This Easy Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is everything I want in a cozy dessert — soft, moist, and full of warm cinnamon spice with sweet bites of apple throughout. It’s perfect for sharing with family or serving at a casual get-together, and best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make in just one pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and fuss-free this cake is. It comes together quickly with basic ingredients and fills the house with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. The texture is soft and moist, and every slice has just the right balance of sweetness and spice. It’s perfect for fall, but honestly, I enjoy it any time of the year. Whether I’m making it as a dessert, a sweet snack, or a treat for guests, this sheet cake is always a hit. Plus, there’s no need for fancy frosting — it’s delicious just as it is.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup apples, peeled and diced
1/2 cup buttermilk

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, I beat the softened butter with the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until everything is well combined.
I gently fold in the diced apples.
I pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
I bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, I let the cake cool before cutting it into squares and serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 280 kcal per serving

Variations

Add nuts: I sometimes stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
Top with glaze: For a little extra sweetness, I like to drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled cake.
Use different apples: I switch up the flavor by using tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Fuji, depending on my mood.
Add more spice: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a spicier kick.

Storage/reheating

I store any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want to keep it longer, I refrigerate it for up to 5 days. To freeze, I wrap individual slices tightly and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to enjoy a piece, I let it thaw at room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use applesauce instead of diced apples?

I can substitute part of the diced apples with unsweetened applesauce for a softer texture, but I like keeping some diced apples in for that delicious bite.

What kind of apples work best for this cake?

I prefer firmer varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji—they hold up well in baking and add a nice contrast to the sweet, soft cake.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, I often bake it the day before and store it covered at room temperature. It’s still perfectly moist and flavorful the next day.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

I insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown.

Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?

If I don’t have buttermilk, I mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. It works great as a substitute.

Conclusion

This Easy Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is a no-fuss dessert that always brings comfort and warmth to the table. I love how quickly it comes together with everyday ingredients, and how the sweet apples and cinnamon create a cozy flavor that’s perfect for any season. Whether I serve it plain or with a drizzle of glaze, it’s always a crowd-pleaser in my home.

Easy Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

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Print Recipe

This Easy Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is a cozy, no-fuss dessert packed with warm cinnamon spice and juicy bites of apple. Moist, tender, and full of comforting flavors, this simple one-pan cake is perfect for fall gatherings, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving a sweet treat. With everyday ingredients and easy prep, it’s the ultimate go-to cake for apple season and beyond!

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat softened butter with eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until well combined.
Fold in Apples: Gently stir in diced apples.
Bake: Pour batter into prepared dish, spread evenly, and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool before slicing. Enjoy plain or top with glaze.

Notes

Add Nuts: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Top with Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla for an optional glaze.
Use Different Apples: Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for added sweetness.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian