Caramel Apple Sheet Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

 

Caramel Apple Sheet Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

The caramel apple sheet cake is a modern dessert inspired by the classic Texas sheet cake. Combining the flavors of fresh apples and rich caramel, this cake adds a seasonal twist to a beloved dessert style. While Texas sheet cake is known for its simplicity and large-batch baking, the caramel apple version offers the perfect autumn upgrade with warm and cozy flavors.

Thanks to the delicious pairing of caramel and apples, this cake has become a popular choice for family gatherings and seasonal celebrations. Its large sheet format makes it easy to share, making it both practical and flavorful for any fall occasion.

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How to Make a Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Looking for a simple yet festive dessert for autumn? This caramel apple sheet cake, featuring crispy seasonal apples and smooth caramel, is an excellent choice for special gatherings. With a straightforward recipe, anyone can make it—and the combination of moist cake and rich caramel frosting is sure to please.

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Ingredients

Cake

• Baking spray (for greasing the pan)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk butter (at room temperature)
• 2 seasonal apples (peeled and finely chopped)
• 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt

Caramel Frosting

• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Milk butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
   Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Mix well.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
   In a large bowl, mix the vegetable oil, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk butter in alternating portions, mixing until just combined. Finally, fold in the chopped apples.

4. Bake the Cake
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Prepare the Caramel Frosting
   While the cake cools, melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Add a bit of milk butter and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.

6. Finish the Cake
   Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the caramel frosting evenly over the top. This caramel apple sheet cake offers a delightful blend of sweet caramel and crisp apple flavors—perfect for sharing.

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Ingredient Tips

The Role of Milk Butter

Milk butter enhances the cake’s softness by adding moisture and acidity, which helps activate the baking soda. If you don’t have milk butter on hand, full-fat sour cream can be used as a substitute, although it may slightly alter the flavor.

Choosing the Right Apples

Fresh, seasonal apples offer the best balance of sweetness and tartness. Varieties such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Korean-grown apples like Hongro or Aori work well, as they retain their shape when baked.

Why Use Unsalted Butter?

Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the flavor, preventing the cake from becoming too salty. In caramel frosting, unsalted butter helps highlight the natural sweetness and richness of the caramel without overpowering it.

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Conclusion

Caramel apple sheet cake is the ideal dessert for fall celebrations, family gatherings, or any special occasion. The soft, moist cake paired with smooth caramel frosting and flavorful apples captures the essence of autumn in every bite.

This fall, try making a caramel apple sheet cake and enjoy a memorable treat with your loved ones!