There’s something magical about the scent of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven.
It fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort, and this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake captures all of that in every bite.
It’s tender, moist, and gently spiced—perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon treats, or fall get-togethers.
I make this cake every autumn, and it never lasts more than a day.
It’s easy to make, bakes in one pan, and comes out perfectly every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
ncredibly soft, moist, and flavorful
One-bowl batter, no mixer required
Perfect for potlucks, brunch, or holiday tables
Warm spices and juicy apple chunks in every bite
Easy to cut and serve from a sheet pan
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Fresh apples – peeled and chopped, bring natural sweetness and moisture
All-purpose flour – for structure and light texture
Brown sugar & white sugar – balance of deep and light sweetness
Vegetable oil – keeps the cake tender
Eggs – for richness and binding
Cinnamon & nutmeg – warm, cozy spice pairing
Baking soda & powder – help the cake rise evenly
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
Don’t overmix the batter—stir just until combined
Let the cake cool completely before slicing for clean edges
Grease and flour your pan or use parchment to prevent sticking
Add extra chopped apples on top before baking for visual appeal
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan and set aside. Peel, core, and chop apples.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Fold in Apples
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fold in the chopped apples evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze if desired.
What to Serve It With
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Hot apple cider or chai latte
Whipped cream or vanilla glaze
Caramel drizzle for extra indulgence
Serve warm or chilled—both are great!
Variations / Substitutions
Swap apples for pears or peaches for seasonal variation
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Mix in raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness
Use applesauce for half the oil to lighten it up
Add a simple cream cheese frosting for a richer version
Storage & Leftovers
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days
Refrigerate for up to 5 days—bring to room temp before serving
Freeze in slices for up to 2 months
Warm in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked texture
Add fresh glaze or toppings after thawing, not before freezing
FAQs
What’s the best apple to use for baking?
Tart-firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady hold their shape and flavor best.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Definitely. Bake the night before and keep covered.
It stays moist and even improves in flavor overnight.
Does this cake need frosting?
It’s delicious as is, but you can add a glaze or cream cheese frosting if you’d like a sweeter finish.
Can I bake this in a different size pan?
Yes. For an 8×8 or 9×9 pan, cut the recipe in half.
For a thinner cake, use a larger sheet pan and reduce baking time slightly.
What if my apples release too much moisture?
Toss chopped apples in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter—it helps absorb excess juice.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is like autumn in a pan—warm, comforting, and easy to make.
Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just want something cozy with your coffee, this cake always delivers.
It’s a recipe I come back to again and again… and once you try it, I think you will too.
Full Recipe Card (Ingredients + Instructions)
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
¾ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2½ cups chopped apples (peeled and cored)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13″ pan.
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla.
Stir wet into dry until combined. Fold in apples.
Pour into pan and smooth the top.
Bake 30–35 mins until golden and set. Cool before slicing.
