Dreamy Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

As seen in Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving.

This apple cinnamon cake brings lightly tangy apple chunks, cozy spices like cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg, and the sweetness of brown sugar together in one pan. You can whip up the batter in no time. You'll bake up a golden, tender cake that's easy to cut and perfect for sharing. Try it warm from the oven, cooled, or topped with glaze or a scoop of whipped cream. After chilling for a day, it tastes even better—perfect for prepping ahead and sharing with friends or family at your next gathering.

Lindsey
Created By Lindsey
Last updated on Mon, 23 Jun 2025 23:12:06 GMT
A slice of apple pie on a plate. Save Pin
A slice of apple pie on a plate. | cookbing.com

Warm and cozy, this apple cinnamon sheet cake brings the smell of autumn straight into your home. Each bite bursts with juicy apple chunks and a generous hit of cinnamon. It's simple enough for weeknights and a winner for sharing at parties.

Last time I baked this on a whim before friends dropped by. Everybody wanted more. My kids even sneak some from the fridge for an after-school bite

Dreamy Ingredients

  • Chopped apples: peeled and cored for juicy moments in every bite Sturdy apples like Granny Smith or Fuji are awesome
  • Vanilla extract: gives a punch of flavor Go for the best vanilla you can
  • Large eggs: hold everything together and give the cake shape
  • Vegetable oil: makes the cake moist and soft Pick a plain oil such as sunflower or canola
  • White sugar: brings sweetness but keeps it light If you want, grab organic for pure flavor
  • Brown sugar: locks in moisture and adds a caramel taste Either light or dark will do
  • Ground nutmeg: for deeper spice Try fresh for max flavor
  • Ground cinnamon: the key for that classic apple taste Choose a fragrant one if you can
  • Salt: sharpens up the flavor and holds off any extra sweetness
  • Baking soda and baking powder: both help the cake get nice and fluffy Don't forget to check they're still fresh
  • All purpose flour: the heart of a soft but sturdy cake Lightly sifted flour works best

Simple How-To Steps

Cool It Down:
Once done, let your cake chill in the pan for at least a half hour This gives it time to firm up for easy cutting
Bake:
Spoon the batter into your greased dish and use a spatula to flatten out the top Pop it in the middle of your preheated oven—three fifty Fahrenheit—for thirty minutes Look for a deep golden color and a clean toothpick when you check
Add Apples:
Dump in the chopped apples and stir until fruit is all through the mix That way, every bite gets some apple action
Mix It Together:
Pour the wet stuff into the bowl with the dry and fold until you can’t see any more flour streaks Don’t go heavy on mixing, or your cake could turn out tough
Stir Wet Ingredients:
Crack the eggs, add your oil, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla in another bowl Mix it like crazy until it looks shiny and the sugar’s gone
Combine Dry Stuff:
Grab a big bowl and whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until it all looks one color and there are no lumps
Get Your Pan Ready:
Coat a 9 by 13 baking pan with butter or spray Make sure you hit the edges so nothing sticks later
A slice of apple pie on a plate. Save Pin
A slice of apple pie on a plate. | cookbing.com

I love how apples and cinnamon make the whole place smell amazing My little one likes sneaking apple pieces as we mix everything up

How to Store It

Wrap the cake tightly with foil or wrap to keep it fresh for two days on the counter If you need to keep it longer, stick it in the fridge and it’ll last about five days For freezing, wrap each square in parchment and then foil before putting in a freezer bag When ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge

Try These Swaps

Want it heartier Swap out half the white flour with whole wheat If you’re out of veggie oil, melted coconut oil or even olive oil work too Feel like tossing in nuts Go for walnuts or pecans For spicier vibes, mix in a bit of ginger or cardamom

A slice of apple pie on a white plate. Save Pin
A slice of apple pie on a white plate. | cookbing.com

Tasty Ways to Serve

This cake’s awesome on its own or with a snow of powdered sugar Try it with whipped cream for an extra treat If you’re feeling fancy, add a drizzle of warm caramel or scoop of ice cream Serve either warm or at room temp—whatever you like best

Common Questions

→ What's the best apple for this cake?

Look for crisp-sweet apples like Fuji, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp. They hold up beautifully and you won't have a mushy cake.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Totally! Letting it rest lets the flavors blend even more. You'll get a tastier bite the next day.

→ How do I add crunch?

Toss some walnuts or pecans into the batter. Every bite will have that yummy nutty bit.

→ How can I keep this cake soft?

Mixing in oil, brown sugar, and a good dose of fresh apples makes the cake extra moist—no dry bites here.

→ How should I serve it?

It's great at room temp, but try it warm too. Add a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a little caramel if you want.

Apple Cinnamon Cake

Juicy apples, sweet brown sugar, and cinnamon come together in a fluffy cake that's just right for any party or quick sweet fix.

Preparation Time
20 Minutes
Cooking Time
30 Minutes
Overall Time
50 Minutes
Created By: Lindsey

Recipe Type: Desserts

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Type of Cuisine: American

Serves: 12 Portions (12 slices)

Diet Preferences: Suitable for Vegetarians, Free of Dairy

What You'll Need

→ Dry Ingredients

01 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
02 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
03 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 1 teaspoon baking soda
06 2 cups all-purpose flour

→ Wet Ingredients

07 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 2 large eggs
09 3/4 cup vegetable oil
10 1/2 cup white sugar
11 1 cup brown sugar

→ Fruit

12 2 1/2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped up

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Don't dig in just yet! Let everything sit in the pan for half an hour before you try to cut it up and serve.

Step 02

Scrape the batter into your greased pan and spread it out. Pop it in the oven for about 30 minutes—stick a toothpick in and make sure it comes out clean.

Step 03

Add the apple pieces to your mixture, making sure they're spread out all through the batter.

Step 04

Dump the wet stuff into the dry bowl. Give it a quick stir. Stop once it barely comes together—don’t bother mixing it too much.

Step 05

In another bowl, mix the eggs, both sugars, vanilla, and oil. Whisk until it’s silky smooth.

Step 06

Stir flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a big bowl until you can’t tell them apart.

Step 07

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray or rub a 9 × 13 pan with oil so nothing sticks.

Helpful Notes

  1. Want that perfect sweet-and-tart flavor? Try using Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apples.
  2. Let this sit overnight—everything tastes even better the next day.
  3. You can toss in chopped walnuts or pecans if you want some crunch.

Essential Tools

  • 9 × 13-inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Warnings

Always review the ingredient labels for allergens or consult a healthcare professional with concerns.
  • Has eggs.
  • Has wheat (that’s gluten).

Nutritional Info (Per Portion)

Nutritional values are approximations and shouldn’t be viewed as customized health guidance.
  • Calories: 260
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Protein Content: ~