Name: Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489149H9M26S
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup vegetable oil; ¾ cup buttermilk; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2-3 medium apples); ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); Sea salt for sprinkling on top

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking for a dessert that combines the cozy charm of autumn with a sweet and salty twist, the Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is your new best friend. This cake features tender chunks of fresh apples folded into a moist, cinnamon-infused batter and topped with a luscious drizzle of salted caramel sauce that takes every bite to the next level. It’s not only delicious but also perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying at a casual family gathering. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s dive into creating this irresistible treat together!

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake plays a crucial role, from lending moisture and spice to creating that perfect soft crumb and rich flavor. These straightforward staples combine beautifully to highlight the natural sweetness of the apples and the decadence of the caramel topping.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and balance.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake to perfection while helping with texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise lightly and evenly.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Works with baking soda to create a tender crumb.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially balancing the sweetness.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and moisture to every bite.
½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
¾ cup buttermilk: Adds tang and helps create a soft, fluffy texture.
3 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with a lovely, comforting aroma.
2 cups peeled and diced apples: Fresh apples provide juicy bursts of sweet and tart flavor throughout.
½ cup caramel sauce: A luscious topping that brings the signature salted caramel flavor.
Sea salt for sprinkling on top: A final touch that enhances the caramel’s sweetness with a subtle salty crunch.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature to bake your cake evenly. Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch sheet pan so your cake doesn’t stick and releases beautifully when done.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures you have an even distribution of leavening and spice throughout your Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk well until everything is smooth and fully incorporated. This mixture will bring moistness and richness to the cake batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, so a light hand is key for a tender crumb in this Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. These little fruit pockets will infuse the cake with delightful juiciness and fresh flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The warm spices and apple scent will soon fill your kitchen!

Step 7: Cool and Add the Salted Caramel

Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, while it’s still warm, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. This final flourish seals the deal, giving your Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake the perfect sweet-salty finish.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Garnishes

Elevate each slice by drizzling a little extra caramel or adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. A dusting of cinnamon or a small dollop of whipped cream also adds a lovely touch of indulgence and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with classic vanilla ice cream, offering a cool contrast to the warm, moist cake and gooey caramel. You could also serve it alongside hot spiced tea or mulled cider to create the ultimate cozy dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try cutting the cake into smaller squares and serving on decorative plates with a scoop of ice cream and a caramel drizzle. Or, for a casual party, serve the sheet cake right from the pan with a big spoon for a delightful rustic charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover pieces tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, the cake will stay moist and delicious for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

The Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

To revive the cake’s fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. This will soften the cake and enhance the melting caramel for a cozy treat.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this cake?

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith work well to balance the sweetness, but sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp will make the cake even fruitier. Just be sure to dice them evenly so they bake consistently.

Is homemade caramel sauce better than store-bought?

Both work wonderfully here. Store-bought caramel saves time and still tastes delicious, but homemade caramel offers that extra touch of freshness and can be customized to your preferred saltiness and richness.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour, ideally one that already contains xanthan gum. Just keep in mind that texture may vary slightly but the flavor remains fantastic.

What’s the best way to peel and dice apples quickly?

A good apple peeler-slicer tool can speed up the process dramatically, but if you don’t have one, a sharp paring knife works fine. Try to dice the apples into uniform pieces so they bake evenly in the cake.

Can I make this cake vegan?

Modifications can be made like using a plant-based butter substitute, a flax egg in place of eggs, and a non-dairy milk mixed with lemon juice instead of buttermilk. For caramel, a vegan caramel sauce recipe or store-bought vegan option would work best.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the blend of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and rich salted caramel all coming together in one incredible Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a simple weekend treat, this cake promises smiles and full hearts. So go ahead and give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without a slice of this delicious warmth in your life.

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake combines tender, moist cake infused with cinnamon-spiced apples and is generously topped with luscious salted caramel sauce. Perfectly balanced between sweetness and a hint of salt, this cake makes a comforting dessert for fall or any occasion requiring a deliciously warm treat.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch sheet pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly mixed.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Blend Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which helps keep the cake light and fluffy.
Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout.
Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared sheet pan and smooth the surface evenly with a spatula.
Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes to set.
Drizzle Caramel and Add Salt: While the cake is still warm, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle sea salt to enhance and balance the flavors.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tart flavor.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before drizzling caramel to prevent the caramel from soaking too deeply.
For extra texture, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter or as a topping.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat slices gently before serving if desired, especially when paired with ice cream or whipped cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American