Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe for Fall

Sweet memories of autumn come alive with this delightful salted caramel apple sheet cake that promises pure comfort.

Crisp orchard apples mingle with rich, golden caramel in every delectable bite.

Warm spices dance through the moist cake, creating a symphony of flavors you’ll absolutely adore.

Soft crumbs are generously drizzled with buttery caramel and a delicate sprinkle of sea salt.

Each slice tells a story of cozy afternoons and homemade goodness that feels like a warm embrace.

Baking this cake is simpler than you might expect, with straightforward ingredients and quick preparation.

Treat yourself to a slice of pure happiness that will make everyone at the table smile.

Crowd-Pleasing Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This salted caramel apple sheet cake delivers massive flavor with minimal effort, perfect for feeding a hungry group without complicated techniques.
• Seasonal Ingredient Magic: Transforms fresh apples into a moist, delightful cake that celebrates autumn's best produce with warm cinnamon and sweet caramel undertones.
• Smart Baking Strategy: Uses a single sheet pan for quick preparation and easy serving, making cleanup simple and reducing kitchen stress for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Suitable for potlucks, family gatherings, weekend brunches, or casual dessert nights, this recipe adapts beautifully to multiple social settings with its universal appeal.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake and balances the sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create sweetness and contribute to the cake's rich, caramel-like flavor profile.

• Butter: Provides moisture and rich, creamy flavor to the cake.
• Water: Helps to create a smooth batter and maintain the cake's moisture.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Caramel Sauce: Provides a decadent, sweet glaze that complements the cake.
• Powdered Sugar: Used to create a smooth, sweet glaze for topping the cake.
• Milk: Helps to thin the glaze and create a smooth consistency.

Step-by-Step Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Heat the oven to 400°F. Coat a 10-by-15-inch jellyroll pan or 16-3/4 by 12-inch sheet pan generously with butter or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Step 3: Create Butter Liquid Base

In a medium saucepan, melt butter with water over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

Pour the hot liquid into the dry ingredient bowl and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Stir carefully without overmixing.

Fold in chopped apples.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Bake for 20 minutes (jellyroll pan) or 17 minutes (16.75 by 12-inch pan). Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Caramel Glaze

In a heat-proof bowl, combine butter and milk.

Microwave until butter melts completely.

Step 7: Create Smooth Glaze

Gradually mix in powdered sugar until smooth.

Add vanilla extract and caramel sauce. If too thin, incorporate more powdered sugar to reach desired consistency.

Step 8: Finish with Glaze

While cake is still warm, pour glaze evenly over the top. Allow glaze to set for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Generously grease the pan to prevent the cake from sticking and ensure easy removal.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk for a smoother, more consistent batter texture.
• Gently fold chopped apples into the batter to maintain their shape and distribute evenly throughout the cake.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.
• Adjust glaze consistency by adding powdered sugar if it seems too runny, creating a perfect drizzle over the warm cake.

Flavor Variations of Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities. Adjust liquid ratios to maintain cake's moisture and texture.
• Vegan Caramel Apple Variation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk, and swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Create dairy-free caramel sauce using coconut cream and brown sugar.
• Spiced Autumn Version: Enhance the cake's flavor profile by adding ground nutmeg, cardamom, and extra cinnamon. Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for additional crunch and nutty undertones.

Suggested Pairings with Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Brew a classic apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and a touch of orange peel to complement the cake's rich caramel and apple flavors.
• Serve a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake to balance its warm spices and provide a cool, creamy contrast to the sweet caramel glaze.
• Create a decadent coffee drink using espresso, steamed milk, and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce that echoes the cake's flavor profile and adds a luxurious touch.

Storage Recommendations for Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving the cake's texture and flavor.
• Room Temperature: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if consuming quickly. Place in a cake carrier or cover with a cake dome to protect from dust and maintain freshness.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. For best results, let cake sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture.

FAQs

• What makes the apples stay moist in this cake?

The chopped apples are folded directly into the cake batter, which helps distribute them evenly and ensures each bite has apple flavor and moisture.

• Can I use a different type of sugar in this recipe?

Stick to the combination of granulated and brown sugar as specified, since they provide specific moisture and caramelization effects crucial to the cake’s texture and taste.

• How do I know if I'm overmixing the batter?

Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and make the cake tough, resulting in a dense instead of tender cake.

• Is the caramel sauce homemade or store-bought?

The recipe doesn’t specify, so you can use either homemade caramel sauce or a good quality store-bought version depending on your preference and time availability.

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Salted caramel apple sheet cake delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors from seasonal orchard fruits. Homemade caramel drizzle and warm spices create a comforting dessert you’ll crave during autumn gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 200 grams Granny Smith Apples (peeled and chopped (approximately 2 medium apples))
• 227 grams Unsalted Butter
• 200 grams Granulated Sugar
• 200 grams Light Brown Sugar (lightly packed)
• 236 ml Water
• 120 ml Buttermilk
• 254 grams All-Purpose Flour
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 113 grams Unsalted Butter
• 375 grams Powdered Sugar (sifted)
• 60 ml Milk
• 60 ml Salted Caramel Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and thoroughly grease a 10-by-15-inch jellyroll pan or 16-3/4 by 12-inch sheet pan with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients including flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until evenly distributed.
3. Melt butter with water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bringing the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and immediately pour into the dry ingredient mixture, allowing it to cool slightly.
4. Gently mix in buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract, being careful not to overmix. Carefully fold chopped apples into the batter until just incorporated.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 20 minutes in a jelly roll pan or 17 minutes in a 16.75 by 12-inch pan until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes.
7. Create glaze by melting butter and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth, then stir in vanilla extract and caramel sauce.
8. If glaze seems too thin, add more powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency.
9. While cake is still warm, drizzle glaze evenly across the surface. Allow glaze to set for 15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

• Choose apples with firm texture like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best baking results and maintain cake’s structure.
• Ensure ingredients are room temperature to create smoother, more consistent cake batter without lumps.
• Avoid overmixing batter to prevent tough, dense cake texture by gently folding ingredients until just combined.
• Consider gluten-free adaptation by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 398 kcal
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 155 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 4.5 g
• Cholesterol: 58 mg