Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Craving a dessert that’s sweet, savory, and perfect for fall? This Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is the ultimate indulgence, combining soft, moist cake with fresh apples and a rich, gooey salted caramel drizzle!

Imagine fluffy, cinnamon-spiced cake filled with tender apple chunks, topped with a warm, gooey salted caramel sauce. The combination of sweet apples and the salty caramel will have you coming back for seconds!

This cake is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in. The layers of flavor and the rich caramel topping make it a dessert everyone will love!

Ready to indulge in this delicious treat? Let’s bake up this Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake and enjoy a slice of autumn in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: As one reader said, “I can’t stop eating this cake! It’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty.”
• Moist and Tender: The cake itself is incredibly soft, thanks to the addition of buttermilk and apples, making every bite melt in your mouth.
• Salted Caramel Perfection: A homemade salted caramel sauce drizzled on top adds an extra layer of flavor that takes this cake from good to unforgettable.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, this cake fits any occasion perfectly.
• Easy to Make: Don’t worry about complicated steps—this recipe is straightforward and ideal for beginner bakers.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:
This recipe makes about 12-15 servings, perfect for a small family or group. You can easily double the recipe if you’re serving a larger crowd.

Difficulty:
This recipe is easy enough for beginner bakers but will impress even seasoned pros.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls: For combining the dry and wet ingredients.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: For beating the wet ingredients and ensuring a smooth batter.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: A standard size for sheet cakes, ensuring even cooking.
• Saucepan: For making the salted caramel sauce.
• Cooling rack: To cool the cake before slicing and serving.

Ingredients for the Salted Caramel Apple Cake:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped into small pieces

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Then, add the buttermilk and the remaining dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.

6. Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in the chopped Granny Smith apples. The apples will provide moisture and texture to the cake.

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How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake – Continued

7. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking; the cake should be golden brown and firm to the touch.

8. Cool the Cake

Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Afterward, remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely before adding the salted caramel sauce.

How to Make Salted Caramel Sauce

1. Melt the Sugar

In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. The sugar will begin to melt and form a golden-brown syrup. Be patient, but keep stirring to prevent the sugar from burning.

2. Add Butter and Cream

Once the sugar is melted and amber-colored, carefully add the butter. The mixture will bubble up, so take care. Stir until the butter is completely melted. Then, slowly pour in the heavy cream, continuing to stir until smooth.

3. Season with Vanilla and Salt

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. The salted caramel sauce is now ready to be drizzled over the cooled cake.

Final Steps for Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

9. Drizzle the Salted Caramel Sauce

Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the warm salted caramel sauce over the top of the cake, allowing it to soak into the cake slightly for extra flavor. You can spread it evenly with a spatula or leave it as a drizzle for a more rustic look. Make sure to reserve some of the sauce for serving.

10. Serve the Cake

Cut the cake into squares and serve it on a platter. This cake is perfect on its own, or you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Storing Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Leftovers: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The salted caramel sauce may become firm as it cools, but it will soften again when reheated slightly.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving, and warm it up slightly if you prefer.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Protein (g)	Sugar (g)
1 slice	350	18	45	3	35

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the cake, but any apple will work.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Drizzle the caramel sauce just before serving to keep it fresh.

How can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?

You can make the salted caramel sauce up to a week ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of water if it’s too thick.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Its moist texture, rich caramel topping, and delightful apple flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether served for a family gathering or special event, this cake is sure to impress. Don’t forget to save the recipe card for your next baking session!

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