Delightful Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

As seen in Classic American Comfort Dishes.

Bite into sweet chunks of apple and a yummy mix of cinnamon and nutmeg in this apple cinnamon sheet cake. You'll whip up the batter in no time and end up with a golden, fluffy cake that's perfect for sharing. Try it warm, straight from the pan, or cooled and topped with glaze or whipped cream. Give it a day and the flavors get even better! It's a handy treat for family get-togethers, potlucks, or when you just want something good ahead of time.

Breanna
Created By Breanna
Last updated on Mon, 23 Jun 2025 23:46:11 GMT
A piece of apple pie on a plate. Save Pin
A piece of apple pie on a plate. | foodiffy.com

This soft and cozy apple cinnamon sheet cake makes your whole place smell amazing. It's packed with sweet apple pieces and lots of cozy cinnamon. Super simple for a crowd or when you just want to treat yourself on a random night.

I whipped this up last-minute with friends over and everybody came back for seconds My kids actually snack on leftovers straight from the fridge

Irresistible Ingredients

  • Chopped apples: Get those peeled and cored so you get juicy bites throughout Firm apples like Granny Smith Fuji or Honeycrisp hold up best just make sure they're sweet and tart
  • Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor splash in the good stuff if you can
  • Large eggs: These help the cake hold together and add a little lift
  • Vegetable oil: Makes the cake soft and never dry Canola or sunflower are both great choices
  • White sugar: Balances the tartness opt for organic sugar if you want a bright clean taste
  • Brown sugar: Helps things stay super moist and gives a touch of caramel flavor Light or dark are both fine
  • Ground nutmeg: Adds a little extra warmth Freshly grated is amazing if you've got it
  • Ground cinnamon: For that perfect spicy-sweet vibe Try fancy Ceylon or Saigon cinnamon if it fits your budget
  • Salt: Lifts and brightens up all the flavor in the cake
  • Baking soda and baking powder: These make the cake nice and fluffy just double-check yours aren't old
  • All purpose flour: Gives the cake its melt-in-your-mouth base Sifted flour works best if you want it extra light

Simple Step-by-Step Directions

Cool It Down:
Rest the cake in its pan on a rack for half an hour This way it'll cut cleanly and not fall apart
Time to Bake:
Spread the batter in that greased pan Smooth the top and bake in the center of a preheated oven at 350°F in the middle rack for around half an hour until golden and a toothpick poked in comes out without gunk
Add the Apples:
Toss those apple bits into the cake mix Make sure you stir enough so every bite gets some apples
Bring It Together:
Mix the wet with the dry gently with a spatula You want no dry spots but don't keep mixing or it'll get tough
Stir Wet Stuff:
In a new bowl, whisk eggs with oil both sugars and the vanilla until smooth and shiny Just make sure there's no crunchy sugar left
Mix Up the Dry Side:
Dump flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt cinnamon and nutmeg into one big bowl Whisk until everything looks even and you don't see any spice clumps
Get the Pan Ready:
Slather some oil or butter in a 9 x 13 pan Cover every corner so nothing sticks later on
A slice of apple pie on a plate. Save Pin
A slice of apple pie on a plate. | foodiffy.com

I always get excited by the apple-cinnamon smell that fills every room My kid has the most fun tossing apple pieces in (and sneaking a few before they're mixed)

Storing Leftovers

Leave the cake covered on the counter for up to two days If you need to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge—it’s still great for five days Freezing? Wrap each slice in parchment, then foil then drop them in a freezer bag Let them thaw overnight in your fridge before you eat

Swap Options

Want some extra heartiness Use half whole wheat with your regular flour Running low on oil? Melted coconut oil or olive oil both work fine Love nuts? Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans Go extra-spicy by shaking in ground ginger or cardamom

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

How to Serve

This cake’s awesome on its own or you can make it special with a dusting of powdered sugar or pour on some warm caramel A big scoop of ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream won’t hurt either Serve it hot or cold You really can’t go wrong

Common Questions

→ What's the best apple choice for the cake?

Crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji stay firm and keep lots of flavor. Your cake comes out tasty and not soggy.

→ Can this dessert be made ahead?

Definitely—giving it time to rest helps the flavors mellow and taste even richer the next day.

→ How do I get more crunch in every bite?

Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans to the mix and you'll get a great nutty bite throughout.

→ Any tips for making sure my cake stays soft?

Mix in oil, brown sugar, and plenty of diced apples. That way the cake comes out super moist every time.

→ How should I serve this treat?

It's awesome at room temp or a bit warmed up. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, some caramel, or just whipped cream if you'd like.

Apple Cinnamon Cake

Juicy apples, brown sugar, and a dash of cinnamon come together for a soft sheet cake that's a crowd-pleaser any day of the week.

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

Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Simple

Regional Origin: American

Recipe Output: 12 Portions (12 slices)

Diet Preferences: Meat-Free, No 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 peeled and cored apples, chopped up

How to Make It

Step 01

Let it hang out in the pan for a good 30 minutes so it sets up. That way, you can slice and share without it falling apart.

Step 02

Move that batter into your greased pan. Smooth it out a bit. Pop it in the oven and let it bake about half an hour. You want a toothpick to come out clean from the center.

Step 03

Toss those apple chunks into your batter. Give it a gentle stir so every bite gets some fruit.

Step 04

Dump the wet stuff into the bowl with your dry mix. Don't go crazy—just stir until it comes together and you can't see dry flour.

Step 05

In a fresh bowl, mix brown sugar, white sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Once that looks smooth and even, you're set.

Step 06

Whisk up the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a big bowl. Make sure everything looks mixed and you don't spot lumps.

Step 07

Fire up that oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9 × 13-inch pan and use some nonstick spray or oil so your treat doesn't stick.

Additional Tips

  1. Try Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples for a nice mix of tart and sweet—your result will taste way better.
  2. Let this cool completely and stash it overnight if you can. The flavors just get better the next day.
  3. If you want a little crunch, toss in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans.

Must-Have Tools

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

Allergy Details

Double-check all ingredients for allergens and consult a professional if unsure.
  • Has eggs.
  • Has wheat (gluten).

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

Please treat this information as general guidance and not as personalized health advice.
  • Calories: 260
  • Fat Amount: ~
  • Carbohydrate Count: ~
  • Protein Content: ~