Southern desserts have a way of making any occasion feel special, and one of my all-time favorites is Caramel Apple Sheet Cake. This cake is rich, moist, and full of the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and creamy caramel.
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It’s a dessert that instantly evokes memories of family gatherings, especially in the fall when apples are in season. The combination of a soft cake base, smooth frosting, and apple topping makes this a showstopper at any event, big or small.
A Southern food classic
Growing up in the South, food was always more than just a meal—it was a celebration of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing. Caramel Apple Sheet Cake reminds me of the countless afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would bake up a storm for any occasion.
The smell of cinnamon and apples filling the air was enough to make you feel at home, no matter where you were. This cake holds a special place in my heart because it’s not just a dessert; it’s a reminder of love and tradition passed down from generation to generation.
Ingredients
How to make Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
This cake is as easy to make as it is delicious. Start by mixing the dry ingredients, then combine them with a hot butter and water mixture. After that, add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract to create a smooth batter. Once the batter is ready, pour it into the pan and bake until it’s golden and cooked through.
While the cake bakes, you’ll make the frosting by melting butter and milk together, then whisking in powdered sugar and cinnamon. For the apple topping, cook the apples until tender, then spread them over the cooled cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Serving suggestions
Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is perfect for serving at any family gathering or special occasion. It’s a great centerpiece for your dessert table, but it also works well for casual get-togethers. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make it extra special.
For an authentic Southern touch, pair it with a glass of sweet iced tea or a warm mug of apple cider. This cake is sure to impress no matter how you choose to enjoy it.
Storage tips
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, keep it in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds, or warm up the whole cake in the oven at a low temperature.
If the caramel sauce begins to firm up, drizzle a little extra over the top before serving. This cake can also be frozen for up to three months—just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Southern farewell
Southern food has a way of bringing people together, and this Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is no exception. It’s a perfect way to share love with family and friends, whether it’s a special celebration or just a regular Sunday dinner. The combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and caramel makes every bite feel like home.
I hope this recipe becomes a part of your family’s traditions, just as it has for mine. Try it out, and enjoy the warmth and sweetness of Southern cooking!
Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric Mixer or Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 9×13-inch Sheet Pan
- Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Cooling Rack
- Saucepan
- Parchment Paper or Baking Spray
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/3 cup milk
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Apple Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 cups apples peeled and cored and diced into ½-inch chunks (a tart baking apple such as Granny Smith works well)
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray, making sure it’s well-coated to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This will ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed in the cake batter.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the butter and water over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the mixture begins to simmer. Once simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Pour the hot butter and water mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Add the lightly beaten eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir until smooth and fully combined. The batter should be thick and creamy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, just until warm.
- While the cake cools, make the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and milk over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, raise the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and combined.
- Pour the frosting over the warm cake and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Let the frosting settle into the cake as it cools.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, corn starch, and cinnamon. Stir this mixture into the apples and cook until the apples are tender, about 10-12 minutes. Be sure not to overcook them; they should still hold their shape.
- Remove the apple topping from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Once the apples are cool, spread them evenly over the frosted cake. Drizzle with caramel sauce, if desired, and serve. Enjoy this Caramel Apple Sheet Cake with your loved ones, and share the warmth and flavors of Southern comfort.
