Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of fresh apples with warm cinnamon spice. Perfect for a cozy afternoon or a simple dessert, it’s moist, tender, and easy to make in one pan.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the brown sugar, white sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in the chopped apples gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
• Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
• Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture on top before baking for a crunchy topping.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Fresh apples are best for texture and moisture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well before adding to avoid excess liquid in the batter.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 92 reviews

This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring fresh chopped apples and warm cinnamon throughout a tender cake. Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a comforting, spiced treat, this easy-to-make sheet cake combines the natural sweetness and moisture from apples with a balanced blend of brown and white sugars. The addition of vegetable oil and eggs ensures a soft, rich texture, while the all-purpose flour provides structure without heaviness.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Main Add-ins

• 2 cups fresh apples, peeled and chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch sheet cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spice throughout the cake.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, and white sugar until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and ensure emulsification. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the peeled and chopped fresh apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them down too much.
6. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or topped with a simple glaze.

Notes

• Peeling the apples helps maintain a smooth texture, but you can leave skins on for more fiber and color if preferred.
• For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• This cake pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a special treat.

Keywords: apple cinnamon cake, sheet cake, easy apple cake, fall dessert, cinnamon cake