This Cinnamon Apple Sheet Cake is soft, moist, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor and tender apple slices. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, it’s the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, holiday baking, potlucks, or an easy weekend treat. The sheet-pan format makes it simple to serve a crowd while delivering all the cozy flavors of homemade apple cake.
Cinnamon Apple Sheet Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, vanilla, and sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Arrange the apple slices evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- Thinly sliced apples bake more evenly.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Room-temperature eggs help create a lighter texture.
- Let the cake cool before glazing.
- Store leftovers tightly covered.
Variations
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Mix raisins into the batter.
- Use Granny Smith apples for extra tartness.
- Add caramel drizzle instead of vanilla glaze.
- Mix in white chocolate chips.
- Add a crumb topping before baking.
- Use apple pie spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with coffee or tea.
- Top with whipped cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Serve warm for the best flavor.
- Enjoy as a breakfast cake or dessert.
Tips
- Pat apple slices dry if very juicy.
- Use fresh apples for the best texture.
- Measure flour correctly to avoid a dense cake.
- Cool completely before slicing neat squares.
- Add extra cinnamon for a stronger spice flavor.
- Refrigerate leftovers during warm weather.
Prep Time, Bake Time, and Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings
Serves: 12 people
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 240mg
FAQs
What are the best apples to use for cinnamon apple sheet cake?
Firm apples that hold their shape while baking work best. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Gala apples are all excellent choices. Granny Smith apples add a tart contrast to the sweet cake, while Honeycrisp and Fuji provide a naturally sweet flavor and tender texture. Using a combination of sweet and tart apples creates a more complex flavor profile.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. This cake is actually a great make-ahead dessert because the flavors continue to develop after baking. You can bake it up to a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. If adding the glaze, wait until the cake has fully cooled. The cake stays moist and delicious for several days, making it ideal for gatherings and holiday meals.
Can I freeze cinnamon apple sheet cake?
Absolutely. Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. If desired, add a fresh drizzle of glaze after thawing for the best appearance.
Why did my cake turn out dense?
A dense cake is usually caused by overmixing the batter or measuring too much flour. Once the dry ingredients are added, mix only until everything is combined. Overworking the batter develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a heavier texture. Using room-temperature ingredients and accurately measuring flour can also help create a softer cake.
Can I add a crumb topping to this recipe?
Yes, a crumb topping pairs wonderfully with cinnamon and apples. Simply combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly, then sprinkle it over the batter before baking. This creates a bakery-style apple crumb cake with extra texture and flavor. You can still drizzle the finished cake with glaze after it cools.
How should I store leftover apple sheet cake?
Store the cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because of the moisture from the apples, refrigeration is recommended in warmer climates. Before serving, allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature or warm them slightly for the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Apple Sheet Cake is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert filled with warm spices, tender apples, and sweet vanilla glaze. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, it’s a comforting recipe you’ll want to bake throughout apple season and beyond.
