Dreamy Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe for Fall Baking

Sweet aromas of warm salted caramel apple sheet cake drift through kitchens, promising delectable comfort.

Ripe autumn apples mingle with rich caramel notes in this irresistible dessert.

Rustic and homey, each slice tells a story of cozy afternoons and nostalgic baking moments.

Soft cake layers cradle tender fruit chunks, while buttery caramel cascades across the surface.

Generous sprinkles of sea salt add unexpected depth to every remarkable bite.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a dessert that feels both elegant and approachable.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of this delightful autumn treasure.

Variations on Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the cake remains moist and tender for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Apple Spice Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free milk instead of buttermilk, and swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for a plant-based version.
• Nutty Caramel Apple Variation: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch, and sprinkle toasted nuts on top of the glaze for additional texture and flavor.
• Low-Sugar Apple Cake: Replace granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use a sugar-free caramel sauce to create a diabetic-friendly dessert option.

Plating Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake for Dessert

• Autumn Dessert Delight: Serve this warm cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent treat that melts in your mouth.
• Caramel Lover's Dream: Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over each slice and sprinkle with toasted pecans for added crunch and richness.
• Cozy Brunch Companion: Pair with a hot cup of cinnamon coffee or spiced chai tea to elevate the cake's warm, comforting flavors.
• Party Presentation Magic: Cut into smaller bite-sized squares for an elegant dessert platter at gatherings, making it easy for guests to enjoy.

How to Store Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Slices

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices at 300F for 5-7 minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent drying. This method helps restore the cake's moisture and brings back its fresh-baked texture.
• Heat cake slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the cake tough and rubbery.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?

Yes, any firm baking apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn works well. Choose apples that hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

• Is it necessary to use buttermilk in the recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, moist cake texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

• How can I tell if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake for Special Events

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This salted caramel apple sheet cake brings everyone together with its irresistible combination of sweet and tangy flavors that appeal to all ages.
• Bake with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, the recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that make creating a delicious dessert stress-free.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend treats, this cake works beautifully as a casual dessert or a special occasion showstopper that requires minimal preparation and cleanup.
• Seasonal Comfort in Every Bite: Packed with warm cinnamon and fresh apples, the cake captures the cozy essence of autumn, transforming ordinary ingredients into a heartwarming culinary experience that feels like a comforting hug.

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Ingredient Guide

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that add depth of flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the apple flavor and adds aromatic complexity.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, tender texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, tender cake texture.
• Water: Helps blend ingredients and maintain cake moisture.
• Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic sweet flavor and aromatic depth.

• Apples, Chopped: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and texture to the cake.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze for topping the cake.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy, pourable glaze consistency.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: Provides a rich, sweet-salty flavor to the cake topping.

Sheet Cake Baking Instructions for Caramel Apple Bliss

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Grab your jelly roll pan or 16.75×12-inch pan.

Generously grease the entire surface to prevent any cake sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Blend these ingredients until completely combined and lump-free.

Step 3: Melt Butter And Water

Place a saucepan on medium-high heat.

Add butter and water, stirring until butter completely melts.

Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, then immediately pour into the dry ingredients.

Mix thoroughly until a smooth batter forms.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Components

Let the mixture cool slightly.

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped fresh apples

Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake The Cake

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan.

Spread evenly using a spatula.

Slide the pan into a preheated 350F (175C) oven.

Bake for 17-20 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Remove and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Craft The Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and milk.

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salted caramel sauce

Continue mixing until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.

Step 7: Apply Glaze

While the cake is still slightly warm, pour the glaze evenly across the surface.

Allow the glaze to set for approximately 15 minutes.

Step 8: Slice And Serve

Cut the cake into square portions.

Serve and enjoy the delightful combination of apples and salted caramel.

Top Tips for Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Select firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
• Pat chopped apples dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy.
• No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Warm the salted caramel sauce slightly to make it easier to drizzle and create a smoother glaze consistency.
• Store cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet autumn whispers dance through this Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake, blending comforting spices with rich buttery layers. Warm cinnamon and caramel notes invite friends and family to savor each delectable slice, promising pure seasonal delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon (1/4 tsp) salt

Sugars and Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) vanilla extract
• 2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped (about 2 medium apples)

Glaze and Topping:

• 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and grease a 16.75×12-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Combine all dry ingredients including flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, granulated and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl, whisking until completely integrated.
3. Melt butter and water together in a saucepan over medium-high heat until boiling, then immediately pour the hot liquid into the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until smooth and well-blended.
4. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then incorporate buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gently fold in freshly chopped apples, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake for 17-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.
6. Remove cake from oven and let cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack, allowing it to set properly.
7. Create the glaze by melting butter and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salted caramel sauce until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
8. Drizzle the warm glaze evenly over the slightly cooled cake, allowing it to set for approximately 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
9. Serve and enjoy the decadent salted caramel apple sheet cake at room temperature.

Notes

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and texture in your sheet cake.
• Ensure buttermilk is at room temperature to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a more tender cake crumb.
• Gently fold chopped apples into the batter to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake tough and dense.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 345
• Sugar: 44 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3.5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg