Description
A moist, easy-to-make sheet cake featuring tender Granny Smith apples, salted caramel drizzle, and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings and make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 jar (12 oz) store-bought caramel sauce
- 1 pinch sea salt flakes
- 8 oz block cream cheese, full-fat and softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (optional, for thinning)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly with non-stick spray or butter; optionally line bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, applesauce, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the diced Granny Smith apples using a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack (about 1 hour total).
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low until incorporated, then high speed for 2 minutes until fluffy. Add milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Spread cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake.
- Warm caramel sauce slightly until pourable. Drizzle over the frosting in a zig-zag pattern.
- Sprinkle with sea salt flakes. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
[‘Use Granny Smith apples as they hold their shape; other varieties may turn to applesauce.’, ‘Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened, not melted, for smooth frosting.’, ‘The cake tastes better the next day as flavors meld.’, ‘Do not leave frosted cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to cream cheese.’, ‘Can be made gluten-free by using a GF cake mix.’, ‘Can be made dairy-free by using dairy-free butter, cream cheese, and caramel.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 45
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 62
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: fall dessert, apple cake, salted caramel, cream cheese frosting, sheet cake, easy baking, autumn recipes, Granny Smith apples