Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is a perfect dessert for fall, combining the warm flavors of apples and cinnamon with a rich caramel icing. This easy-to-make sheet cake is ideal for large gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleaser. The moist, apple-studded cake topped with a smooth caramel icing will surely be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 2 1/4 cups self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups chopped apples, peeled
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Icing:
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2/3 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1/3 cup milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add the vegetable oil and sugar, stirring until well blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the self-rising flour to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Apples and Pecans: Fold in the chopped apples, chopped pecans, and ground cinnamon. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the cake begins to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Preparing the Caramel Icing:
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add Brown Sugar: Stir in the dark brown sugar and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Remove from Heat: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix Icing: Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Spread Icing: Pour the caramel icing over the cooled cake, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Set: Allow the icing to set before cutting and serving the cake.
Cook’s Notes
- Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Nuts: If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans or substitute them with sunflower seeds or additional apples.
- Icing: For a thicker icing, add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached. For a thinner icing, add a little more milk.
Variations
- Spiced Version: Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of allspice to the cake batter for a spicier flavor.
- Glazed Apples: For an extra apple flavor, sauté additional apple slices with butter, sugar, and cinnamon, and arrange them on top of the icing before it sets.
- Coconut Topping: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the caramel icing for added texture and flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Version
For the Cake:
- Flour: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of self-rising flour. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Sweetener: Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Oil: Use coconut oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil.
For the Caramel Icing:
- Sweetener: Replace the dark brown sugar with a keto-friendly brown sugar substitute like Swerve.
- Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
- Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even omit them if you prefer.
- How do I store the cake?
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Can I freeze the cake?
- Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- What type of apples should I use?
- Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best for this recipe.
- Can I make this cake gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of self-rising flour. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the blend.
Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is a delectable dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. The combination of a moist, cinnamon-spiced apple cake with a luscious caramel icing is simply irresistible. This easy-to-make sheet cake is sure to become a favorite at your family gatherings and holiday celebrations. With its versatile variations and keto-friendly options, there’s a version of this cake for everyone to enjoy. Happy baking!