Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake: A Fall Favorite

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Fall baking means apples and cinnamon, and there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a warm slice of Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake. This delightful cake is perfect for those crisp autumn days, combining the rich flavors of fresh apples with the aromatic warmth of cinnamon. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy breakfast treat with a cup of coffee or as a dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this cake is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe box.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is the epitome of comfort food, and here’s why you’ll love it:

Perfect for Fall: Apples and cinnamon bring a comforting, seasonal flavor that’s ideal for autumn baking.
Easy to Make: The simple step-by-step instructions make it easy for both novice and seasoned bakers.

Moist and Flavorful: With the addition of freshly squeezed orange juice and a cinnamon-sugar coating for the apples, every bite is packed with flavor.
Versatile: It can double as a coffee cake or a dessert, making it suitable for various occasions.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake:

Gala or Honey Crisp Apples: Adds a naturally sweet and tart flavor that balances the richness of the cake.
Dark Brown Sugar: This adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness and pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice of this recipe, giving it that cozy, fall aroma.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and complements the flavor of the apples.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise to a light, fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cake and helps balance the sweetness.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the batter.
Canola Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Fresh Orange Juice: Adds a subtle citrusy note that enhances the sweetness of the apples.

Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors of the cake.
Powdered Sugar: Used to make the sweet icing drizzled over the top of the cake.
Water: Mixed with powdered sugar to create a smooth, drizzle-worthy icing.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you don’t have all the ingredients, here are some swaps:

Apples: You can substitute Gala or Honey Crisp apples with Granny Smith apples for a more tart flavor.
Canola Oil: If you prefer, you can use vegetable oil or melted butter for a richer taste.

Fresh Orange Juice: If you don’t have oranges, lemon juice can work as a substitute, though it will give a slightly different flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is easy with these clear instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with vegetable shortening and lightly flour it using 2 tablespoons of flour.

Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch slices. Toss them in a bowl with the brown sugar and cinnamon, ensuring the apples are well-coated.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl, then make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
Add the canola oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract to the well, followed by the beaten eggs. Gently fold the mixture with a rubber scraper until all the flour is moistened.

Spread about two-thirds of the batter over the bottom of the prepared pan. Carefully arrange the cinnamon-sugar coated apples on top of the batter, ensuring they don’t touch the sides of the pan.
Drop dollops of the remaining batter over the apples. Don’t worry if the apples aren’t completely covered.
Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into a batter section comes out clean.

Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly. While it cools, mix the powdered sugar and water in a small bowl until smooth.
Drizzle the icing over the warm cake before cutting it into squares and serving.

Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips to make sure your Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake turns out perfect:

Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter. This will ensure a light, fluffy texture.
Watch the Apples: Make sure the apples are evenly distributed so that each bite has the perfect amount of apple and cake.
Serve Warm: This cake is best enjoyed warm. It’s perfect as a breakfast treat with a cup of coffee or as a comforting dessert.

Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be reheated for a few seconds in the microwave for that freshly baked feel.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is versatile and can be paired with various side dishes or toppings:

Toppings: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Variations: You can add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare this cake a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. Reheat it before serving for a warm treat.

Why This Cake is a Fall Essential

This Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake captures the essence of fall with its perfect blend of cinnamon-spiced apples and a tender cake base. It’s an easy recipe that delivers big flavor, making it an ideal dessert or breakfast treat for those cool autumn mornings. The addition of orange juice brings a fresh, citrusy contrast to the rich sweetness of the apples, making every bite even more delightful.

Baking this cake not only fills your home with the incredible aroma of apples and cinnamon, but it also brings a taste of fall to every slice. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it alone, this cake is sure to become a beloved seasonal staple.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm, comforting treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or as a dessert for any occasion, this cake never fails to impress. With its rich apple flavor, spiced with cinnamon and complemented by a simple icing, it’s the perfect way to bring a little autumn warmth into your home. Easy to make, yet incredibly delicious, this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake is a must-try recipe that will become a family favorite in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?

Absolutely! While Gala and Honey Crisp apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can use any apple variety you prefer. Granny Smith apples will give the cake a more tart flavor, which contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake. Just ensure you peel and core them before slicing.

Can I make this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this cake a day ahead. Allow the cake to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Can I make this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake without orange juice?

Yes, if you don’t have orange juice, you can substitute it with lemon juice. While the flavor will be slightly different, the acidity will still help balance the sweetness of the apples and enhance the cake’s overall flavor.

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