Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe

This Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is a moist and spicy recipe, which is made with tender Granny Smith apples and a rich, cooked caramel frosting. It’s the perfect fall dessert, a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make cake that’s ready in about an hour, plus cooling time.

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Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Ingredients

A classic fall combination for a perfectly moist and flavorful cake.

For the Cake:

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

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
2 tsp. flaky sea salt, for serving

How To Make Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

A step-by-step guide to this wonderfully moist and easy-to-make cake.

Prep Oven and Make Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 13×9-inch baking pan with baking spray with flour. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil and both sugars. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla.
Combine and Bake: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Make the Caramel Frosting: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the brown sugar until it’s mostly dissolved. Increase the heat to medium, add ¼ cup of the buttermilk, and bring the mixture to a boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Finish the Frosting and Glaze: Immediately pour the hot mixture into a heat-proof mixing bowl. Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of buttermilk until completely smooth and pourable. Working quickly, pour the warm frosting over the cooled cake and spread it evenly. Let the glaze set for at least 1 hour.
Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the cake with the flaky sea salt and slice.

Recipe Tips

For the most moist, flavorful apple cake every time.

What are the best apples to use? Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith are the perfect choice for this cake. They hold their shape during baking without turning to mush and their tartness provides a wonderful balance to the sweet cake and caramel frosting.
Why use room temperature ingredients? Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk is important for a smooth, well-emulsified batter. This helps to create a cake with a fine, even texture and prevents it from being dense.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this cake is fantastic for making a day in advance. The cake is incredibly moist and the flavors will only get better as it sits. Just wait to sprinkle the flaky salt on top until right before serving.
My frosting is too stiff! What do I do? This type of cooked caramel frosting sets up very quickly as it cools. If it becomes too stiff to pour or spread, simply whisk in more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency again.

What To Serve With Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Simple accompaniments for this sweet and comforting fall dessert.

A warm slice of this delicious cake is a perfect treat on a cool autumn day. It’s wonderful served with:

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
A dollop of unsweetened whipped cream
A hot cup of black coffee or a spiced chai latte

How To Store Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Keeping your cake fresh and moist.

Room Temperature: Once the frosting has set, you can store the cake, covered, at room temperature for up to 3 days. The moisture from the cake may cause the flaky salt to dissolve if left on for a long time.

Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per slice.

Calories: 580 kcal
Carbohydrates: 95 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 23 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Why is my quick bread dense or gummy?

A dense or gummy texture is usually the result of over-mixing the batter after the flour has been added. It’s important to mix only until the ingredients are just combined to keep the cake tender.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! About a cup of toasted, chopped pecans or walnuts would be a fantastic addition. You can either fold them into the cake batter or sprinkle them over the frosting before it sets.

Why does the recipe say to wait to add the flaky salt?

As the recipe tip notes, the cake is very moist, and the frosting is a wet glaze. If you sprinkle the delicate, flaky salt on too early, it will absorb the moisture and dissolve, losing its signature crunch and appearance. Adding it just before serving keeps it perfect.

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