Easy Apple Cinnamon Cake

This apple cinnamon sheet cake delivers warm fall flavors with every bite, combining tender chunks of fresh apple with aromatic cinnamon in a moist, easy-to-make dessert. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you simply crave something sweet and comforting without complicated techniques.

I first made this sheet cake when apple season hit and I needed a quick dessert for unexpected guests. The aroma of cinnamon and apples filled my kitchen, and now my family requests it weekly throughout fall and winter.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour provides the perfect structure for this cake without becoming too dense
• Baking soda and baking powder work together to give the cake its tender rise
• Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors
• Ground cinnamon brings that classic warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples
• Ground nutmeg adds depth and complexity to the spice profile
• Brown sugar contributes moisture and a rich caramel undertone
• White sugar creates the perfect sweetness balance and helps with texture
• Vegetable oil makes this cake incredibly moist and keeps it that way for days
• Large eggs bind everything together and provide structure
• Vanilla extract adds aromatic depth and enhances the apple flavor
• Fresh apples are the star ingredient bringing moisture juicy bits of fruit throughout

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to exactly 350°F to ensure even baking. Take time to thoroughly grease your 9×13 inch baking pan, getting into all corners to prevent sticking. A light coating of flour after greasing creates an even better release.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until completely combined. This thorough mixing ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the cake for consistent flavor and texture.

Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl whisk the eggs until slightly foamy before adding the oil, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and the sugars begin to dissolve. This creates the moisture base that makes this cake so tender.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until no dry flour pockets remain being careful not to overmix which could toughen the cake. The batter will be thick and somewhat lumpy.

Fold in Apples

Add your peeled and chopped apples to the batter and fold them in gently until evenly distributed. The apple pieces should be about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size for the perfect texture throughout the cake.

Bake to Perfection

Pour the thick batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly to all corners. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Finish

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly. Once cooled dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze if desired.

Bookmark

Honeycrisp apples have become my go-to variety for this recipe because they maintain their structure while baking yet become perfectly tender. I once made this cake for my daughter's teacher appreciation event, and three teachers asked for the recipe before the day was over. There's something about the combination of apples and cinnamon that brings people together.

Apple Selection Tips

The type of apple you choose significantly impacts the final flavor and texture of your cake. Granny Smith apples provide tartness that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisp or Gala offer a sweeter profile with excellent texture. For the most complex flavor, consider using a mix of apple varieties. Whatever variety you choose, make sure your apples are firm and fresh for the best results.

Make It Your Own

This versatile recipe welcomes creative adaptations. Add 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for delightful crunch and nutty flavor. For extra indulgence, fold in 1/2 cup caramel bits or white chocolate chips. You can also enhance the spice profile by adding 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom or ginger to the dry ingredients. For a more decadent version, top the cooled cake with cream cheese frosting instead of powdered sugar.

Storage and Serving

At room temperature, this cake stays delicious for 2-3 days when covered tightly. For longer storage, refrigerate up to a week in an airtight container. The cake also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months if wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. For the ultimate dessert experience, warm individual slices slightly before serving and top with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. For breakfast or brunch, serve slightly warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of apples work best for this cake?

Firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Pink Lady work best as they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet cake. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious that can become mushy.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake actually improves in flavor after a day, as the apple and cinnamon flavors continue to develop. Store at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake - it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter). The cake will also begin to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan when done.

→ Can I freeze this apple cinnamon cake?

Absolutely! Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

→ What's a good glaze recipe for this cake?

For a simple glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency with additional milk or sugar as needed, then drizzle over the cooled cake.

→ Can I add nuts to this cake?

Yes! 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans makes a wonderful addition. Fold them in along with the apples for added texture and flavor.