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Decadent Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Recipe with Easy Brown Butter Frosting

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A moist and tender apple sheet cake with chunks of apples, swirled caramel, and a rich brown butter frosting that adds a nutty, caramel-like depth. Perfect for cozy autumn gatherings or any time you want a comforting dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (315g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (170g), softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (100g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240ml) (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 2 medium apples (about 2 cups peeled and chopped), preferably Granny Smith
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (120ml), store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (225g), browned (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (360g), sifted (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (30-45ml) (for frosting)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan with butter or non-stick spray and line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  6. Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and swirl gently with a knife or skewer.
  8. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool the cake completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  10. To make the frosting, brown the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden brown and nutty, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  11. In a mixing bowl, beat the browned butter, then gradually add powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. Beat until fluffy, adding more cream if needed for spreadable consistency.
  12. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally, drizzle more caramel sauce on top.

Notes

Chop apples into small, uniform pieces for even distribution and to avoid weighing down the batter. Brown the butter carefully, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. If frosting is too runny, chill for 10 minutes to firm up. You can brown butter in a microwave-safe bowl if short on stove space, but watch closely.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cake, brown butter frosting, sheet cake, autumn dessert, easy apple cake, caramel dessert, fall baking

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/decadent-caramel-apple-sheet-cake-recipe-with-easy-brown-butter-frosting/