Scrumptious Apple Butter Sheet Cake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and warm spices define this delectable apple butter sheet cake that promises pure comfort in every single bite.

Rustic baking meets simple elegance with a dessert that celebrates seasonal harvest flavors.

The rich, velvety apple butter infuses deep warmth into a tender cake layer, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and sophisticated.

Soft crumbs studded with tender apple pieces melt deliciously on your tongue, offering a symphony of autumn-inspired tastes.

Each slice carries the essence of homemade goodness, with a perfectly balanced sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm.

Weekend bakers and dessert lovers will adore how easily this cake comes together, transforming basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Grab a fork and savor the pure magic of this irresistible sheet cake that turns an ordinary afternoon into a delightful celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 357 kcal

Servings: 13

What Goes in Apple Butter Sheet Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb, choose unbleached for best flavor.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens and adds moisture, select pure cane sugar for rich depth.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness, use fresh room-temperature eggs.
• Milk: Creates smooth batter texture, whole milk works best for creamy consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor, use unsalted for precise seasoning control.

• Apple Butter: Intensifies apple essence, select thick, concentrated homemade or artisan varieties.
• Apple Pie Spice: Delivers warm autumn notes, freshly ground spices provide most vibrant flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out sweet notes, pure extract offers superior taste compared to imitation.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze, sift to prevent lumps.
• Apple Cider: Adds tangy undertone to frosting, choose fresh, unfiltered variety.
• Pecans: Provides crunchy contrast, toast lightly to enhance nutty flavor.

Tools to Bake Apple Butter Sheet Cake

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing cake batter ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• 12×17-inch jelly roll pan: Crucial for baking the sheet cake evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cake from sticking and ensures easy removal.
• Wire rack: Helps cake cool completely without getting soggy.
• Medium bowl: Used for preparing the apple cider glaze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Bake Apple Butter Sheet Cake

Autumn Comfort Cake

• Oven Preparation Cozy kitchen setup with a warm, welcoming atmosphere for baking.
• Batter Mixing Blend rich, creamy ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a smooth, velvety mixture that promises deliciousness.
• Cake Transformation Pour the silky batter into a baking pan, spreading it evenly to ensure a perfect golden surface that will fill your home with irresistible aromas.
• Cooling Moment Allow the cake to rest and cool completely, letting its flavors meld and develop a tender, moist texture.
• Glaze Magic Whip up a luxurious, glossy topping that will cascade over the cake like a sweet autumn waterfall.
• Final Touch Drizzle the glaze with a gentle hand, perhaps sprinkling some crunchy nuts for an extra layer of excitement and texture.
• Serving Delight Cut into generous slices and share with loved ones, creating a moment of pure comfort and joy.

Apple Butter Cake Baking Tips

• Enhance the apple butter's warmth by adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg directly into the cake batter for deeper seasonal flavor.
• Replace pecans with toasted walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for different texture and nutty undertones that complement the apple butter's richness.
• Convert the recipe using a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this delectable sheet cake without compromising taste.
• Transform the glaze by mixing in a splash of bourbon or caramel extract for an unexpected gourmet twist that elevates the dessert's complexity.

Serving Apple Butter Sheet Cake

• Cozy Autumn Dessert Plate: Serve warm slices alongside a steaming mug of spiced cider or hot coffee for the ultimate fall comfort experience.
• Festive Holiday Presentation: Garnish each slice with a light dusting of cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, and a few caramelized apple chunks for an elegant touch.
• Picnic and Potluck Star: Cut into neat squares, wrap individually in parchment paper, and pack for outdoor gatherings or family celebrations – guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Breakfast Brunch Companion: Pair slices with vanilla yogurt, a sprinkle of granola, and fresh apple slices for a delightful morning treat that bridges dessert and breakfast worlds.

Store Leftover Apple Butter Cake

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep your apple butter sheet cake in an airtight container, protecting its soft texture and rich flavors for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.
• Refrigeration Strategy: When wanting extended freshness, store the cake in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days. Allow the cake to reach room temperature before enjoying for optimal taste.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen slices will maintain quality for approximately 2-3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake base a day before serving, storing it unglazed. Add the apple cider glaze just before presenting, ensuring maximum moisture and freshness for your delightful dessert.

Velvety Apple Butter Sheet Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Rich maple-glazed apple butter sheet cake showcases autumn’s warmth with perfect spice balance. Homemade comfort calls you to savor each moist, fragrant slice.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup salted butter, melted
• 1 cup salted butter, melted (for frosting)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup 2% milk (240 mL)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup apple butter
• ¼ cup apple cider
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp apple pie spice
• Chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and meticulously line a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Batter Creation: Whisk melted butter, milk, apple butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until thoroughly integrated, then seamlessly blend in eggs and vanilla extract to achieve a silky, uniform mixture.
3. Dry Ingredient Incorporation: Gently fold flour, baking soda, and apple pie spice into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to maintain a light cake consistency without overmixing.
4. Baking Process: Distribute batter evenly across the prepared pan using a spatula, eliminating potential air pockets, and bake for approximately 20 minutes until the center springs back when lightly touched.
5. Cooling Phase: Remove cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack, facilitating proper temperature reduction.
6. Glaze Preparation: Whisk melted butter, apple cider, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency for drizzling.
7. Finishing Touches: Once cooled, generously drizzle glaze across the cake’s surface, optionally sprinkle chopped pecans for added texture, and allow frosting to set for roughly 15 minutes.
8. Serving: Slice into generous portions and serve, storing any remaining cake in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir flour mixture gently to maintain a light, fluffy cake texture and avoid dense, tough results.
• Perfect Baking Time: Check cake doneness by lightly pressing the center; it should spring back when fully baked, indicating perfect moisture.
• Glaze Consistency Matters: Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and glossy, ensuring even coverage and optimal taste distribution.
• Storage Tip: Keep cake fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature, preserving its soft texture and rich apple butter flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 357
• Sugar: 41 g
• Sodium: 245 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 52 mg