Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is the perfect dessert to bring warmth and joy to any gathering. With its moist cinnamon apple cake topped with a luscious salted caramel glaze, this cake is sure to impress your guests. Ideal for fall festivities, holiday celebrations, or simply a cozy evening at home, this easy sheet cake recipe requires no mixer, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavors: The combination of apples and salted caramel creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this cake in no time.
• Perfect for Crowds: This recipe yields 36 servings, making it great for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Seasonal Appeal: It’s a fantastic choice for autumn and holiday celebrations, bringing festive flavors to the table.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with ice cream or at room temperature with coffee—it’s delicious either way!

Tools and Preparation

To make Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake seamlessly, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: A large surface area allows for even baking and easy serving of the cake.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps in separating dry and wet ingredients effectively.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending ingredients smoothly without lumps—especially important for the caramel sauce.

Ingredients

For this delightful Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake, gather the following ingredients:

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 Salted Caramel 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).

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Ground cinnamon
3. Baking soda
4. Sea salt

Whisk together until well blended.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another large bowl:
1. Melt the unsalted butter.
2. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar.
3. Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

To the butter mixture, add:
1. Water,
2. Buttermilk,
3. Eggs,
4. Vanilla.

Stir until all ingredients are incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined.

Step 7: Fold in Apples

Gently fold in the peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples into the batter until evenly distributed.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Prepare Salted Caramel Glaze While Baking

In a saucepan over medium heat:
1. Melt one stick of unsalted butter.
2. Stir in milk until fully combined.
3. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, stirring constantly until smooth.
4. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract and salted caramel sauce.

Step 10: Glaze the Cake

Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly before pouring the salted caramel glaze over it evenly.

Enjoy your delightful Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. This versatile cake is perfect for gatherings, making it easy to serve and share with friends and family.

For a Cozy Fall Gathering

• Serve warm: Gently warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. The warmth enhances the flavors and makes the salted caramel even more gooey.
• Pair with whipped cream: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess and sweetness.

At Holiday Parties

• Create a dessert bar: Offer toppings like crushed nuts, additional caramel sauce, or chocolate shavings so guests can customize their cake slices.
• Serve with coffee: A warm cup of coffee complements the sweet flavors of the cake perfectly, making it an ideal pairing.

For Potlucks and Picnics

• Cut into squares: For easy serving, cut the cake into bite-sized squares. This allows guests to grab a piece without needing utensils.
• Pack in containers: Use clear containers for a visually appealing presentation if you’re taking it to-go.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Creating the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake takes some attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter for an even texture.
• Chop apples uniformly: Cut your Granny Smith apples into similar sizes. This ensures even cooking and consistent bites throughout the cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough texture.
• Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached when done.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that offers creamy contrast to the warm cake.
2. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and enhance the autumn flavor profile.
3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides freshness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
4. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory touch alongside sweet desserts.
5. Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate creates a cozy treat when served alongside this delicious cake.
6. Apple Cider: Warm apple cider enhances the apple flavor in the cake while adding seasonal flair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can sometimes be tricky, especially when making desserts like Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a light texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can result in a dry cake. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining your baking pan can cause sticking. Always use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
• Testing doneness incorrectly: Relying solely on baking time can be misleading. Use a toothpick to check if it comes out clean from the center of the cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store covered in an airtight container.
• It will keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries answered.

How do I make the salted caramel sauce?

Making salted caramel sauce is easy! Melt sugar over medium heat until it turns amber. Carefully stir in butter and cream, then add salt to taste.

Can I substitute apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add tartness, you can use any firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness and texture.

What is the best way to serve this cake?

Serve warm with a drizzle of additional salted caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for extra indulgence!

How should I store leftover Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze them for up to three months as mentioned above.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake keeps well, so you can bake it a day in advance. Just store it properly and reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is not only delicious but also perfect for gatherings during fall and holiday seasons. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different spices or toppings like nuts or whipped cream. Give this recipe a try, and delight your friends and family with every scrumptious bite!