Easy Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe You’ll Want to Bake Again and Again
Some recipes carry a kind of nostalgia that sneaks up on you while the oven's still warm. This apple cinnamon cake is one of those. It’s simple, soft, and smells like autumn stepped into your kitchen with a hug. I first baked this when I had a few apples starting to wrinkle in the fruit bowl—no big plan, just some butter, sugar, spice, and curiosity.
Now? This sheet cake is on repeat. It’s the sort of bake that doesn't need a special occasion. It’s comforting but not heavy, sweet but not over the top. And let’s be real, the scent alone is worth it. It fills the house in the best way, and honestly, it disappears faster than I can cool it.
Whether you’re a weekend baker or someone who still googles how to crack an egg (hey, no judgment), this easy apple cinnamon cake recipe is for you. Stick around. Let’s make your kitchen smell amazing.
Servings: 12 squares
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. No parchment drama—just good old butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is your dry mix.
- In another bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla, and stir till it's dreamy.
- Add the dry mix to the wet mix in two parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Don’t overthink it—just mix until it's all friendly.
- Fold in the diced apples like you're tucking them in for a nap.
- Pour the batter into the pan and smooth it out. Try not to taste it (or do, I won’t tell).
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just a crumb or two. Let it cool before slicing, if you have that kind of patience.