The Ultimate MOIST Apple Spice Sheet Cake (From Scratch)

There’s something comforting about a warm apple spice cake in the fall. The smell alone—rich cinnamon, sweet apples, and a hint of nutmeg—can make your kitchen feel like home. This apple spice sheet cake isn’t just another seasonal dessert. It’s the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for potlucks, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy weekend baking project.

What sets this cake apart is how truly moist and flavorful it is. That’s not a throwaway claim. We use both applesauce and fresh grated apple to create a perfect texture—soft, tender, and never dry. And the frosting? A rich cinnamon cream cheese blend that balances the sweetness of the cake with a tangy finish. It’s the kind of frosting people ask about after the first bite.

If you’ve tried other apple cakes and felt underwhelmed, this one will change your mind. It’s simple to make, packed with real ingredients, and delivers consistent results. Let’s get into why this will be your go-to recipe.

Craving more one‑pan crowd‑pleasers? Head over to our Ultimate Guide to Sheet & Snack Cakes for the full collection and all the pro tips in one place.

Why This Recipe Works (And Will Be Your New Favorite)

• Unbeatable Moisture
  This cake gets its soft, tender crumb from a mix of unsweetened applesauce and grated fresh apple. The applesauce adds background moisture, while the grated apple melts into the batter, creating little pockets of flavor and softness.
• Perfect Spice Blend
  A warm mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger brings depth without being too bold. It tastes like fall in every bite—familiar, nostalgic, and well-balanced.
• Simple & Forgiving
  No fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. You don’t even need a mixer for the batter. It comes together in one bowl with minimal fuss, which makes it ideal for any skill level.
• A Frosting Worth Making
  The cinnamon cream cheese frosting is creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough to complement the cake without overpowering it. It’s thick, smooth, and spreads beautifully.

The Secret to the Best Apple Flavor: Fresh vs. Applesauce

Getting real apple flavor in a cake isn’t as simple as just throwing in chunks of fruit. The type and form of apple you use makes a huge difference. That’s why this recipe doesn’t pick just one—it uses both applesauce and grated fresh apple to hit the sweet spot between texture, moisture, and taste.

Unsweetened Applesauce
This gives the cake a soft, consistent texture. It blends seamlessly into the batter, locking in moisture without weighing things down. It’s the quiet hero that keeps every bite tender, even days later.

Grated Fresh Apple
Grated apple adds bright, fresh flavor and natural sweetness. As the cake bakes, the tiny shreds break down and disappear into the crumb, leaving behind a soft, juicy finish that tastes like real apple—not just spice.

The Winning Combo
Using both creates a layered texture you won’t get from either alone. You get the structure and moisture from the applesauce, and that juicy, real-apple flavor from the fresh grated fruit. It’s the key reason this cake turns out so well every time.

Best Apples for Baking
Stick to firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape, add a touch of acidity, and don’t get mushy while baking. Avoid softer apples—they tend to disappear without leaving much flavor behind.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Apple Spice Sheet Cake

• All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups)
  Gives the cake structure. Measure it carefully—scooping straight from the bag can pack it too tightly and make the cake dense.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda
  A mix of both helps the cake rise evenly and stay light. You need 2 teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of baking soda.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon)
  Just a touch to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
• Cinnamon (2 teaspoons), Ginger (½ teaspoon), Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon)
  These spices give the cake that warm, old-fashioned flavor. You’ll taste them without feeling overwhelmed.
• Vegetable Oil (⅔ cup)
  Keeps the cake moist and tender. Unlike butter, oil gives a softer crumb and stays moist longer.
• Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) + Brown Sugar (¾ cup)
  The blend gives the cake structure and adds depth. Brown sugar brings in a hint of molasses and extra moisture.
• Eggs (3 large, room temperature)
  Help bind the ingredients and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons)
  Enhances the overall flavor and gives the cake a richer taste.
• Unsweetened Applesauce (1 cup)
  Locks in moisture and adds a gentle apple background flavor.
• Grated Fresh Apple (1 ½ cups, peeled first)
  Adds texture, flavor, and a natural sweetness that pushes the apple taste forward.
• Sour Cream (⅓ cup)
  Adds richness and a subtle tang that softens the sweetness. You can also use plain Greek yogurt if needed.

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Heavy Cream (1 tablespoon, optional)
Only if needed to loosen the frosting slightly. Add one spoon at a time.

Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened)
Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.

Full-Fat Cream Cheese (8 oz, brick style)
Use the block-style, not the spreadable kind. It makes the frosting thick, stable, and rich in flavor.

Powdered Sugar (2–3 cups)
Sweetens and thickens the frosting. Start with less and add more until you hit the right texture.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
Gives the frosting a smooth background note that pairs with the spices.

Salt (¼ teaspoon)
Balances the sweetness and brings out the cream cheese flavor.

How to Make Apple Spice Sheet Cake: Step-by-Step

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch cake pan, or line it with parchment paper if you prefer easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set this bowl aside.
3. Blend the Wet Ingredients
   In another large bowl, whisk the oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
4. Add the Moisture Boosters
   Stir in the applesauce, sour cream, and grated apple. The mixture will look thick and creamy—that’s what you want.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything together. Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears. Overmixing will toughen the cake.
6. Bake
   Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
7. Cool Completely
   Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack. Do not frost while warm—the frosting will melt and slide off. Patience pays off here.

