Sweet & Salty Perfection: Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe

Sweet memories of autumn dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up this delectable salted caramel apple sheet cake that combines nostalgic flavors with unexpected richness.

Crisp orchard apples mingle with buttery caramel, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly in this rustic treat, promising comfort in every slice.

Home bakers will adore how simple yet impressive this recipe becomes with minimal effort.

My grandmother’s love for classic desserts inspired this particular creation, infusing each bite with generations of love.

Layers of tender cake and gooey caramel promise a delightful experience that beckons you to grab a fork and indulge.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible autumn-inspired masterpiece.

Why Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Is a Potluck Winner

• Whip Up Effortless Comfort: This sheet cake requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Seasonal Celebration Dessert: Packed with fresh apples and warm spices, this cake captures autumn's essence beautifully. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weekend treats that bring everyone together.
• Quick and Convenient Baking: From start to finish, you'll have a mouthwatering dessert ready in under an hour. No complicated techniques or special equipment needed – just basic mixing and standard baking tools make this recipe a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleasing Sweet Sensation: The combination of tender apple-studded cake and rich salted caramel glaze creates an irresistible dessert. Versatile enough to serve as an afternoon snack, elegant dessert, or crowd-pleasing potluck contribution.

What You’ll Need for Sheet Cake Success

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides essential structure and texture for the cake base.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agents for cake's light and fluffy rise.
• Salt, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Enhance overall flavor and add warm spice notes.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create rich, smooth cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds deep, aromatic flavor to both cake and caramel glaze.
• Buttermilk: Provides moisture and subtle tanginess to the cake.

• Unsalted Butter, Vegetable Oil: Create moisture and tender crumb in the cake.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth consistency to caramel glaze.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable caramel glaze texture.

• Apples: Fresh, crisp fruit that adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.

• Salt: Balances sweetness and creates signature salted caramel flavor.

How to Layer Apples and Caramel Just Right

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous butter or cooking spray massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Freshly grated nutmeg

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they become best friends and look smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Add Moisture and Richness

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla extract. Mix until everything looks harmonious and well combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Dairy

Pour in buttermilk and gently fold it into the mixture. Then gradually add the dry ingredient blend, stirring carefully to keep the batter light and airy.

Step 6: Fold in Apple Chunks

Gently introduce chopped apples into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed like delightful little treasure nuggets.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Craft Salted Caramel Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream

Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in salt and vanilla extract.

Step 9: Create Silky Glaze

Gradually whisk powdered sugar into the caramel mixture until it becomes beautifully smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top, spreading it evenly. Let the glaze set for 15 minutes.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure dessert joy! Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Sheet Cake Tips That Cut No Corners

• Choose Fresh Apples: Select crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor in your sheet cake.
• Control Caramel Consistency: Stir caramel glaze constantly while cooking to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
• Enhance Moisture Levels: Add an extra tablespoon of buttermilk if the batter seems too thick, ensuring a super soft and tender cake.
• Prevent Apple Sinking: Toss chopped apples in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter to help them distribute evenly and stay suspended.
• Store Smartly: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without compromising the delicious salted caramel flavor.

Storing Sheet Cake Without Drying It Out

• Seal the cake tightly in an airtight container to maintain its delicious moisture and freshness.
• Refrigerate the cake for up to 4 days, ensuring it's covered completely to prevent drying out.
• Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to restore its soft, tender texture.
• Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for maximum preservation – the cake will keep beautifully for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy a frozen slice, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Dishes That Pair Well with Caramel Cake

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich, warm salted caramel apple cake finds its perfect match in a scoop of cold, smooth vanilla ice cream. The temperature contrast creates a delightful sensory experience that highlights the cake's warm spices and sweet caramel notes.
• Complement with Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: A hot cup of freshly brewed coffee with a hint of cinnamon perfectly echoes the cake's warm spice profile. The robust coffee cuts through the sweetness while enhancing the cake's deep, comforting flavors.
• Enhance with Smooth Caramel Liqueur: For an adult twist, serve a small glass of caramel liqueur alongside the cake. This sophisticated pairing intensifies the caramel undertones and provides a luxurious finishing touch to the dessert experience.
• Match with Warm Spiced Apple Cider: A mug of hot, spiced apple cider mirrors the cake's apple and cinnamon elements, creating a harmonious flavor connection that feels like a warm autumn embrace.

