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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Create a harmonious dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, leavening agents, aromatic spices, and seasoning in a medium mixing bowl until perfectly integrated.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine melted butter, neutral cooking oil, and complementary sugar varieties, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
- Introduce eggs and vanilla essence to the wet mixture, stirring diligently to ensure complete incorporation and smooth texture.
- 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.
- Delicately incorporate chopped apples throughout the batter, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor in every slice.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to create an impeccably level surface.
- Position the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges completely clean.
- Allow the cake to cool thoroughly, creating the perfect canvas for the luxurious caramel topping.
- Construct the salted caramel glaze by melting butter in a saucepan, then introducing brown sugar and heavy cream.
- Simmer the mixture over medium heat, maintaining constant stirring to prevent scorching, for approximately two minutes.
- Remove from heat and vigorously whisk in salt and vanilla extract to intensify the flavor profile.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, whisking until the glaze achieves a supremely smooth and glossy consistency.
- Generously drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the completely cooled cake, ensuring an even, tantalizing coating.
- Permit the glaze to set for a minimum of 15 minutes, allowing it to transform into a decadent, shimmering topping.
- 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