Caramel Apple Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, then this Caramel Apple Cake is just what you need! This delightful cake is a family favorite in my home, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s not only incredibly soft and moist, but it’s also topped with a luscious caramel buttercream and drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce. Perfect for those cozy gatherings, busy weeknights, or whenever you want to treat yourself and your loved ones!

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t have to be a baking expert to create something that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery. Trust me, once you take a bite of this Caramel Apple Cake, you’ll understand why it has become such a cherished recipe in my collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously comforting: The combination of warm spices and sweet apples creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• Easy preparation: With straightforward steps, this cake comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids love the sweet caramel topping, while adults will appreciate the rich flavors—everyone wins!
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake it a day in advance; the flavors deepen overnight, making it even more scrumptious.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or an afternoon treat with coffee, this cake fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make this Caramel Apple Cake. You might already have many of these in your pantry!

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 allspice
• 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 Buttercream:

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

Variations

This Caramel Apple Cake is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Switch the fruit: Try using grated pears instead of apples for a different twist.
• Make it spicier: Add more spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick.
• Top with chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decadent addition.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel

Start by making your homemade salted caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 90 g granulated sugar with 1 tbsp water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and turns golden brown. Remove from heat and add 25 g butter, followed by 100 g heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth. This step adds that rich flavor we all love!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 240 g all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground allspice. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures they distribute evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together 100 g granulated sugar with 100 g dark brown sugar until well combined. Then add in 200 g grated apples, 110 g vegetable oil, 2 eggs (room temperature), 140 g sour cream (at room temperature), and 1 tsp vanilla extract. This mixture brings moisture and flavor that complements our dry ingredients beautifully.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! This helps keep your cake tender and fluffy—the secret to that perfect texture.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 6: Prepare the Buttercream

While the cake cools, beat together 100 g room-temperature butter and 165 g powdered sugar until creamy. Add in your homemade caramel sauce (about 2-3 teaspoons) along with another teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor depth.

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

Once your cake has cooled completely, spread that delicious caramel buttercream on top generously! Feel free to drizzle extra caramel sauce over it for an even sweeter finish.

And there you have it—a beautiful Caramel Apple Cake ready to impress! Enjoy every slice as it melts in your mouth with each bite.

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cake

Creating the perfect Caramel Apple Cake is all about the details, and with a few insider tips, you can elevate your baking game to ensure this dessert is nothing short of spectacular!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh, crisp apples not only enhance the flavor but also add a delightful texture to the cake. Opt for varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of sweet and tart.

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a softer cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined will lead to a tender crumb. Overmixing can activate the gluten in flour, resulting in a dense cake.

• Cool before frosting: Allow your cake to cool completely before adding the caramel buttercream. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon and allspice are classic choices, feel free to add nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and flavor that complements the apples perfectly.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

Serving your Caramel Apple Cake can be as delightful as baking it! With some thoughtful presentation and complementary dishes, you can create a dessert experience that everyone will enjoy.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans on top adds crunch and richness that pairs beautifully with the softness of the cake.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of non-dairy whipped cream adds lightness and creaminess, enhancing each bite of this decadent dessert.
• Additional caramel drizzle: A little extra homemade salted caramel drizzled over each slice elevates the visual appeal while reinforcing that delicious flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the warm spices and moist cake—perfect for a cozy dessert.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits provides a light counterpart to this rich dessert, making for a balanced meal.
• Coffee or tea: Serving slices with freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea creates a comforting pairing that enhances the flavors of both beverages and cake.
• Cheese platter: A small cheese platter featuring mild cheeses like brie or gouda offers an interesting savory contrast to the sweetness of your Caramel Apple Cake.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with your deliciously baked Caramel Apple Cake! Enjoy every slice together as you create lovely memories around your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Caramel Apple Cake is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it properly, and enjoy its delightful flavors whenever you crave a sweet treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and then foil for added protection.
• Label the package with the date before placing it in the freezer.
• Enjoy the frozen cake within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove slices from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until heated through.
• Serve warm to enhance the rich caramel flavor!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious Caramel Apple Cake.

Can I make Caramel Apple Cake without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) for a vegan option.

How do I make the caramel sauce for my Caramel Apple Cake?

To make homemade caramel sauce, simply combine granulated sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until dissolved. Let it simmer without stirring until it turns golden amber, then add butter and cream while stirring until smooth.

What variations can I try with Caramel Apple Cake?

Feel free to experiment by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or mixing in spices like nutmeg. You could also swap out apples for pears for a twist on this fall favorite!

How should I serve my Caramel Apple Cake?

This cake is delightful on its own but pairs well with whipped coconut cream or ice cream. Adding extra caramel drizzle on top makes it even more indulgent!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Caramel Apple Cake as delightful as I do! It’s a wonderful blend of flavors that truly captures the essence of fall. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or sharing with friends and family, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to try this scrumptious recipe!