Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with a decadent salted caramel glaze. This cake is perfect for gatherings during the Fall or holiday celebrations, making it an ideal choice for those looking to impress a crowd with minimal effort. With its moist texture and shiny topping, this recipe ensures every bite is a luscious experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No mixer required! This simple sheet cake comes together quickly, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 36 servings, it’s an excellent option for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday parties.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet salted caramel creates a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will love.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Great as a dessert or even for breakfast with coffee, this cake can be enjoyed any time of day.
• Beautiful Presentation: The shiny salted caramel glaze on top makes this cake not only delicious but visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having the right items on hand will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: A large baking sheet allows your cake to bake evenly and provides ample space for serving.
• Mixing bowls: Using different sizes of mixing bowls helps in organizing ingredients efficiently while preparing the batter and glaze.

Ingredients

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake features an ultra tender, slightly spongey cinnamon apple cake with a thick and shiny salted caramel glaze. Perfect for serving a crowd in the Fall, or during the holidays! Easy sheet cake recipe, no mixer required.

For the Cake

• 2 cups (254 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200 grams) lightly packed light brown sugar
• 2 sticks (227 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 cup water (236 grams)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups (200 grams) peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples (about 2 medium apples)

For the Glaze

• 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
• 3 cups (375 grams) powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup homemade salted caramel sauce

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your oven ahead ensures even baking.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Grease your baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Whisk these together until evenly mixed.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and softened unsalted butter until creamy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add water, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla to the creamed mixture. Stir until well combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped Granny Smith apples gently.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Prepare Salted Caramel Glaze

While the cake is cooling, melt one stick of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in milk, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salted caramel sauce until smooth.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Once cooled slightly, pour the glaze over your sheet cake. Allow it to set before slicing into squares to serve.

This Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake will surely become a favorite at your gatherings!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that can be served in many enjoyable ways. Whether you are hosting a gathering or celebrating a special occasion, these serving suggestions will elevate your cake experience.

Family Style

• Serve the cake directly from the sheet pan for a casual, family-style dessert. This makes it easy for guests to help themselves and enjoy seconds!

Individual Slices

• Cut the cake into individual squares and place them on decorative dessert plates. This adds a touch of elegance to any event or dinner party.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream for added richness. The cream complements the flavors of salted caramel and apple beautifully.

A La Mode

• Serve warm slices of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The melting ice cream creates a delicious contrast with the warm cake and salted caramel glaze.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel

• For those who love extra sweetness, drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over each slice before serving. This enhances the flavor profile and adds visual appeal.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Pair your cake with freshly brewed coffee or tea. The warmth of the drink balances perfectly with the sweetness of the cake, making for a comforting treat.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Creating the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is all about attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Apples: Choose crisp Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which pairs well with the sweetness of caramel.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Always sift your flour, baking soda, and salt together to avoid lumps and ensure even mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix only until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of a light and fluffy cake.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is at the right temperature; this ensures even baking.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the salted caramel glaze for best results.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate it for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

While Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is delightful on its own, pairing it with certain side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that adds creaminess and balances out sweetness.
2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast and complements the apple flavor in the cake.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses such as brie or goat cheese for savory notes that pair well with sweet desserts.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and flavor, creating an interesting texture combination.
5. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over slices for those who love chocolate’s rich taste alongside caramel.
6. Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Both beverages enhance dessert enjoyment; coffee’s bitterness contrasts nicely with sweetness while hot chocolate brings warmth.
7. Caramel Popcorn: For an added crunchy element, serve caramel popcorn on the side – it’s fun and delicious!
8. Roasted Pears: Baked pears sprinkled with cinnamon make a lovely seasonal side that resonates with fall flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Baking at the wrong temperature – Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature. A too-hot or too-cold oven can affect the cake’s texture.
• Using old ingredients – Make sure your baking soda and spices are fresh. Old ingredients can lead to a flat or flavorless cake.
• Skipping the sifting step – Sifting flour and powdered sugar helps incorporate air and prevent clumping. Don’t skip this for a light cake!
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Use proper measuring cups and spoons. Too much or too little of an ingredient can change the cake’s outcome.
• Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake, so stop once you no longer see dry flour.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container – This helps keep the cake moist and fresh.
• Consume within 3–4 days – For best quality, enjoy the cake within this time frame.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap – This prevents freezer burn and keeps flavors intact.
• Freeze for up to 3 months – For optimal taste, try to eat it within this period.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a pan on low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake.

How do I make Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes! You can use any apple variety you prefer, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, for different flavor profiles.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can easily make your own by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

How should I store leftover salted caramel sauce?

Store any leftover salted caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is not only delicious but also perfect for gatherings during fall or holiday seasons. Its moist texture combined with rich caramel makes it irresistible! Feel free to customize by adding nuts or using different fruits based on your preference.