Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake: Easy Recipe & Baking Tips

Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake: just the name conjures up images of cozy autumn afternoons, doesn’t it? Imagine biting into a slice of moist, tender cake, bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of apples and the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon. This isn’t just a cake; it’s a hug in dessert form!

Sheet cakes, in general, have a fascinating history, evolving from simple, utilitarian baked goods to the crowd-pleasing desserts we know and love today. Their ease of preparation and ability to feed a large group made them a staple at potlucks and family gatherings. But the addition of apples and cinnamon elevates this particular sheet cake to something truly special. Apples, a symbol of abundance and good fortune in many cultures, pair perfectly with cinnamon, a spice prized for its aromatic and medicinal properties for centuries.

What makes this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The apples provide a delightful moisture and a slight tanginess that cuts through the sweetness of the cake. The cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note that complements the apples beautifully. And the sheet cake format makes it incredibly easy to bake and serve, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Plus, who can resist that delightful aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes? Get ready to experience a slice of pure autumnal bliss!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• For the Crumble Topping:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream (adjust to desired consistency)

Preparing the Crumble Topping:

Okay, let’s start with the crumble topping. This is super easy and can be done ahead of time. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Make sure everything is nicely combined.
2. Add the 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, to the flour mixture.
3. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (my preferred method!), cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pieces of butter throughout, which will create that lovely crumble texture. Don’t overmix!
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the crumble topping while you prepare the cake batter. This helps the butter stay cold and prevents the topping from melting too quickly in the oven.

Making the Apple Cinnamon Cake Batter:

Now for the main event – the cake batter! This is where the magic happens, and the delicious apple cinnamon flavor really comes to life.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal of the cake. I highly recommend the parchment paper method!
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s important for creating a tender cake.
4. Beat in the 4 large eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
5. In a separate measuring cup, combine the 1 cup of buttermilk.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. So, add about 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then 1/2 of the buttermilk, then another 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then the remaining buttermilk, and finally the last 1/3 of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
7. Gently fold in the 3 cups of peeled and diced apples. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Assembling and Baking the Cake:

Almost there! Now it’s time to put everything together and get this cake in the oven.

1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the chilled crumble topping evenly over the cake batter.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and the crumble topping should be nicely browned.
4. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before frosting (if using) or cutting and serving.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

Okay, so this frosting is totally optional, but it adds a delicious tangy sweetness that complements the apple cinnamon flavors perfectly. If you’re feeling indulgent, I highly recommend it!

1. In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), beat together the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Gradually add the 4 cups of powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Then, increase the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4. Add 2-4 tablespoons of milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be spreadable but not too runny.

Frosting and Serving:

The final touch! Now it’s time to frost (or not!) and enjoy your delicious Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake.

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
2. Cut the cake into squares and serve.
3. Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to make this recipe your own:

• Apple Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of apples. Granny Smith apples provide a tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake, while Honeycrisp apples offer a sweeter, crisper bite. A mix of both is also a great option!
• Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spices: Adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to your liking. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger for a little extra warmth.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle the frosted cake with caramel sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Brown Butter: For an even richer flavor, brown the butter for the cake batter before creaming it with the sugar. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before adding the sugar.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, and the buttermilk with a mixture of plant-based milk and lemon juice or vinegar. Use a vegan cream cheese alternative for the frosting.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake as much as I do! It’s perfect for a fall gathering, a cozy weekend brunch, or just a simple weeknight dessert. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake isn’t just another recipe; it’s an invitation to experience pure autumnal bliss in every bite. From the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes to the moist, tender crumb infused with the warm spices of cinnamon and the sweet tang of apples, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe, and here’s why: it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. It’s also versatile, adapting beautifully to different dietary needs and preferences. And most importantly, it’s utterly delicious!

Think of it: a slice of this cake, still slightly warm, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a chilly evening. Or perhaps a square alongside your morning coffee, a delightful way to start the day. The possibilities are endless!

But the beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity and flavor but also in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Granny Smiths will provide a tart contrast to the sweetness, while Honeycrisp will offer a more balanced flavor profile. You could even add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.

For a richer, more decadent experience, consider adding a cream cheese frosting. A simple mixture of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract will elevate this cake to a whole new level of indulgence. Alternatively, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce would also be fantastic.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just be sure to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together. And for a vegan version, you can easily replace the eggs with applesauce or a flax egg and use a plant-based butter alternative.

This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and textures to create your own signature version.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. It’s a recipe that I find myself returning to time and time again, especially when I need a comforting and easy dessert.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of this irresistible Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using #AppleCinnamonSheetCakeRecipe. Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. I’m always eager to learn from your culinary adventures. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see what you create!