Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This caramel apple sheet cake has everything to become your new favorite dessert. Here’s why:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal fuss.
- Packed with Fall Flavors: Tart Granny Smith apples, warm cinnamon, and gooey salted caramel come together beautifully.
- Perfect for Sharing: Sheet cakes are ideal for serving a crowd.
- Versatile: Great for holidays, family dinners, or as a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients for Easy Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to create this decadent dessert:
Component | Ingredients | Measurements |
---|---|---|
Dry Ingredients | All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | |
Baking soda | 1/2 tsp | |
Salt | 1/4 tsp | |
Granulated sugar | 1 cup | |
Light brown sugar (packed) | 1 cup | |
Wet Ingredients | Unsalted butter (melted) | 2 sticks (1 cup) |
Water | 1 cup | |
Buttermilk | 1/2 cup | |
Eggs | 2 large | |
Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | |
Granny Smith apples (chopped) | 2 cups (2 medium) | |
Glaze | Unsalted butter (melted) | 1 stick (1/2 cup) |
Milk | 1/4 cup | |
Powdered sugar (sifted) | 3 cups | |
Vanilla extract | 1/2 tsp | |
Salted caramel sauce | 1/4 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a jelly roll pan or a 16.75×12-inch pan with nonstick spray or butter.
- Peel, core, and chop the Granny Smith apples into small pieces. Set aside.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a medium saucepan, combine the melted butter and water. Heat over medium-high heat until the butter is fully melted and the mixture starts to boil.
- Pour the hot butter mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix well until combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
4. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes.
5. Make the Glaze
- In a heatproof bowl, microwave the butter and milk until melted and warm.
- Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salted caramel sauce until smooth. Adjust the consistency with extra powdered sugar or milk as needed.
6. Assemble and Serve
- Pour the glaze evenly over the slightly warm cake, spreading it gently with a spatula.
- Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing into squares.
- Serve the cake warm or at room temperature for the best flavor. Optional: garnish with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tips for Success
- Chop Apples Uniformly: Ensures even cooking and a balanced texture in every bite.
- Use Fresh Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and creates a tender crumb. Substitute with milk and a teaspoon of vinegar if needed.
- Don’t Overbake: Check the cake early to prevent dryness.
- Warm the Glaze Slightly: Makes it easier to pour and spread over the cake.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
Calories | 310 |
Fat | 15g |
Carbohydrates | 43g |
Protein | 3g |
Sugar | 32g |
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and glaze it just before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of apple? A: Absolutely! Any firm apple like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala works well in this recipe.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes! Wrap the unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of salted caramel sauce? A: You can use plain caramel sauce or make a quick homemade version by melting caramel candies with a splash of milk and a pinch of salt.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free? A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for similar results.
Your Turn to Bake!
Now that you have the ultimate Easy Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe, it’s time to bring it to life. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and savor the warm, spiced flavors of fall. Share this delightful treat with family and friends, or enjoy a slice with your favorite cup of tea. Happy baking!
PrintEasy Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe: A Sweet Fall Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
Celebrate fall with this Easy Caramel Apple Sheet Cake! Packed with tender apples, warm spices, and a rich salted caramel glaze, this simple yet decadent dessert is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family treat.
Ingredients
For the Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
For the Wet Ingredients:
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped Granny Smith apples (2 medium)
For the Glaze:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a jelly roll pan or a 16.75×12-inch pan with nonstick spray or butter.
- Peel, core, and chop the Granny Smith apples into small pieces. Set aside.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine melted butter and water. Heat over medium-high heat until the butter is fully melted and the mixture starts to boil.
- Pour the hot butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well until combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
4. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes.
5. Make the Glaze:
- In a heatproof bowl, microwave butter and milk until melted and warm.
- Gradually whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salted caramel sauce until smooth. Adjust consistency with extra powdered sugar or milk as needed.
6. Assemble and Serve:
- Pour the glaze evenly over the slightly warm cake, spreading it gently with a spatula.
- Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing into squares.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: garnish with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American