Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake : The Perfect Simple Dessert to Use Up Apples

There’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting from your oven. Whether it’s a chilly fall afternoon or you’re simply craving something sweet, this apple cinnamon sheet cake hits all the right notes. Moist, spiced, and loaded with fresh apples, it’s the kind of apple recipe dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent, without being complicated to make.

If you’re looking for what to make with apples desserts, especially when you’re drowning in fresh fruit from the orchard or farmer’s market, this sheet cake is the easiest answer. It’s great for weeknights, potlucks, after-dinner treats, and even holiday tables.

Looking for more ideas? You might also enjoy our Pumpkin Scones Recipe or Sweet Potato Toast for other cozy fall treats.

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Why This Apple Cinnamon Cake is the Best Way to Use Up Apples

This simple yet flavorful cake is one of the easiest treats with apples you can whip up with ingredients already in your kitchen. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Great way to use up bruised or aging apples
• Comes together in one bowl
• No fancy equipment or mixer needed
• Makes enough to feed a crowd
• Tastes even better the next day

It’s a cross between a cinnamon and apple cake and a casual snack cake, perfect for those seeking a go-to recipe to use up apples that isn’t fussy or overly sweet.

What Makes This a Perfect Simple Weeknight Dessert

Let’s face it — we all need an easy dessert that doesn’t feel like a project. This simple weeknight dessert is exactly that. With less than 15 minutes of prep time and basic pantry staples, it satisfies both convenience and comfort.

• No creaming butter
• No layering or frosting necessary
• Bakes in one sheet pan
• Easily portable for events or sharing
• Tastes like a hug in cake form

If you love baking ideas with apples but don’t want a labor-intensive apple pie, this is your new favorite.

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

Here’s everything you need to make this cozy apple cake:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120ml) neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• 2 cups (about 2 medium) peeled and finely chopped apples
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• Optional: powdered sugar or cinnamon glaze for topping

Use any apple variety you like: Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith for a tart bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions for This Apple Recipe Dessert

1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan or baking dish.

2. Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. Combine wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the buttermilk.

4. Combine everything
Gradually stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients just until combined. Fold in the chopped apples and nuts if using.

5. Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool and serve
Let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze if desired.

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Baking Tips for a Moist and Flavorful Cinnamon and Apple Cake

• Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined to avoid a tough cake.
• Use fresh apples: Avoid canned or overly soft apples for the best texture.
• Dice apples small: This ensures even distribution and tender bites.
• Let it rest: Like many fruit cakes, the flavor deepens overnight.
• Add a crunch: Sprinkle coarse sugar or nuts on top before baking for texture.

This method creates the perfect texture—somewhere between a soft apple crisp pound cake and a moist snack cake.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need any special gear to make this sheet cake:

• 9×13-inch baking pan or sheet cake tin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paring knife and cutting board
• Optional: sifter for powdered sugar topping

That’s it! Truly a fuss-free recipe to bake on any night.

Flavor Swaps and Add-ins: From Apple Crisp Pound Cake to Nutty Toppings

Want to switch it up? Try these ideas:

• Add a streusel topping (flour, butter, sugar, oats) for a crisp finish
• Mix in raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates
• Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or chai blend
• Use browned butter in place of oil for richness
• Add cream cheese glaze for an indulgent touch

You can also try a thin layer of crumble to give it a cinnamon apple cake meets coffee cake effect.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Sheet Cake

This cake is lovely warm, room temp, or cold. Here’s how to serve it:

• With a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
• Topped with whipped cream and extra cinnamon
• With hot tea, chai, or apple cider
• Next to Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes for a fall brunch spread

It’s light enough for breakfast and sweet enough for dessert.

How to Store and Freeze Apple Desserts

To store:
Cover and keep at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To freeze:
Slice and wrap pieces individually. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or warm in the oven.

You can even freeze the whole cake (unglazed) tightly wrapped in two layers of foil and plastic.

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FAQs: What to Make With Apples for Dessert

Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?
For moisture, yes—but it won’t offer the same texture. Try replacing ¼ of the oil with applesauce instead.

What kind of apples are best for baking?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn all work well.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Can I make it vegan?
Use dairy-free milk + vinegar, and substitute the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking with Apples

• Using apples that are too soft: They break down into mush
• Leaving apples too large: Dice finely for even baking
• Skipping the acid (buttermilk): Helps activate the baking soda for rise
• Overbaking: Watch carefully toward the end and test early

This recipe is one of the simplest ways to avoid waste while enjoying truly delicious treats with apples.

Baking Ideas With Apples for Any Season

Beyond this sheet cake, here are more delicious ways to use apples:

• Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips with apple slices
• Apple compote over yogurt
• Baked apple halves with oat crumble
• Apple muffins or pancakes
• Apple grilled sandwiches with cheddar

These ideas are perfect baking ideas with apples to transition from fall into winter.

Can You Make This Into an Easy No Bake Apple Dessert?

This specific recipe requires baking, but you can try these no-bake variations:

• Press the batter into a lined pan and chill like a bar
• Use the apple filling idea and layer with whipped cream for a parfait
• Blend apples, cinnamon, and oats into energy bites

For more quick ideas, check out our Chocolate Protein Fluff—a no-bake, high-protein dessert option.

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