Heavenly Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe for Fall Bliss

Sweet autumn aromas dance through the kitchen with this salted caramel apple sheet cake that captures comfort in every delectable bite.

Crisp apples mingle with rich caramel, creating a dessert that beckons with warmth and nostalgia.

Layers of moist cake blend perfectly with golden-brown apple chunks and silky caramel drizzles.

The balance of sweet and salty notes makes this dessert a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Generous portions and simple preparation mean you can whip up this delightful treat without complicated techniques.

Each slice promises a harmonious symphony of seasonal flavors that will leave everyone craving another piece.

This sheet cake stands ready to become your new favorite fall dessert, guaranteed to earn compliments and empty plates.

Storing Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Correctly

• Quick Fridge Storage: Seal the cake in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for 3-4 days. Keep at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
• Room Temperature Keeping: Cover loosely with plastic wrap or cake dome, ensuring cake remains soft and delicious for up to 2 days. Place in a cool, dry spot.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Glaze Tip: If caramel topping hardens, gently warm a few seconds in microwave or let sit at room temperature to restore smooth consistency. Avoid overheating to prevent separation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s Inside Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the cake, choose unbleached flour for better taste.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the cake's depth and complement the apple flavor, use freshly ground spices for maximum aroma.

• Butter, Oil: Create moisture and richness, use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization, opt for organic sugars for deeper flavor.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure, use room temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds complex flavor, choose pure vanilla for best results.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the cake, can substitute with milk and lemon juice.

• Apples: Bring natural sweetness and moisture, use firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
• Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar: Create smooth, glossy caramel glaze, sift powdered sugar to prevent lumps.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Optional serving companion that complements the warm cake.

Tools For Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining cake ingredients smoothly.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking dry ingredients together.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending ingredients without lumps.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: Necessary for baking the sheet cake.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Saucepan: Required for preparing salted caramel glaze.
• Spatula: Helpful for folding apples and spreading batter evenly.
• Toothpick: Useful for checking cake doneness.

Steps To Make Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and give your baking pan a quick grease to prevent any sticky situations.

• Create the Cake Base

Whisk together your dry ingredients in one bowl, creating a smooth blend of flour, spices, and rising agents that’ll make your cake extra fluffy.

• Mix Wet Ingredients

Combine melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla in another bowl, stirring until everything looks silky and well-acquainted.

• Blend and Fold

Splash in the buttermilk, then gently fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add those chopped apples, giving everything a soft, even mix.

• Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top like you’re creating delicious artwork. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Craft the Caramel Magic

In a saucepan, melt butter and swirl in brown sugar and cream. Let it simmer gently, stirring constantly to create a rich, golden sauce.

• Finish with Glaze

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. Wait 15 minutes for the glaze to set, then slice and serve.

Tips To Switch Up Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Quick Apple Swap: Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness, ensuring each bite delivers maximum flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Magic: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make this cake celiac-friendly without compromising texture or taste.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Bake the cake a day in advance and store covered at room temperature, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for an even more delicious dessert experience.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar, and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a delectable dairy-free version that's equally mouthwatering.
• Spice Level Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the batter for an unexpected warmth that complements the caramel and apple notes, elevating the cake's overall aromatic profile.

How To Serve Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Cozy Autumn Dessert Companion: Serve this warm, gooey cake alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat that melts in your mouth.
• Festive Party Centerpiece: Slice into squares and arrange on a beautiful platter, garnishing with a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for extra texture and visual appeal.
• Brunch Delight Pairing: Complement the cake with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a spiced chai latte, creating a perfect balance of sweet and warm flavors that elevate the entire breakfast experience.
• Weekend Comfort Indulgence: Cut generous slices and enjoy with family and friends, turning this simple sheet cake into a memorable moment of shared sweetness and connection.

Heavenly Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delectable salted caramel apple sheet cake marries classic fall flavors with irresistible sweetness. Moist apple-studded layers drizzled with rich caramel create a comforting dessert you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract
• 0.5 cups (120 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 0.5 cups (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 0.5 cups (100 g) brown sugar
• 2 cups apples, peeled and finely chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 0.5 cups (120 ml) buttermilk (or 0.5 cups milk + 0.5 tbsps vinegar)
• 1.5 tsps baking powder
• 0.5 tsps baking soda
• 1.5 tsps cinnamon
• 0.5 tsps salt
• 0.5 tsps nutmeg
• 0.5 cups (120 ml) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
• 0.25 cups (60 ml) heavy cream
• 0.5 tsps salt (or more to taste)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (sifted)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
2. Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Wet Mixture: In a large bowl, blend melted butter, oil, granulated and brown sugars until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Liquid Integration: Vigorously mix eggs and vanilla into the sugar mixture, creating a rich, homogeneous base.
5. Batter Assembly: Alternate adding buttermilk and dry ingredient mixture, folding gently to maintain a light, airy texture.
6. Apple Distribution: Fold chopped apples into the batter, ensuring even placement throughout the mixture.
7. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface, and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cooling Phase: Remove from oven and allow cake to cool completely before applying caramel topping.
9. Caramel Creation: In a saucepan, melt butter, then add brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly over medium heat for two minutes.
10. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat, whisk in salt and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until achieving a glossy consistency.
11. Final Touch: Drizzle warm caramel glaze evenly over cooled cake, allowing it to set for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Select Precise Apple Varieties: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that maintain structure during baking and provide balanced sweetness.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss chopped apples with a splash of lemon juice to prevent oxidation and maintain vibrant color throughout the cake.
• Master Batter Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense, tough cake texture; stir just until ingredients are incorporated for a tender crumb.
• Calibrate Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate heat distribution, preventing uneven baking or potential burning of the cake’s edges.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg