The Best Apple Butter Sheet Cake Recipe for Cozy Baking Days

Apple butter redefines ordinary desserts into extraordinary experiences, infusing warmth and nostalgia into every delectable slice.

This homestyle cake celebrates seasonal comfort with its rich, velvety texture and deep autumnal essence.

Spices dance through the tender crumb, creating a sensory journey that transports you to cozy kitchen memories.

Soft, moist layers promise an indulgent treat that balances sweet and subtle flavor profiles.

Warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg complement the deep, caramelized apple butter, elevating this dessert beyond standard recipes.

Rustic and inviting, this sheet cake represents simple baking magic that connects generations through shared culinary traditions.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently craft this delightful dessert that guarantees smiles and second helpings.

Apple Butter Sheet Cake: A Soft and Spiced Favorite

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: This apple butter sheet cake captures the warm, cozy essence of autumn with its rich, spiced flavor profile that wraps you in nostalgic comfort.
• Foolproof Baking Delight: The simple sheet cake method makes this recipe incredibly beginner-friendly, allowing even novice bakers to create a stunning dessert with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Quick and Crowd-Pleasing Treat: With a total preparation and baking time of just 30 minutes, this cake offers a speedy solution for impromptu gatherings, potlucks, or sudden dessert cravings that need immediate satisfaction.
• Versatile Flavor Adventure: The combination of apple butter, apple pie spice, and cider glaze creates a multi-layered taste experience that celebrates the deep, complex flavors of fall in every single bite.

Key Ingredients for Apple Butter Sheet Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Soft wheat flour that creates the cake's tender base with a classic light texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that add depth of flavor and help create a moist cake structure.
• Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness to the cake batter.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth, tender cake texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
• Apple Butter: Concentrated apple spread that infuses deep fruit flavor and additional moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet aromatic notes.
• Baking Soda: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light.
• Apple Pie Spice: Warm spice blend that adds classic fall flavor complexity.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze with perfect spreading consistency.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky frosting texture.
• Apple Cider: Provides tangy fruit undertone and helps thin the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle depth to the sweet glaze.

• Pecans: Crunchy topping that adds nutty flavor and textural contrast.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for easy cake removal and clean baking.

Instructions for Baking Apple Butter Sheet Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep the Pan

Crank the oven to 350°F. Line a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, making sure it’s smooth and covers every corner.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Base

• Melted butter
• Milk
• Apple butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Apple pie spice

Stir until the batter looks completely unified.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. The cake is ready when it gently springs back to the touch.

Step 4: Craft the Dreamy Glaze

• Melted butter
• Apple cider
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar

Keep stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy glaze.

Step 5: Dress the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top. Spread it evenly, letting it cascade down the sides. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for extra crunch.

Step 6: Let It Set and Serve

Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes. Slice into generous squares and serve. Any leftovers can hang out in an airtight container at room temperature, ready for snacking.

Apple Butter Sheet Cake Tips to Get It Right

• Select Premium Apple Butter: Choose high-quality, thick apple butter with rich, concentrated flavor for maximum taste depth in your cake.
• Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and milk to reach room temperature before mixing to create smoother, more evenly textured batter.
• Check Baking Doneness Carefully: Gently press cake center to test readiness; it should spring back lightly without leaving an indentation.
• Control Glaze Consistency: Adjust powdered sugar gradually when making frosting to achieve perfect drizzling texture that's not too thick or runny.
• Toast Pecans for Extra Flavor: Quickly toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet before sprinkling to enhance their nutty, aromatic qualities and add delightful crunch.

How to Store and Warm Apple Butter Sheet Cake

• Refrigerate: Place cake slices in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Room Temperature: Cover cake loosely with plastic wrap or store in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 days, maintaining its soft texture and flavor.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore moisture and enhance taste.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Butter Sheet Cake

• Brew Perfect Autumn Warmth: Pair this apple butter sheet cake with a steaming mug of spiced chai tea, which complements the cake's warm apple pie spices and creates a cozy flavor harmony.
• Elevate with Creamy Companion: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the cake's rich, sweet profile and add a cool, smooth contrast to the warm cake texture.
• Craft a Nutty Beverage Match: Enjoy with a glass of caramel-infused cold brew coffee, which echoes the cake's deep caramel undertones and enhances the pecans' roasted notes.
• Accent with Dessert Wine: Select a light moscato or late harvest riesling to complement the cake's sweetness, bringing out subtle apple and spice nuances while providing a gentle, refreshing finish.

Twist Ideas for Apple Butter Sheet Cake

• Rustic Autumn Spice Cake: Swap apple butter with pumpkin puree and add extra cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy fall-inspired version that captures seasonal warmth.
• Nutty Caramel Apple Delight: Replace regular glaze with a salted caramel topping and mix chopped walnuts into the batter for added crunch and deep flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Apple Comfort Cake: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this sweet treat without compromise.
• Maple Pecan Apple Cake: Incorporate maple syrup into the batter and replace powdered sugar glaze with a maple-bourbon frosting for a rich, indulgent dessert experience.

Apple Butter Sheet Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Spiced apple butter sheet cake brings orchard-fresh comfort to classic dessert lovers. Moist crumb layered with warm cinnamon and sweet apple essence creates a simple yet irresistible treat you’ll crave from first delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

Primary Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup salted butter, melted
• 1 cup 2% milk (240 milliliters)

Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup apple butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice

Frosting Ingredients:

Base Ingredients:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup salted butter, melted

Flavor Enhancers:

• ¼ cup apple cider
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

• Chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and meticulously line a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the surface.
2. Create a smooth batter by whisking melted butter, milk, apple butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until thoroughly integrated.
3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture, blending until the texture becomes silky and uniform.
4. Gently fold in flour, baking soda, and apple pie spice, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a light cake consistency.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and eliminate any potential air pockets.
6. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, monitoring until the cake’s center responds with a gentle spring when lightly touched.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack, enabling proper temperature reduction.
8. Craft the glaze by whisking melted butter, apple cider, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.
9. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze across the surface, using a spatula to create an even layer.
10. Optional: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the glazed cake for added texture and flavor.
11. Allow the frosting to set for roughly 15 minutes, permitting it to stabilize and slightly harden.
12. Slice into generous portions and serve, storing any remaining cake in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

• Ensure parchment paper covers the entire jelly roll pan to prevent sticking and easy cake removal.
• Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter incorporation and better cake texture.
• Apple butter adds rich moisture and deep autumn flavor, making this cake extra special.
• Mix dry ingredients separately before adding to wet ingredients to prevent flour clumping.
• Check cake doneness by gently pressing the center; it should spring back and not leave an indentation.
• Allow cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent glaze from melting and sliding off.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg