Name: Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 large eggs; 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples; 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for glaze); 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

A soft, moist sheet cake filled with tender apples and warm spices, topped with a rich caramel glaze. This comforting dessert is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family treat. The combination of sweet caramel and tart apples creates a balanced flavor that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This caramel apple sheet cake is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. It has the nostalgic flavors of caramel-dipped apples but in a cake form that is simple to bake and easy to serve. The sheet cake format makes it ideal for feeding a group, and the caramel topping adds a luxurious finish. Whether you serve it warm or at room temperature, it is always delightful.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Apples (peeled and diced)
Buttermilk
Caramel sauce (for topping)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Stir in the dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk until just combined.
Fold in the diced apples.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool slightly, then pour warm caramel sauce over the top.
Slice and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 12–15 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling and topping time: 15 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Use different apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Drizzle salted caramel instead of regular caramel for a sweet-salty balance.
Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries for added texture.
Top with a cream cheese glaze instead of caramel for a tangy finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving. For longer storage, freeze the cake (without caramel topping) for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding fresh caramel.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and add the caramel topping just before serving for best freshness.

What type of apples work best in this cake?

Firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work well because they hold their shape while baking.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly, though homemade caramel adds a richer flavor.

Can this cake be made without buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Be careful not to overbake the cake and store it properly in an airtight container. Adding caramel topping also helps retain moisture.

Can I add a streusel topping?

Yes, a streusel topping made with butter, sugar, and flour can be sprinkled on before baking for extra texture.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger sheet pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

What can I serve with caramel apple sheet cake?

It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, vegetable oil can replace butter for a slightly different texture, but butter provides better flavor.

Conclusion

Caramel apple sheet cake is a comforting and versatile dessert that combines classic autumn flavors into one easy-to-make treat. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, this cake offers the best of both worlds: moist apple cake and rich caramel topping. With simple ingredients and endless variation options, it is sure to become a favorite in your dessert collection.