Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

A moist, buttery sheet cake filled with cinnamon and fresh apples, topped with a silky caramel-infused icing. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress a crowd with seasonal flavors and homemade charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the cozy flavors of apple, cinnamon, and caramel.
• Bakes in a sheet pan for easy prep and serving.
• Moist and tender thanks to sour cream and fresh apples.
• Quick-cooking compared to traditional layer cakes.
• Perfect for serving a crowd with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium apple, diced small or grated (about 1¼ cups)

Icing:

• 3 tablespoons whole milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons caramel sauce

Directions

1. Prep Oven & Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with nonstick spray.
2. Boil Butter & Water: In a medium saucepan, bring butter and water to a boil while stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together sour cream and eggs.
5. Combine: Add the sour cream mixture to the dry ingredients. Fold in the apples. Slowly stir in the warm butter-water mixture until fully combined.
6. Bake: Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–27 minutes, until the center springs back when lightly touched. Let cool slightly before icing.
7. Make the Icing: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and milk. Microwave in 45-second increments until the butter melts. Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and caramel sauce until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed (should be pourable but thick).
8. Ice the Cake: Pour icing over the cake while it’s still slightly warm. Let it set before slicing.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 15 servings
Calories: 403 kcal per serving

Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkle over the icing.
• Salted Caramel Finish: Use salted caramel sauce and finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
• Spice Boost: Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or allspice for extra warm spice.
• Cream Cheese Icing: Replace caramel icing with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
• Apple Cider Glaze: Swap the milk with apple cider in the icing for even more fall flavor.

storage/reheating

Store the cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving. To reheat, microwave slices for 10–15 seconds for a warm treat.

FAQs

Can I use a 9×13 pan instead of a jelly roll pan?

Yes, but you’ll need to add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

What type of apple works best for this cake?

Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold up well when baked.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two pans or one large sheet pan if available.

Do I need to peel the apple?

Peeling is optional. If you prefer a smoother texture, go ahead and peel it.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. It tastes great the next day and stores well.

Can I skip the caramel in the icing?

Yes, though it adds a rich flavor. You can increase vanilla or use maple syrup for a twist.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The center should spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick should come out clean.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute with similar texture and tang.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Avoid overbaking, and store covered once cooled to retain moisture.

Can I add more apples?

Yes, but too many may affect texture. Stick to around 1½ cups max.

Conclusion

Caramel apple sheet cake is the ultimate fall dessert, offering tender spiced cake, sweet apple bites, and a smooth caramel glaze that soaks into every crumb. Easy to bake and perfect for gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleasing treat that celebrates the best of the season.

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