There’s nothing quite like the cozy charm of autumn captured in a dessert, and this Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe does just that! Imagine tender cake bursting with juicy apples, a luscious drizzle of salted caramel, and a hint of warm cinnamon—all baked into one irresistible sheet pan treat. It’s comforting, easy to make, and guaranteed to become your new fall favorite!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Effortlessly Delicious: This sheet cake is a one-pan wonder that takes minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor—a true weeknight or weekend win.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: Tart apples, sweet caramel, and a touch of sea salt create a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory.
Moist and Tender Texture: The combination of buttermilk, oil, and melted butter ensures a moist crumb that melts in your mouth.
Great for Sharing: Baked in a 9×13 sheet pan, it’s easy to cut into squares, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic of this Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients, each one chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden color you crave in a fall dessert. Fresh apples bring juiciness, while cinnamon adds warmth, and the salty caramel topping ties everything together with a luscious finish.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the gentle browning of the crust.
- Butter and vegetable oil: A blend for richness and moisture—oil helps keep the cake incredibly soft.
- Buttermilk: Adds acidity to tenderize the cake and a subtle tang that balances sweetness.
- Apples: Peeled and diced for juicy bursts inside the cake; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully.
- Caramel sauce: A decadent drizzle—store-bought is convenient, but homemade takes it to the next level.
- Sea salt: Just a sprinkling on top to enhance and contrast the sweet caramel.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch sheet pan to ensure your cake slides out easily and bakes evenly with a beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This combination gives your cake the right lift, flavor, and just a touch of spice that complements those juicy apples perfectly.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these until smooth and well blended—this mix adds richness and moisture to your cake batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as keeping the batter light is key to a fluffy, tender cake.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the diced peeled apples to evenly disperse their sweet, juicy goodness throughout the batter. This step ensures every bite bursts with delightful fruitiness!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the cake has turned a lovely golden brown.
Step 7: Drizzle and Sprinkle
Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes—warm enough for the caramel to melt lightly but cool enough to enjoy without melting away. Drizzle your caramel sauce generously over the top, then finish with a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate those deep, luscious flavors.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds wonderful crunch and contrasts beautifully with the tender cake and silky caramel. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes this treat to a whole new level of indulgence, perfect for a cozy dessert moment.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a warm cup of spiced chai or hot apple cider to complement the autumnal flavors. For brunch gatherings, serve alongside creamy mascarpone or a simple cheese board to balance sweetness with savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into small squares and stacking them with layers of whipped cream and extra caramel sauce for a mini trifle effect. Or serve individual slices topped with a fresh apple slice fan and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep it moist and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is fine; just bring slices to room temp before serving for that perfect texture.
Freezing
This Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or freeze the entire cake (well-wrapped) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh caramel drizzle before serving.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) covered with foil to revive that freshly baked softness. A quick reheat brings out the rich caramel flavor and makes the cake feel freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast to the sweet caramel, sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Gala will make the cake more mellow. Just ensure apples are firm enough to hold up during baking without turning mushy.
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Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but just as delicious!
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Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce can be made by gently melting sugar until amber, then adding cream and butter. It’s worth the extra effort for that rich, fresh flavor, but store-bought caramel works great in a pinch.
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How long will this cake keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the cake will stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the refrigerator. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full flavor and softness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe enough for anyone craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s bursting with fall flavors. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, it’s pure joy in every bite. Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation!
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining tender apple pieces with warm cinnamon and a luscious drizzle of salted caramel. Baked in a convenient sheet pan, this cake is perfect for gatherings or cozy family treats, featuring a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that enhance the autumnal apple goodness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins and Toppings
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2-3 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sea salt for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch sheet pan to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully blended and smooth.
- Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix to maintain a light, fluffy cake texture.
- Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking the apple pieces.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased 9×13-inch sheet pan, spreading it out evenly and smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- 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. Finish by sprinkling a light pinch of sea salt over the caramel to enhance flavors and add a delightful salted contrast.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- Use fresh, firm apples for the best texture; Granny Smith or Fuji apples work well.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding caramel to prevent it from melting too much and running off.
- You can prepare homemade caramel sauce or use a quality store-bought version.
- For a richer flavor, consider toasting the diced apples lightly before folding them into the batter.
