Looking for a dessert that seamlessly blends the flavors of tart apples, rich caramel, and moist cake into one irresistible treat? Look no further than our Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake. This delightful recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet indulgence to accompany your afternoon coffee. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering dessert ready to impress in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (254 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon 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)
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups (200 grams) peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- 3 cups (375 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup salted caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade
Directions:
- Prepare the Cake: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grease a 10-by-15-inch jellyroll pan or a 16-3/4 by 12-inch sheet pan with butter or oil.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 2 sticks of unsalted butter with 1 cup of water. Heat until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir the mixture into the flour mixture. Let it cool slightly, then add in the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20 minutes if using a jelly roll pan, or about 17 minutes if using a 16.75 by 12-inch pan, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is cooling, make the glaze. In a large heat-proof bowl, combine 1 stick of unsalted butter and milk. Microwave until the butter is melted. Gradually stir in the powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and salted caramel sauce, stirring until well combined. If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour the glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Feel free to adjust the amount of glaze according to your preference for sweetness.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve slices of Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake on dessert plates alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Garnish each slice with a drizzle of additional salted caramel sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Pair slices of cake with a piping hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience.
- Storage Recommendations:
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
- If you prefer to store the cake for longer periods, you can refrigerate it for up to 5-7 days. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in a resealable plastic bag before refrigerating.
- Before serving refrigerated cake slices, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to enhance their texture and flavor.
- For longer-term storage, you can freeze individual slices or the entire cake. Wrap the cake slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. Label the package with the date for easy reference.
- Frozen cake can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
- Note that the glaze may become slightly less glossy after refrigeration or freezing, but the flavor will remain delicious.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible, allowing you to enjoy its irresistible flavors whenever the craving strikes.
Variations:
- Nutty Twist: Add a crunchy texture to your cake by incorporating chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking. Sprinkle additional nuts on top of the glaze for an extra nutty flavor.
- Spiced Apple: Enhance the warm flavors of cinnamon by adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the cake batter. These spices will complement the tartness of the apples and elevate the overall taste of the dessert.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of the traditional glaze, try topping your Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Simply beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of salt until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and drizzle with salted caramel sauce for an irresistible combination of flavors.
- Apple Crisp Cake: Create a decadent dessert by layering slices of baked Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake with a crumbled topping made from oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter. Bake the assembled cake until the topping is golden brown and crispy, then serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful apple crisp-inspired treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the baking soda and baking powder, are gluten-free as well. The result will be a delicious gluten-free Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake that everyone can enjoy.
- Apple Caramel Bars: Transform the sheet cake into individual bars by cutting the baked cake into squares or rectangles. Drizzle each bar with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a delightful handheld dessert option that’s perfect for parties or on-the-go snacking.
These variations offer creative ways to customize the classic Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake recipe, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and presentations to suit your preferences and occasions. Whether you’re craving a comforting spiced cake or a decadent dessert bar, these variations are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use a variety of apples based on your preference. Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, but you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and meld together, making it even more delicious.
- Can I omit the salted caramel sauce from the glaze?
- Yes, if you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can omit the salted caramel sauce from the recipe. The glaze will still be delicious with just the addition of vanilla extract.
- Can I freeze the cake with the glaze?
- While it’s possible to freeze the cake with the glaze, the texture of the glaze may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, consider freezing the cake without the glaze and adding it once the cake has thawed.
With its perfect balance of flavors and easy preparation, our Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re enjoying it at a celebration or as a special treat at home, this cake is bound to impress with its irresistible combination of moist cake, tart apples, and luscious caramel glaze. Try it out today and indulge in a slice of dessert perfection!
