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
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and grease a 16.75×12-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Combine all dry ingredients including flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, granulated and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl, whisking until completely integrated.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove cake from oven and let cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack, allowing it to set properly.
- 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.
- Drizzle the warm glaze evenly over the slightly cooled cake, allowing it to set for approximately 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
- 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