Caramel Apple Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of fall, look no further than this delightful Caramel Apple Cake! Picture a warm, moist apple cake topped with smooth caramel buttercream and drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce. Every bite is like a hug in dessert form—comforting, sweet, and utterly delicious. This cake is not only a showstopper for family gatherings, but it’s also easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s packed with wholesome ingredients and layered flavors that come together beautifully. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting friends for coffee, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this cake will surely bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make: With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll be enjoying this cake in no time.
• Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the tender apple cake paired with sweet caramel.
• Perfect for gatherings: This recipe serves 16 slices, making it an ideal choice for parties or potlucks.
• Make-ahead option: Bake the cake in advance and frost it just before serving—easy peasy!
• Deliciously comforting: The combination of cinnamon-spiced apples and creamy caramel evokes feelings of warmth and joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Caramel Apple Cake uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably have in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need to create this scrumptious dessert:

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 Buttercream

• 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 how flexible it can be! Feel free to experiment with different flavors or add-ins to make it your own.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch!
• Use different fruits: Swap out half of the apples for grated carrots or pears for a fun twist.
• Spice it up: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance the flavor profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

Start by making your homemade salted caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 90 grams of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Keep an eye on it as it cooks; once it turns a beautiful amber color, carefully add 25 grams of butter and 100 grams of heavy cream. Stir until smooth, then add a pinch of salt. This step is crucial because homemade caramel adds that rich flavor we all love!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together both types of sugar (100 grams granulated and 100 grams dark brown), grated apples (200 grams), vegetable oil (110 grams), eggs (2), sour cream (140 grams), and vanilla extract (1 teaspoon). Whisk well until everything is combined smoothly. This mixture brings moisture and flavor to your cake!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can lead to tough cakes! You want a lovely batter that’s ready to be baked.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen during baking will be heavenly!

Step 6: Prepare the Buttercream

While your cake cools down, beat together room temperature butter (100 grams) and powdered sugar (165 grams) in a mixing bowl until fluffy. Add in your prepared caramel sauce (2-3 teaspoons) and another teaspoon of vanilla extract. This buttery frosting pairs perfectly with our apple cake!

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, frost your Caramel Apple Cake generously with the caramel buttercream. Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce on top for that extra touch! Now it’s time to slice into this beauty and enjoy every bite with friends or family—gather around because everyone will want seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cake

Creating the perfect Caramel Apple Cake is easier than you might think! With a few helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your family and friends.

• Use fresh apples: Opt for firm, sweet varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Fresh apples not only provide the best flavor but also keep the cake moist and delicious.

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature helps them blend together more smoothly. This results in a lighter, fluffier cake texture.

• Don’t overmix: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, so be gentle!

• Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, it’s ready. This is crucial to avoid overbaking and drying out your cake.

• Allow time to cool: Let the cake cool completely before frosting it with caramel buttercream. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

Serving your Caramel Apple Cake can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some creative ways to present this scrumptious dessert that will surely wow your guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Drizzle of caramel sauce: A light drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce on top adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream for an airy companion to the rich cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm slices of Caramel Apple Cake, creating a comforting dessert experience.

• Spiced chai tea: The warmth and spice of chai tea complement the autumn flavors in the cake perfectly, making it an ideal beverage pairing.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the cake while providing a burst of freshness.

• Hot apple cider: Serve warm apple cider alongside your dessert for an extra touch of fall that enhances those apple flavors beautifully.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Caramel Apple Cake will be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy baking this delightful treat that captures all the cozy flavors of fall.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Caramel Apple Cake is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week or to share with friends and family. With its delicious flavors and textures, you’ll want to make this cake ahead of time!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap to keep moisture in.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate; it will last up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, ensure the cake is completely cooled.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze without frosting; add frosting after thawing.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator.
• For a warm slice, microwave on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I use different types of apples in my Caramel Apple Cake?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are popular for their tartness, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just ensure they are firm and not too watery.

How can I make my Caramel Apple Cake more caramel-flavored?

To enhance the caramel flavor, consider adding extra caramel sauce both into the batter and as a topping. You can also drizzle more homemade salted caramel over each slice when serving!

Is there a way to make this Caramel Apple Cake healthier?

Yes! To make it healthier, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar slightly or substitute it with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Caramel Apple Cake as much as I do! Its soft texture paired with rich caramel buttercream makes it a truly special dessert that captures the essence of fall. Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with your loved ones, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your variations. Happy baking!