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
Units
Scale
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.
