Caramel Apple Cake

If you’re looking for a heartwarming dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve landed in the right spot! This Caramel Apple Cake is a cherished recipe in my home. It’s soft, moist, and bursting with apple goodness, all topped off with a creamy caramel buttercream and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce. Every bite tells a story of cozy evenings and family gatherings.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this cake is perfect for sharing with loved ones. Its delightful flavors and inviting aroma will have everyone coming back for seconds (or even thirds!). Let’s dive into this delicious journey together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this cake is beginner-friendly!
• Family-Friendly: The combination of apples and caramel makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it in advance and let the flavors meld for an even richer taste!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, this cake fits right in.
• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices combined with sweet caramel will make your taste buds dance!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that the ingredients for this Caramel Apple Cake are simple and wholesome. They come together beautifully to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake

• 90 g granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp water
• 25 g butter
• 100 g heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• 240 g all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground all spice
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 100 g dark brown sugar
• 200 g apples (grated)
• 110 g vegetable oil (room temperature)
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• 140 g sour cream (14-18% room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 100 g butter (room temperature)
• 165 g powdered sugar
• 2-3 tsp caramel
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Variations

One of the best things about this Caramel Apple Cake is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Change the Fruit: Substitute with grated pears or even shredded carrots for a twist.
• Spice it Up: Experiment by adding nutmeg or ginger to enhance the flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

Start by making your caramel sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 90 g of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Allow it to cook without stirring until it turns a beautiful amber color. Remove from heat and quickly add 25 g of butter, followed by 100 g of heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth. This homemade salted caramel adds richness that complements the apples perfectly!

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 240 g of all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground all spice. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout your cake.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together 100 g granulated sugar and 100 g dark brown sugar with grated apples. Add in your room temperature vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything until well combined; this mixture will keep your cake moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture while folding gently. This helps maintain that tender texture we all love in cakes! Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake your cake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell will be heavenly—just wait until you take that first bite!

Step 6: Prepare Your Buttercream Frosting

To make the frosting, beat together 100 g of softened butter and gradually add in 165 g of powdered sugar until fluffy. Incorporate your reserved caramel sauce (2-3 teaspoons) along with another teaspoon of vanilla extract; mix well until smooth.

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

Once your cake has cooled completely, generously spread that luscious caramel buttercream on top! Don’t forget to drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over it for that extra touch.

And there you have it! A wonderful Caramel Apple Cake that’s not just easy to make but also filled with love and warmth—perfect for enjoying with family or friends! Enjoy every slice!

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cake

Baking can be a joyful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips under your belt to ensure your Caramel Apple Cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh, crisp apples not only add moisture but also enhance the flavor of the cake. Opt for varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature creates a smoother batter, resulting in a fluffier cake.
• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour, baking powder, and spices helps to aerate them and prevents clumps in your batter, leading to a lighter texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps keep the cake tender. Overmixing can develop gluten and lead to a denser cake.
• Let the cake cool completely: Before adding the caramel buttercream frosting and sauce, allow the cake to cool completely. This step prevents melting and ensures a beautifully layered dessert.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

Serving your Caramel Apple Cake is an opportunity to get creative! Whether it’s for a family gathering or a special occasion, how you present this delightful treat can add to its appeal.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top adds a lovely crunch and complements the flavors of the cake.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream provides a light, airy contrast to the rich caramel frosting.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top not only enhances presentation but also amplifies that warm fall flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm slices of caramel apple cake, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Spiced chai: A cup of spiced chai complements the warm spices in the cake while providing a cozy beverage option for guests.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the cake and adds a pop of color to your dessert table.
• Coffee or tea: Offering coffee or tea as a beverage pairing elevates your dessert experience and allows guests to savor their slices even more.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your delicious Caramel Apple Cake! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Caramel Apple Cake is not only a delight to serve but also an excellent choice for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it over several days, making your gatherings or busy weeknights sweeter and easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you wish to keep it longer, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the cake without frosting.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cake warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use different types of apples for the Caramel Apple Cake?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, you can use any apple variety you prefer. Sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji will also work beautifully.

How do I ensure my Caramel Apple Cake stays moist?

To keep your cake moist, make sure not to overbake it. Check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested bake time. Also, using sour cream helps add moisture and richness.

Is there a way to make this Caramel Apple Cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s designed for baking to achieve similar results.

Can I add nuts to my Caramel Apple Cake?

Certainly! Chopped walnuts or pecans would make a lovely addition, adding both flavor and texture. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to bake this Caramel Apple Cake as I am! It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family during those cozy fall gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. The combination of fluffy apple cake topped with rich caramel buttercream is truly special. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your own twists! Happy baking!