
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

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

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.