Creative Spins on Salted Apple Cake

• Autumn Spice Upgrade: Add extra ground ginger and allspice to the cake batter for a warm, seasonal flavor profile that enhances the apple's natural sweetness.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake batter and sprinkle additional toasted nuts on top of the caramel glaze for added texture and depth.
• Maple Harvest Remix: Replace half the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup and drizzle additional maple syrup over the caramel glaze for a rich, woodsy undertone.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Option: Create a cream cheese mixture with softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, then swirl through the cake batter before baking for a tangy, creamy complement to the sweet caramel.

Salted Caramel Sheet Cake FAQs

• What makes this cake different from other apple cakes?

This salted caramel apple sheet cake stands out because of its perfect balance between sweet apples and rich, salty caramel glaze. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds depth to the cake’s flavor, making it more complex and interesting than traditional apple desserts.

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples work great for their tartness, but you can also use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji apples. The key is to choose firm apples that won’t turn mushy during baking. This flexibility allows you to use whatever apples you have on hand.

• Is the salted caramel glaze difficult to make?

Not at all! The caramel glaze is surprisingly simple. It requires just a few ingredients and basic cooking skills. The trick is to stir constantly and watch the heat to prevent burning. Even beginner bakers can create a smooth, delicious glaze that takes this cake to the next level.

• How do I know when 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 Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern comfort meets autumn delight in this salted caramel apple sheet cake, blending warm spices with rich caramel drizzle. Simple ingredients and easy preparation make this dessert a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to share with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons nutmeg

Wet Ingredients and Sweeteners:

• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
• 0.5 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 cups buttermilk (or 0.5 cups milk + 0.5 tablespoons vinegar)
• 2 cups apples, peeled and finely chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Caramel Topping Ingredients:

• 0.5 cups unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 0.25 cups heavy cream
• 0.5 teaspoons salt (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)

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Instructions

1. Craft the delectable autumn-inspired sheet cake by setting the oven temperature to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick preparation.
2. Create a harmonious dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, leavening agents, aromatic spices, and seasoning in a medium mixing bowl until perfectly integrated.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine melted butter, neutral cooking oil, and complementary sugar varieties, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Introduce eggs and vanilla essence to the wet mixture, stirring diligently to ensure complete incorporation and smooth texture.
5. Gently introduce buttermilk, then cautiously fold the dry ingredient mixture into the liquid components, maintaining a light touch to preserve the cake’s delicate structure.
6. Delicately incorporate chopped apples throughout the batter, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor in every slice.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to create an impeccably level surface.
8. Position the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges completely clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool thoroughly, creating the perfect canvas for the luxurious caramel topping.
10. Construct the salted caramel glaze by melting butter in a saucepan, then introducing brown sugar and heavy cream.
11. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, maintaining constant stirring to prevent scorching, for approximately two minutes.
12. Remove from heat and vigorously whisk in salt and vanilla extract to intensify the flavor profile.
13. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, whisking until the glaze achieves a supremely smooth and glossy consistency.
14. Generously drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the completely cooled cake, ensuring an even, tantalizing coating.
15. Permit the glaze to set for a minimum of 15 minutes, allowing it to transform into a decadent, shimmering topping.
16. Slice and serve the cake, optionally accompanied by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Notes

• Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and texture in the cake.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to create a smooth, even cake batter that blends perfectly.
• Pat chopped apples dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
• Use a light hand when folding apples into the batter to maintain the cake’s delicate structure and prevent tough texture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Reduce sugar slightly if using sweeter apple varieties to maintain the ideal flavor balance.
• Allow cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the caramel from becoming too runny and absorbing into the cake.
• Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg