Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this amazing salted caramel apple sheet cake! It’s the kind of dessert that makes your heart sing and your taste buds dance. Imagine a moist, fluffy cake packed with tender, juicy apples and drizzled with luscious salted caramel. Trust me, this cake is perfect for gatherings and family events, where everyone will be reaching for seconds—if not thirds! It’s so easy to make, too; you’ll have it whipped up and in the oven before you know it. Seriously, every bite is a cozy hug of flavors that brings everyone together. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cake, giving it that perfect structure.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For just the right sweetness in every bite!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: This adds a lovely depth of flavor and moisture. Make sure to pack it tightly in the measuring cup.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works in tandem with the baking powder for that fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip this!
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with the apples.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: This gives the cake a rich flavor and moistness. Let it cool slightly before adding!
- 1 cup applesauce: Keeps the cake tender and adds even more apple goodness.
- 2 large eggs: These are your binding agents, helping everything come together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla makes everything taste even better.
- 2 cups diced apples: Use your favorite apples—Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or even a mix for extra flavor and texture!
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce: The star of the show! You can use store-bought or homemade; just make sure it’s nice and gooey.
With these ingredients at the ready, you’re well on your way to creating a cake that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare the Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
Alright, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious salted caramel apple sheet cake in no time:
- Preheat your oven: First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking our cake to fluffy perfection.
- Prepare your sheet pan: Grab a sheet pan (you want one that’s around 13×18 inches) and give it a good greasing with butter or cooking spray. This will help the cake release easily after baking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed—this is where the magic begins!
- Add the wet ingredients: Now, it’s time to add the melted butter (make sure it’s cooled a bit), applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are totally okay!
- Fold in the apples: Gently fold in the diced apples. I like to use a spatula for this; it helps keep the apples from getting mushy. You want those chunks to stay intact!
- Pour into the pan: Carefully pour the batter into your prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick; that’s how we like it!
- Bake your cake: Pop that beauty into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell that fills your kitchen during this time is heavenly!
- Cool it down: Once it’s baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience is key here—if you drizzle the caramel on while it’s still warm, it might just slide right off!
- Drizzle with caramel: After it’s cooled, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Drizzle that luscious salted caramel sauce over the top of the cake. You can go heavy or light, depending on your caramel cravings!
And there you have it! A beautiful, mouthwatering salted caramel apple sheet cake ready to be devoured. Trust me, you’re going to be the star of the gathering with this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this cake in the oven in no time!
- Easy cleanup: One bowl for mixing and a sheet pan to bake means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying!
- Perfect for gatherings: This sheet cake serves 12, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, or family get-togethers.
- Delicious flavor combination: The pairing of sweet apples and rich salted caramel creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
- Crowd-pleaser: Trust me, folks will be asking for seconds (or thirds!), so be prepared to share the recipe!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your salted caramel apple sheet cake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you achieve cake greatness:
- Use fresh ingredients: Quality really matters! Fresh apples and good-quality spices will elevate the flavor of your cake. If you can, buy local apples for that extra sweetness!
- Don’t overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. A few lumps are totally okay! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it fluffy and light.
- Check for doneness: To test if your cake is done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Remember, every oven is a bit different!
- Let it cool completely: I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but allowing the cake to cool completely will help it set properly and make it easier to slice. Plus, it gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully!
- Adjust the caramel: If you love that salted caramel taste as much as I do, feel free to drizzle on more caramel than the recipe calls for! Just remember, a little goes a long way, so taste as you go.
- Make it ahead: This cake keeps well, so if you’re prepping for a gathering, feel free to bake it a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and drizzle the caramel just before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven look!
Follow these tips, and I promise you’ll impress everyone with your baking skills! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious salted caramel apple sheet cake, and now you have some leftovers (if that’s even possible!). Here’s how to store and reheat it to keep it just as tasty as the first bite!
First things first, let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once it’s cool, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This will help keep the cake moist and prevent it from drying out. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days, but trust me, it’s usually gone way before that!
If you want to enjoy it warm again, here’s what to do: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice a piece of cake and place it on a baking sheet. Cover it lightly with aluminum foil to prevent it from getting too brown. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it—nobody wants a rubbery cake!
For the ultimate experience, drizzle on a little extra salted caramel just before serving. Your taste buds will thank you!
Nutritional Information for Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
Alright, let’s talk about the numbers! Keeping track of nutritional information can be super helpful, especially when you’re serving this delicious salted caramel apple sheet cake to friends and family. Here’s a rough estimate of what you’re getting per slice (and remember, these values can vary based on your specific ingredients):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
This cake is a delightful treat, and knowing these figures can help you enjoy it even more guilt-free! Just remember, it’s all about balance, and a slice of this beauty is definitely worth it!
FAQ About Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
I get a lot of questions about this scrumptious salted caramel apple sheet cake, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones to help you along the way!
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! I love using Granny Smith for that tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work wonderfully too. Just pick your favorites, or mix a few together for a fun flavor twist!
What can I substitute for applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce on hand, you can use an equal amount of mashed bananas or even yogurt. They’ll keep the cake moist and delicious!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You sure can! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. I recommend using one that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
How can I make this cake more decadent?
Oh, if you’re feeling indulgent, try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter! A sprinkle of crushed pecans on top of the caramel drizzle adds a lovely crunch, too.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
This cake is divine on its own, but for an extra treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle a bit more salted caramel over the ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience!
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving, and drizzle the caramel fresh!
How do I store leftover cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just remember to reheat it before enjoying for that warm, cozy taste!
Got more questions? Don’t hesitate to ask! I’m here to help you bake the best salted caramel apple sheet cake ever!
Variations of the Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
Alright, let’s get creative with our salted caramel apple sheet cake! There are so many fun ways to switch things up and cater to different tastes. Here are some of my favorite variations that you can try:
- Different Apple Varieties: While I love the classic Granny Smith, you can experiment with other apples like Honeycrisp for sweetness or Fuji for a bit of crunch. Mixing different types adds depth and complexity to the flavor!
- Nutty Delight: Add in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Nuts pair wonderfully with the softness of the cake and the richness of the caramel.
- Spice It Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter for an extra warming spice? It’ll elevate the cozy vibes even more!
- Chocolate Chip Twist: For all the chocolate lovers out there, fold in some chocolate chips! The combination of chocolate, apples, and salted caramel is downright irresistible.
- Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake: Try turning this into an upside-down cake! Layer sliced apples and drizzle caramel on the bottom of the pan before pouring the batter on top. When you flip it, you’ll have a stunning presentation!
- Seasonal Spices: In the fall, try adding pumpkin spice to the batter for a seasonal twist. It brings a whole new level of autumn flavor that’s just perfect for cozy gatherings.
- Drizzle Variations: Instead of just salted caramel, consider drizzling with chocolate ganache or a vanilla glaze for a different flavor profile. You can even combine them for a double drizzle effect!
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this cake your own. Each variation brings something special to the table, and I can’t wait for you to try them out!
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake: 7 Irresistible Secrets
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious salted caramel apple sheet cake perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a sheet pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add melted butter, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix well.
- Fold in diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This cake is best served warm with ice cream.
- You can adjust the amount of caramel to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: salted caramel apple sheet cake











