Caramel Apple Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, then this Caramel Apple Cake is just what you need! This cake is not only super soft and moist, but it’s also topped with a luscious caramel buttercream and drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce. It’s the perfect treat to share with family and friends during those chilly evenings or at festive gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it has become one of my all-time favorites!

This Caramel Apple Cake is incredibly easy to whip up, making it a fantastic choice whether you’re busy on a weeknight or planning a special occasion. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spiced, making every slice a delightful experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps, this recipe is friendly for both seasoned bakers and beginners.
• Family favorite: The combination of apples and caramel will have everyone asking for seconds!
• Perfect for sharing: With 16 generous slices, it’s ideal for gatherings or potlucks.
• Make-ahead option: Bake it in advance and store it; it tastes even better the next day!
• Fall flavors: Enjoy the warm spices of cinnamon and allspice that remind you of cozy autumn days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! This Caramel Apple Cake uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at 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 Buttercream

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

Variations

This Caramel Apple Cake is versatile and can be tailored to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch!
• Change the fruit: Swap out apples for pears or even shredded carrots for a different twist.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to give it a unique flavor profile.
• Frosting alternatives: Use cream cheese frosting instead of caramel buttercream for a tangy kick.

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 g granulated sugar and 1 tbsp water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then allow it to simmer without stirring until it turns a lovely amber color. Carefully add 25 g butter, followed by 100 g heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly before using.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground allspice. This step is important because combining your dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout your cake.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together 100 g granulated sugar, 100 g dark brown sugar, grated apples, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined. This mixture will add moisture and sweetness to your cake!

Step 4: Combine Both Mixtures

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while gently folding until just combined. Avoid overmixing; you want your cake to remain light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour your batter into a greased cake pan and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. The wonderful aroma will fill your kitchen as it bakes!

Step 6: Make the Buttercream

For your delicious frosting, beat together room temperature butter with powdered sugar until creamy. Then add in caramel sauce and vanilla extract. This step creates an irresistible topping that complements your cake perfectly!

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once your cake has cooled completely, spread the caramel buttercream generously on top. Drizzle additional homemade salted caramel sauce for that extra touch! Now you’re ready to slice into this delightful treat.

Enjoy every bite of this Caramel Apple Cake—it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection!

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cake

Making a perfect Caramel Apple Cake is all about the details, and these tips will help you achieve that heavenly slice every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures even mixing and helps your batter rise beautifully, giving you that light and fluffy texture.

• Grate the apples finely: Finely grated apples blend seamlessly into the batter, providing moisture without overwhelming the cake’s structure. Plus, it intensifies the apple flavor!

• Don’t skip the salt: Adding a pinch of salt to both your caramel and cake batter enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and elevating the overall taste.

• Let the cake cool completely before frosting: This prevents the buttercream from melting off, allowing you to achieve that perfect, smooth finish for your caramel topping.

• Make extra salted caramel sauce: Having some additional sauce on hand not only makes for a gorgeous presentation but also gives your guests an option to drizzle more on their slices for added indulgence!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

Serving your Caramel Apple Cake beautifully can turn an ordinary dessert into something extraordinary! Here are some delightful ways to present this autumn-inspired treat.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon over the top adds a warm spice aroma that invites everyone to dig in.
• Fresh apple slices: Arrange thin slices of fresh apples on plates alongside each slice of cake for a refreshing contrast.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a deliciously cool contrast to the warm spices in the cake, making each bite even more enjoyable.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a lighter option, whipped coconut cream offers a dairy-free alternative that pairs perfectly with the richness of the cake.
• Caramelized pears: Sautéed pears in a little butter and sugar enhance your dessert experience with another layer of fruitiness that harmonizes beautifully with apple.
• Spiced chai tea: A cup of warm spiced chai tea creates a cozy atmosphere and complements the flavors in your cake wonderfully, making it perfect for chilly evenings.

Enjoy creating this delightful Caramel Apple Cake and sharing it with loved ones—it’s sure to become an instant favorite at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Caramel Apple Cake is a fantastic choice for meal prep. Its flavors only deepen over time, making it even more delightful to enjoy days after baking.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftover slices in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap tightly.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• For a warm slice, microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about making this delicious treat, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.

Can I make Caramel Apple Cake without sour cream?

Absolutely! You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or a non-dairy yogurt alternative to achieve similar moisture and flavor.

How do I store Caramel Apple Cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate them for longer freshness. You can also freeze slices for later enjoyment!

What can I use instead of eggs in Caramel Apple Cake?

You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) for a vegan option.

Can I add nuts to my Caramel Apple Cake?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch and complement the flavors beautifully. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Caramel Apple Cake as much as I do! It’s perfect for gatherings or simply treating yourself at home. The warm spices and rich caramel create such comforting flavors that remind us of cozy fall days. Don’t hesitate to share your baking experience; I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!