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This apple sheet cake comes together fast and feeds a crowd. Fresh apples, simple ingredients, and a maple glaze on top—fall baking doesn’t get easier or more delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Amazing flavor: This tender apple cake is packed with fresh apple flavor and topped with a sweet maple glaze that makes it extra special.
Easy to Make: Uses Simple, everyday ingredients you already have on hand
Feeds a Crowd: The cake bakes in a sheet pan so it’s perfect for serving a crowd. Great for potlucks, holidays and fall gatherings.
Ingredients Needed
- Granny Smith Apples or your favorite tart apples.
- Sugar, granulated and powdered sugar
- Salted butter and Shortening
- Milk. Use regular milk or buttermilk.
- Eggs
- Baking Soda
- Vanilla Extract
- Cinnamon
- Maple Syrup
How To Make Apple Sheet Cake
- Peel and dice apples into small even sized pieces.
- Combine butter, water and shortening in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.
- Add in dry ingredients including flour, sugar, cinnamon and stir to combine.
- Whisk in milk, then baking soda, eggs and vanilla.
- Stir in apples.
- Pour batter into a prepared pan, a greased 15 x 13 inch jelly roll pan.
- Bake at 400 F degree oven for 20 minutes.
- Cool for 10-15 minutes
- Combined melted butter, milk, powdered sugar, maple syrup and vanilla. Add additional milk if needed to make the glaze spreadable. Use an offset spatula to spread over cooled cake.
- Stir until smooth.
- Pour frosting over cooled cake and spread evenly.
Tips from leigh Anne
- I prefer using tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip peeling the apples — it keeps the cake extra soft.
- Cut apples into small, even pieces so they bake evenly into the cake.
- Line the sheet pan with parchment for easy removal and cleanup.
- Let the cake cool slightly before adding the maple glaze so it doesn’t melt right off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make apple sheet cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake stays moist and flavorful for a couple of days. Bake it the day before and glaze it when ready to serve.
Can I add nuts to the cake?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a delicious addition — stir them into the batter or sprinkle on top.
How does apple cake freeze?
It freezes great. I recommend cutting the cake into serving size pieces and freezing individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Whether you’re baking for a cozy fall gathering, a holiday potluck, or just because apples are in season, this apple sheet cake is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, delicious tender crumb and full of warm, comforting flavors. Don’t be surprised when everyone comes back for a second slice!
Check out more of my favorite fall recipes:
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Apple Sheet Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter salted
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup milk regular milk or buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups granny smith apples peeled and chopped
Glaze
- 2 Tbsp butter melted
- 1 Tbsp milk
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- In a sauce pan combine butter, water and shortening. Bring to a boil. Stir in flour, sugar, cinnamon and stir to combine.
- Add milk, then baking soda, eggs and vanilla to above mixture.
- Stir in apples.
- Pour into a greased 15 x 13 jelly roll pan.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool for 10-15 minutes
Glaze:
- Combined melted butter, milk, powdered sugar, maple syrup and vanilla. Add additional milk if needed to make the glaze spreadable.
- Stir until smooth.
- Pour frosting over cooled cake and spread evenly with an offset spatula..
Nutrition Facts:
Gail Hall says
New favorite apple dessert recipe. I individually wrap pieces and put in freezer.
Leigh Anne Wilkes says
So glad you enjoyed it – great idea to freeze the extra