Apple Cinnamon Tray Cake to Cut into Squares

Name: Apple Cinnamon Tray Cake to Cut into Squares
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 9 squares
Cuisine: Eastern European-inspired
Ingredients: 250 g all-purpose flour; 150 g granulated sugar, divided; 150 g unsalted butter, softened; 3 whole large eggs; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 pinch fine salt; 4 whole medium apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp icing sugar, optional

A tender Ukrainian-style tray cake layered with cinnamon-sugared apples.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hr 10 minMakes 9 squares

Jump to Recipe

This apple cinnamon pliatsok is a simple layered tray cake developed from one complete apple variation in the source’s pastry roundup. Soft butter dough surrounds thin apple slices tossed with sugar and cinnamon. The source groups several different pastries on one page, so this workbook uses one standalone version rather than combining recipes. Spread the dough evenly and bake until the centre is set and the apples are tender. Toss apple slices with 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice. Set aside 10 minutes, then drain excess liquid. Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 23-cm square pan. Whisk flour, baking powder and salt. In another bowl beat butter with remaining sugar until creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Fold in dry mixture.

Apple Cinnamon Tray Cake to Cut into Squares

How to tell when it is ready

Cool in pan 20 minutes. Dust with icing sugar if desired and cut into squares.

Tips

Toss apple slices with 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice.
Heat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Whisk flour, baking powder and salt.
Spread half the batter into pan.

Troubleshooting

If apples are very juicy, drain them well before layering.
If the top browns early, cover loosely with foil.

Substitutions

Use pears for part of the fruit.
Use dairy-free baking block instead of butter.

Variations

Add raisins to the apples.
Use a little nutmeg with the cinnamon.

Serving suggestions

Serve with tea.
Add vanilla ice cream.
Offer lightly whipped cream.
Dust with icing sugar.

Make ahead

Prepare components ahead and store safely. Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.

Storage

Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.

Food safety

Cool fully before covering; refrigerate leftovers in warm conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a different apple?

Use firm baking apples that soften without turning completely to puree.

How should I store apple cinnamon tray cake?

Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.

Serve with tea. Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Apple Cinnamon Tray Cake to Cut into Squares