Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is the ultimate fall dessert, combining the rich flavors of apples and cinnamon in a moist, easy-to-make cake. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a warm treat, this cake is sure to impress. The combination of sweet apples, a hint of cinnamon, and a delicate icing creates a mouthwatering experience. This cake is perfect for breakfast, as a coffee cake, or as a cozy dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee or vanilla ice cream.
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake
This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect recipe for both beginners and experienced bakers. The cake is loaded with fresh apples and cinnamon, bringing the essence of fall to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a delicious, aromatic cake in no time. The added bonus? It can be served warm, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake
• All-purpose flour: Provides the base for the cake, giving it structure and texture.
• Gala or Honey Crisp apples: These sweet, crisp apples bring natural sweetness and flavor to the cake.
• Dark brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness and richness to the apple topping.
• Ground cinnamon: A key ingredient for that warm, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the apples.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter, creating a balanced flavor profile.
• Baking powder: Leavens the cake, giving it a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• Canola oil: Provides richness and moisture without affecting the flavor.
• Fresh orange juice: Adds a hint of citrus flavor, brightening the cake’s overall taste.
• Pure vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and adds warmth to the cake.
• Powdered sugar: Used to make the icing that finishes off the cake with a touch of sweetness.
• Water: Mixed with powdered sugar to create the smooth icing.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you prefer a gluten-free version of this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free cake, use a plant-based oil like coconut oil instead of canola oil, and make sure to replace the powdered sugar with a non-dairy icing mix. If you’re missing an ingredient or want a unique twist, you can experiment with different apple varieties or swap out cinnamon for a mix of pumpkin pie spice for a deeper fall flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour in the pan and shake to coat it evenly.
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch pieces. Place them in a bowl and toss with dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly coated.
- Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk the eggs. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the oil, orange juice, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs.
- Mix the batter: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a rubber scraper, mixing just until the flour is moistened.
- Layer the cake: Spread two-thirds of the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Carefully arrange the cinnamon-coated apples over the batter, ensuring they don’t touch the edges of the pan.
- Top with remaining batter: Place dollops of the remaining batter on top of the apples. Don’t worry if the apples aren’t completely covered—this will create a beautiful, rustic look when baked.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into a battered area comes out clean.
- Prepare the icing: While the cake cools, stir together powdered sugar and water to create a smooth icing.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the icing over the warm cake, cut into squares, and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Check for doneness: Ensure the cake is fully baked by inserting a toothpick into the batter. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Don’t overcrowd the apples: Make sure the apple slices are evenly spaced over the batter for better caramelization and texture.
- Serve warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve the cake warm. It’s especially delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels indulgent yet comforting. You can also serve it as a breakfast treat alongside a steaming mug of coffee or tea. For a spicier variation, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter.
For make-ahead options, this cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to prepare it in advance for a special event, bake the cake the day before, then store it and drizzle the icing just before serving.
Seasonal Appeal: A Perfect Fall Dessert
Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is the ideal dessert for fall. The combination of warm cinnamon and fresh apples brings the cozy, comforting flavors of autumn to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or attending a family gathering, this cake will quickly become a seasonal favorite.
Conclusion
Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is an irresistible dessert that combines the rich flavors of cinnamon, apples, and a moist cake base. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a coffee cake, or a dessert, its warm, comforting taste is perfect for any occasion. Simple to make yet incredibly delicious, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The blend of apples and cinnamon brings a seasonal touch, making it a go-to dessert throughout the fall. Serve it warm with a drizzle of icing, and you’ve got a comforting treat that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use different types of apples for this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake?
Yes! While Gala and Honey Crisp apples are recommended for their sweetness and texture, you can experiment with other apple varieties such as Fuji, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady. Each variety will bring a slightly different flavor, but all will work well in this recipe.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the texture as gluten-free flours may require slight adjustments to the recipe for optimal results.
3. Can I prepare the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cake will still taste great, and you can drizzle the icing on just before serving for the best presentation.
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Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake: A Perfect Fall Treat
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make fall dessert that combines the flavors of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a soft, moist cake. Perfect for breakfast, as a coffee cake, or as a cozy dessert, this cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 large or 6 small Gala, Honey Crisp apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ⅓ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1–1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1–1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2–1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup canola oil
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour inside and shake to coat.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch slices. Toss with brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk the eggs. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the oil, orange juice, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until the flour is just moistened.
- Spread two-thirds of the batter in the prepared pan. Arrange the cinnamon-coated apples over the batter.
- Place dollops of the remaining batter on top of the apples. Don’t worry if the apples are not completely covered.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean.
- While the cake is cooling, mix powdered sugar and water to create a smooth icing.
- Drizzle the icing over the warm cake and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- The cake is best served warm and can be enjoyed with vanilla ice cream or coffee.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
