Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon salt - ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - ½ cup granulated sugar - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup buttermilk - 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium apples) - ½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional) - Powdered sugar for dusting When I make this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake, I start with the dry ingredients. This part is simple. I mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. It is crucial to get the right balance for a fluffy cake. Next, I move on to the wet ingredients. I beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. This mix needs to be light and fluffy. Then, I add the eggs one by one, stirring well. The vanilla extract adds a lovely flavor. Finally, I stir in buttermilk. This helps to keep the cake moist. Now for the fun part: the apples! I peel and dice two medium apples. They add sweetness and a bit of crunch. If you like nuts, you can chop walnuts or pecans and add them too. They give a nice texture. To finish, I sprinkle powdered sugar on top. It makes the cake look special. This is how I prepare the ingredients for a delicious Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 13x9 inch baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal. - In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This blends the flavors. - In a large mixing bowl, cream together ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Beat until it looks light and fluffy. - Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. - Gradually mix in the dry ingredients with 1 cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. - Gently fold in 2 cups of peeled and diced apples. If you like, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. - Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly. - Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. - Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. - Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. - Use fresh, juicy apples. They add flavor and keep the cake moist. - Properly measure flour and butter. Too much flour makes the cake dry. - Mix ingredients until just combined. This keeps the cake tender and soft. - Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves. These spices add warmth and depth. - Substitute applesauce for half the butter. This makes a lighter, moist cake. These simple tips elevate your apple cinnamon sheet cake. Enjoy the process and share with friends! {{image_2}} The right apple can make your cake shine. I recommend using Granny Smith apples. They add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp apples are also great. They bring a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor. If you want something different, try Fuji apples. They are sweet and juicy. Mixing different apples can add depth to your cake. If you need a gluten-free cake, it’s easy to adjust. You can use almond flour or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Both options work well and keep the cake moist. For a vegan version, swap the eggs with a flaxseed mixture. Use a mix of one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water per egg. For dairy, replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a bit of vinegar. These changes let everyone enjoy the cake. You can elevate your cake with a cinnamon streusel topping. Mix flour, brown sugar, and butter for a crumbly texture. Scatter it on top before baking. For a special touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cake. Cream cheese frosting is another excellent choice. It adds creaminess and pairs well with the apples. These extras make the cake even more delightful and fun to share. Store your apple cinnamon sheet cake in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. Keep it in a cool, dry place. This way, the cake will keep its taste and texture. If you want your cake to last longer, refrigerate it. It can stay fresh for up to a week. Make sure to use an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. This also helps keep the flavors strong. You can freeze this cake if you want to save some for later. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place it in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, take it out of the freezer and leave it in the fridge overnight. This keeps it moist and tasty. Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Here’s how to do it: - Bake the cake: Follow the recipe and let it cool completely. - Store properly: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in an airtight container. - Keep in fridge: You can store it in the fridge for up to a week. - Freeze for longer: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the cake. It lasts up to three months in the freezer. The best apples for baking are: - Granny Smith: They are tart and hold their shape well. - Honeycrisp: They add sweetness and crunch. - Fuji: They are sweet and juicy, great for flavor. - Braeburn: They have a nice balance of sweet and tart. Using these apples gives your cake a great taste and texture. To check if the cake is done, use these methods: - Toothpick test: Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. - Touch test: Gently press the center. If it springs back, it’s ready. - Visual cues: Look for a golden-brown top and edges pulling away from the pan. Yes, you can substitute buttermilk. Here are some options: - Milk and vinegar: Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes. - Yogurt: Use plain yogurt, thinned with a little water. Use the same amount as buttermilk. - Sour cream: This can also work well. Thin it with a bit of water if needed. These substitutes will keep your cake moist and flavorful. Serving your cake beautifully can impress your guests. Here are some ideas: - Cut into squares: This makes for easy serving and sharing. - Use a cake stand: Present the cake on a lovely cake stand for a special touch. - Garnish: Add thin apple slices on top and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a nice look. - Dust with powdered sugar: This adds a sweet touch and makes the cake look lovely. These tips will help you serve the cake in style! This blog post covered how to make a delicious apple cake. We went over the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. Remember to use fresh apples and not overmix for the best texture. Explore options like gluten-free or vegan if needed. Store your cake properly to keep it fresh longer. By following these tips, you can enjoy a tasty treat any time. I hope this guide makes baking your cake fun and easy!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake, a perfect treat for any gathering! With a moist, flavorful base packed with fresh apples and a hint of cinnamon, this cake is sure to impress. Easy to make and beautiful to serve, it’s the ultimate dessert for fall or any occasion. Ready to bake? Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a slice of heaven that's perfect for sharing!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

2 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium apples)

½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13x9 inch baking sheet and line with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and stir until combined.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

- Presentation Tips: Cut into squares and serve on a beautiful cake stand or platter. Garnish with thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for an enticing look.