A caramel apple is a simple thing, but it sure proves the point that simple is often best. That sweet crisp bite of apple under a sticky blanket of caramel… it’s basically heaven on a stick. But with this easy sheet cake, you can have that same flavor in cake form too! Our Caramel Apple Sheet Cake features a soft, spiced crumb studded with tender apples that sit under an easy buttery caramel icing. (In other words, it’s something to really get excited about.)

I love a sheet cake because you get to feed a crowd something delicious without needing to deal with layers or piping any frosting. It’s fuss-free, and since it’s generally so shallow, there’s a lot less that can go wrong in baking, so it’s basically worry-free too.

This cake uses Granny Smith apples that are finely chopped, so their flavor stands up to the caramel icing and the rest of the cake, but their texture isn’t too obtrusive. I’ve always liked Granny Smith apples best to go along with caramel; their tart flavor plays so well with the caramel’s sweetness.

The caramel icing here is a boiled one, but don’t let that scare you away. It’s simple to make – you don’t need a candy thermometer or any fancy tricks. You just boil some butter and brown sugar together before adding some half-and-half, powdered sugar, and vanilla. It’s a pourable glaze that sets up nicely but still remains soft. If you’d like yours to have more of a copper color, just let the butter and sugar cook a little longer before you add the rest of the ingredients. Enjoy!