Apple Butter Sheet Cake

Apple butter has a rich historical significance in American cuisine, with roots tracing back to the early settlers who brought their apple-growing traditions to the New World. This spreadable fruit preserve was developed as a way to preserve apples for longer periods, often used as a sweet condiment for bread and pastries. The process of making apple butter involves slow cooking apples with sugar and spices until they achieve a thick, smooth consistency. This method not only intensifies the flavor of the apples but also creates a rich, dark spread that is both sweet and slightly spiced.

Experience the heartwarming goodness of a homemade Delightful Apple Butter Sheet Cake. This moist, flavorful cake features apple butter as its star ingredient, enhancing its rich taste and texture. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, it's the perfect sweet treat for gatherings or cozy afternoons. Discover the history of apple butter, learn about baking techniques, and enjoy creative serving suggestions in this delightful recipe. Bake, share, and savor the memories!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

3 large eggs

1 cup apple butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup milk

Optional: 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for added texture)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13x18-inch sheet pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.

Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the apple butter and vanilla extract until combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.

Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix well. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.

Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the frosting for extra flavor.

Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, spiced flavors of your homemade apple butter sheet cake!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 1 hr | 24 servings