Description
This easy apple cinnamon sheet cake is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert packed with tender apples and warm spices. Perfect for gatherings, brunches, or holiday celebrations, it’s simple to make and delivers comforting flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping, if desired)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly (or dairy-free margarine)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (or plant-based milk)
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced small (about 2 medium apples)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Peel and dice 2 medium apples into small cubes (about 1/4 inch). Blot with a paper towel if extra juicy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add milk and mix gently.
- Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula or electric mixer on low until just combined.
- Fold in diced apples using a spatula. If batter is too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons more milk. If too runny, sprinkle a little flour.
- Scrape batter into prepared pan and smooth evenly. Tap pan on counter to release air bubbles.
- Mix 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over batter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check at 30 minutes with a toothpick; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done. If wet batter sticks, bake 5-10 minutes longer.
- Let cake rest in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely if glazing; otherwise, serve warm.
- For optional glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
- Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum. For vegan, use dairy-free margarine, plant-based milk, and substitute eggs with applesauce or flax eggs. Tart apples like Granny Smith work best. Don’t overmix the batter for a tender crumb. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar topping lightly for best texture. Cake can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerated for 5 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12th of cake (about 1 square)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: apple cinnamon cake, sheet cake, easy dessert, fall baking, cozy gatherings, apple dessert, cinnamon cake, brunch cake, holiday dessert