make informed decisions about portion sizes and dietary planning. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown per serving (assuming 15 servings):

Nutritional data is calculated based on standard ingredient values and may vary depending on specific brands used. The fiber content benefits from the apple pieces, while the calcium comes primarily from the milk and baking powder.

Healthier Alternatives

Making your Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake more nutritious doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. These thoughtful substitutions can enhance the nutritional profile while maintaining the delicious taste you love:

These modifications allow you to enjoy this beloved dessert while supporting your health goals. Explore more quick & easy recipes here for additional nutritious meal ideas that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings for Any Occasion
This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake shines brightest when served warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the warm, spiced cake and cool, creamy accompaniment creates a memorable dessert experience that guests will rave about.

Elevated Presentation Ideas
Transform your sheet cake into an elegant dessert by dusting it with powdered sugar and arranging thin apple slices in a decorative pattern on top before baking. For special occasions, consider serving individual squares on dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of toasted walnuts.

Versatile Serving Options
Don’t limit this cake to dessert – it makes an exceptional addition to brunch spreads, coffee gatherings, or even as an afternoon snack with a cup of hot apple cider. Cut into smaller squares for parties, or serve larger portions for a satisfying end to family dinners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter
One of the most frequent errors when making Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is overmixing the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Excessive mixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, dense cake instead of the tender, fluffy texture you’re aiming for. Mix just until the ingredients are barely combined – a few lumps are perfectly acceptable.

Using the Wrong Apple Variety
Not all apples are created equal for baking purposes. Avoid soft varieties like Red Delicious or Gala that break down too much during baking, creating mushy pockets in your cake. Instead, choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn that hold their shape and provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Incorrect Pan Preparation
Failing to properly grease and flour your baking pan can lead to disaster when it’s time to remove your beautiful cake. Even with non-stick pans, take the extra step to ensure easy release by thoroughly coating the entire surface, including corners, with butter or cooking spray followed by a light dusting of flour.

Storing Tips

Room Temperature Storage
Your Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake will maintain its optimal texture and flavor when stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. This method preserves the moist crumb while keeping the cake ready for immediate serving.

Refrigerator Storage for Extended Freshness
For longer storage, refrigerate your covered cake for up to one week. The cool temperature helps maintain freshness, though you may notice the texture becomes slightly denser. Allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, or warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore that just-baked appeal.

Freezing for Future Enjoyment
This cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when properly wrapped. Cut the cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for easy single-serving access. Thaw frozen pieces at room temperature for 2-3 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

FAQs

Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 15 servings 1x

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Description

This Ultimate Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake captures the cozy warmth of fall in every slice. With tender, spiced apple chunks baked into a soft, fluffy cake and finished with a simple sweet glaze, this dessert is perfect for gatherings or family treats during the autumn season.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray and lightly dust with flour.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until evenly coated. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon until fully combined.
4. In another bowl, mix melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Fold in the prepared apple mixture until evenly distributed.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
8. Let the cake cool for about 20 minutes.
9. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cake and allow it to set slightly before serving.

Notes

This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake serves a crowd easily and delivers classic fall flavor with minimal effort. Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: apple cinnamon cake, sheet cake, fall dessert, apple dessert, easy baking