The Perfect Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Soften the Butter and Cream Cheese
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the cream cheese and continue beating until the mixture is completely creamy with no lumps.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar
   Start with 2 cups of powdered sugar. Beat on low at first to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase speed once it begins to come together. Add the remaining sugar gradually until it reaches your preferred sweetness and thickness.
3. Flavor It Up
   Add the vanilla extract and salt. Beat again until everything is evenly mixed. The salt cuts the sweetness just enough to let the cream cheese shine through.
4. Adjust If Needed
   If the frosting feels too thick, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and beat again. Only add more if necessary—this frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape when spread.
5. Frost the Cake
   Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Use an offset spatula for a smooth finish or create swirls for a rustic look. If you like, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a simple garnish.

Recipe Variations & Customizations

Optional Add-Ins

Want a little crunch? Stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts before pouring the batter into the pan. The nuts add texture and pair well with the spices and apple flavor. Toast them first if you want extra depth.

Alternative Frostings

Not into cream cheese? Try a Brown Butter Frosting for a nutty, caramel-like flavor, or a simple Caramel Glaze if you want something thinner and sweet with a sticky finish. Both options work well with the warm spices in the cake.

For a Quick Shortcut: Cake Mix Variation

Short on time? You can make a solid version of this cake with a box of spice cake mix. Here’s how:

• Use 1 box (13.25 oz) of spice cake mix.
• Mix it with 1 cup water, ½ cup oil, and 3 eggs.
• Stir in 1.5 cups of finely chopped Granny Smith apples, 2 teaspoons apple pie spice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Optional: Add ½ cup chopped pecans.
• Pour into a greased 9×13 pan and bake according to the package instructions—usually about 20–25 minutes.
• Cool completely and frost with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting from above.

The Ultimate Pan Size & Conversion Guide

Not using a 9×13 pan? No problem. This batter is flexible, and here’s how to adjust it for different pans:

Pan Size	Bake Time (Approx.)	Notes
Half Sheet (13×18)	20–25 minutes	Thinner cake, great for a crowd.
Jelly Roll (10×15)	25–30 minutes	Slightly thicker, still easy to slice.
9×13 Inch Pan	40–45 minutes	Classic size for this recipe.
Two 9-Inch Rounds	25–30 minutes	Great for a layer cake—double the frosting.
24 Cupcakes	18–22 minutes	Fill liners ⅔ full for a perfect rise.

Keep in mind: oven temps vary. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the earliest time listed. Use the toothpick test—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Cake Every Time

• Measure Flour the Right Way
  Don’t scoop directly from the bag. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. This avoids packing it too tight, which can make the cake dense or dry.
• Avoid Overmixing
  Once the dry ingredients are in, stir just until you don’t see any flour streaks. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes the cake tougher and less tender.
• Room Temperature Ingredients Matter
  Cold eggs or sour cream won’t mix as well. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before starting. This helps the batter blend smoothly and bake more evenly.
• Let the Cake Cool Completely
  Frosting a warm cake is a mistake you’ll only make once. The frosting will melt, slide, and ruin your clean finish. Be patient and let the cake cool all the way before you even think about spreading that frosting.

Apple Spice Sheet Cake Recipe Card (Printable)

The Ultimate MOIST Apple Spice Sheet Cake (From Scratch)

Yield: 12 to 15 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

A super moist, spiced apple sheet cake made with both grated apple and applesauce, topped with a rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

Print

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ⅔ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 ½ cups grated apple, peeled
• ⅓ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz brick-style full-fat cream cheese
• 2–3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp heavy cream, if needed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, mix oil, both sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Stir in applesauce, sour cream, and grated apple.
5. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined.
6. Pour into pan, spread evenly, and bake 40–45 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

For the Frosting:

1. Beat butter until smooth. Add cream cheese and mix until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth.
3. Add heavy cream 1 tbsp at a time if needed for consistency.
4. Spread evenly over cooled cake.

Notes

Storage Tip:
Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 15 Serving Size: 1 slice
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 370Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 210mgCarbohydrates: 49gNet Carbohydrates: 48gFiber: 1gSugar: 33gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 3g

Nutritional data is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (Troubleshooting)

Final Thoughts

This apple spice sheet cake checks all the boxes—it’s moist, easy, full of flavor, and finished with a frosting that takes it over the top. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family dinner, or just because you’re craving something cozy, this recipe delivers every single time.

It’s the kind of cake people remember and ask for again. And with the flexible pan options, easy-to-follow steps, and that signature apple-spice combo, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen too.

If you try this apple spice sheet cake, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below and drop a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating if you enjoyed it. Your feedback helps others find and trust the recipe—and it means a lot!

Love This Recipe? Discover More Sheet & Snack Cake Favorites

If this Apple Spice Sheet Cake hit the spot, don’t miss The Ultimate Guide to Sheet & Snack Cakes. Inside you’ll find crowd‑pleasing classics, creative twists, and foolproof frosting tips—from Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake to Lemon Blueberry. There’s a one‑pan wonder for every occasion, and this guide will help you pick the next one.