Name: Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples

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Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with a Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake, a Autumn Dessert Cake that marries moist apple cake with rich, buttery salted caramel. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or a sweet evening at home, this dessert is both indulgent and crowd-pleasing. Follow this easy recipe to create a Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

I can’t resist Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake because it’s a Autumn Dessert Cake that’s bursting with seasonal warmth. The tender cake, packed with fresh apples, pairs perfectly with a luscious caramel frosting and drizzle, making it a showstopper for any occasion. It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet delivers a sophisticated flavor profile that’s ideal for fall celebrations or cozy nights in.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Here’s what you’ll need for Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake (makes 12–16 servings):

Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (~2 medium apples, e.g., Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

Salted Caramel Sauce

½ cup granulated sugar
2½ tbsp water
3 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
¼ cup heavy cream
½ tsp sea salt

Frosting

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp salted caramel sauce (from above)
1–2 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

9×13-inch baking pan
Medium saucepan
Mixing bowls
Whisk or electric mixer
Spatula
Oven

Ingredient Tips

Apples: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tart; chop finely for even distribution.
Butter: Unsalted for control over saltiness; melt gently to avoid scorching.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness; substitute with 1 cup milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice if needed.
Caramel Sauce: Watch closely to avoid burning; use high-quality sea salt for flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Sift for a smooth frosting; adjust milk for desired consistency.

Directions for Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Let’s bake this delicious Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake!

Preheat and Prep

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, lightly flouring it to ensure easy release of the Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake.

Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, I whisk together 2 cups flour, 1½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and ¼ tsp ground cloves. In a large bowl, I combine ¾ cup melted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ¾ cup brown sugar until smooth. I add 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually, I alternate adding the dry ingredients and 1 cup buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with dry, mixing just until combined. I fold in 2 cups chopped apples and pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Bake the Cake

I bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I let the cake cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour, before frosting.

Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, I combine ½ cup granulated sugar and 2½ tbsp water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color, about 5–7 minutes. I remove from heat and stir in 3 tbsp butter until melted, then slowly add ¼ cup heavy cream, stirring until smooth. I mix in ½ tsp sea salt and let the sauce cool slightly.

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, I beat ¼ cup softened butter until creamy. I gradually add 1½ cups powdered sugar, 2 tbsp salted caramel sauce, 1–2 tbsp milk, and ½ tsp vanilla extract, beating until smooth and spreadable.

Assemble and Finish

Once the cake is cool, I spread the frosting evenly over the top. I drizzle with extra salted caramel sauce for a decadent finish on the Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes (plus cooling)
Servings: 12–16
Calories: ~380 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 55g carbs, 4g protein, 18g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Try these twists on Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake:

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a Autumn Dessert Cake that suits dietary needs.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting for texture.
Spiced Rum: Add 1 tbsp rum to the caramel sauce for a boozy Autumn Dessert Cake.
Pear Swap: Replace apples with 2 cups chopped pears for a sweet twist.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap caramel frosting for cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake for a decadent dessert spread.
Serve with vanilla ice cream for a classic Autumn Dessert Cake experience.
Offer at a fall potluck with hot cider for a cozy vibe.

Storage

I store Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep it fresh. For longer storage, I refrigerate it, covered, for up to 5 days, bringing slices to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor. To freeze, I wrap unfrosted slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, storing for up to 1 month; I thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving. I ensure the cake is fully cooled before storing to prevent sogginess and keep it in a cool, dry place.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake on a rustic platter with apple slices or cinnamon sticks for charm.
Garnish: Drizzle extra caramel or dust with powdered sugar for flair.
Pairing: Enjoy with coffee, chai tea, or hot cider to complement Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake.
Temperature: Serve warm or at room temperature for soft, gooey caramel.
Portion Size: One square per person for a satisfying dessert.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of apples based on your preference or what you have available. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well for baking due to their firm texture and balanced sweetness.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake in advance. Bake the cake as directed, allow it to cool completely, and then store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Frost the cake just before serving for the best texture and appearance.

How can I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the cake?
To prevent the chopped apples from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking, toss them lightly in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps the apples adhere better to the batter and distribute more evenly throughout the cake.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you prefer a quicker option. Ensure the sauce is of good quality and has a similar consistency to homemade caramel sauce for best results. Simply warm it slightly before using it in the frosting and drizzling over the cake.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake offers a delicious harmony of fresh apples, rich caramel, and moist cake, perfect for any autumn occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe ensures a delightful dessert that will impress friends and family alike. Enjoy the flavors of fall with every bite of this indulgent treat!