How to Make Caramel Apple Sheet Cake: A Cozy Fall Dessert Guide
A single-batch wonder that melds tart fruit and salted-sweet indulgence in every bite.
Caramel Apple Sheet Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert
Few desserts embrace autumn as warmly as caramel apple sheet cake. With the tart crunch of Granny Smith apples and the rich sweetness of a homemade caramel frosting, this cake brings together beloved seasonal flavors in an easy 13-by-9 inch baking pan. It’s ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you crave the comfort of cinnamon, apples, and caramel.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Moist, flavorful texture from buttermilk and oil.
- Sweet-tart apple chunks add depth and balance.
- Rich caramel frosting with a hint of salt elevates every bite.
- Easy preparation—no stand mixer required.
- Perfect for crowds as a sheet cake easily serves 12.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
For the Cake
- Baking spray with flour (for pan)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
- 2 tsp. flaky sea salt (for serving)
For the Caramel Frosting
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 6 Tbsp. buttermilk (plus more as needed)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 350°F. Spray a 13-by-9-inch pan with baking spray with flour for easy release and minimal sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk oil, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined. Whisk in the eggs one at a time until smooth, then the vanilla extract.
- Combine the batter: Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet mix, alternating with the buttermilk. Whisk only until just combined—do not overmix. Fold in the chopped apples gently.
- Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a rubber spatula. Bake 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool fully in the pan on a wire rack, prepping for frosting.
Caramel Frosting
- Start the caramel: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the brown sugar and keep stirring until the sugar mostly dissolves (2-3 minutes).
- Build the caramel base: Increase the heat to medium, add 1/4 cup buttermilk, and bring to a boil. Continue stirring for one full minute.
- Finish the frosting: Pour the mixture into a heat-proof bowl. Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of buttermilk. If the frosting feels stiff, add a little more buttermilk (1 tablespoon at a time) until it’s smooth and pourable.
- Frost the cake: Quickly pour the warm frosting over the cooled cake and spread evenly. Allow the glaze to set for at least 1 hour.
- Final touch: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt right before serving to boost the rich caramel flavor.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness of caramel. Other firm, tart apple varieties may work, but Granny Smith delivers the classic taste and texture.
- Buttermilk: Adds tender crumb and moistness. If without, substitute with milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes.
- Vegetable oil: Provides moisture and keeps cake soft. Canola oil is also acceptable.
- Salted butter: Enhances caramel flavor in frosting. Unsalted butter with a pinch of extra salt can be used.
- Flaky sea salt: Maldon or similar finishing salt is ideal. Sprinkle just before serving; salt will dissolve if left on moist cake too long.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm or at room temperature, sliced into generous squares.
- Pair with coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy fall experience.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Garnish with additional thin apple slices or toasted pecans.
Pro Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
- Prep pans generously: Use baking spray with flour for easy release.
- Cool completely before frosting: Warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide.
- Don’t overmix: Mix batter just until dry ingredients are absorbed; this keeps cake tender.
- Work quickly with frosting: The caramel frosting sets fast as it cools. Spread immediately but gently.
- Salt right before serving: Flaky sea salt will dissolve if sprinkled ahead of time, losing its crunch and flavor impact.
What others are reading
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before enjoying.
- Make ahead: Bake the cake one day before and frost within 24 hours of serving for best results.
- Freezing: Unfrosted cake can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to a month. Thaw completely, then prepare frosting fresh.
- Frosting storage: If you need to hold frosting, keep it at room temperature. Rewarm gently and stir to restore pourable texture before spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of apples?
Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart-sweet balance and firm texture, but other firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn may work. Avoid soft or overly sweet apples—they can become mushy and overly sweet in the cake.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Replace with whole milk and 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let mixture sit 5 minutes before using for a comparable tang and texture.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend may be substituted, but the texture will be slightly different. Ensure your baking powder and frosting ingredients are also gluten-free.
How far in advance can I add the sea salt?
Sprinkle flaky sea salt only immediately before serving. The moist cake will quickly dissolve salt if left on for hours, diminishing both taste and visual effect.
How do I know when my cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top springs back lightly to the touch and edges pull away slightly from the pan, the cake is ready.
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) | Fat (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice (1/12th cake) | Approx. 350 | 55 | 38 | 13 | 4 |
Nutrition values are estimated and can vary based on portion size and ingredients.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Sheet Cake for Special Occasions
- Thanksgiving: Make it as an alternative or complement to pie.
- Halloween parties: Offer sliced squares for trick-or-treating crowds.
- Fall birthdays: Dress up with colored sprinkles or piped caramel drizzle.
- Weekend brunch: Serve alongside savory egg dishes and spiced coffee.
Expert Troubleshooting
- Frosting too thick? Whisk in more buttermilk, a tablespoon at a time, until pourable.
- Cake sinking in the middle? Possible causes include underbaking or using expired baking powder. Always test for doneness and use fresh leaveners.
- Apple pieces sinking to bottom? Toss apples gently with a little flour before folding into batter to help suspend them.
Related Recipes to Try Next
- Spiced Pumpkin Sheet Cake – another autumn favorite with creamy cheese frosting.
- Classic Apple Spice Cake – nuts and raisins optional.
- Salted Caramel Cupcakes – for caramel lovers seeking portioned treats.
Inspiration and Final Thoughts
This caramel apple sheet cake recipe is inspired by cozy fall flavors and family cravings for simple yet elegant treats. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing choice for holidays and casual gatherings alike. With the satisfying balance of moist cake, tart apple, and salty-sweet caramel, you’ll find yourself making this cake again and again. Don’t forget—the finishing touch of flaky sea salt truly sets this dessert apart.
References
- https://marrykitchen.com/pioneer-woman-caramel-apple-sheet-cake-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a62084558/caramel-apple-sheet-cake-recipe/
- https://handletheheat.com/salted-caramel-apple-sheet-cake/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11297/scrumptous-and-i-do-mean-scrumptous-apple-pie/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g32005659/sheet-cake-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g44093387/apple-cake-recipes/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnKPc3CQJVQ
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