Name: Caramel Apple Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 240 g all-purpose flour; 200 g grated apples; 110 g vegetable oil; 2 eggs; 140 g sour cream; 100 g granulated sugar; 100 g dark brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 100 g butter (for frosting); 165 g powdered sugar; 2-3 tsp caramel sauce

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If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall, let me introduce you to my favorite Caramel Apple Cake. This delightful cake is soft, moist, and topped with luscious caramel buttercream and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce. It blends the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with the sweetness of caramel, making it an irresistible treat!

What I love most about this cake is its versatility. It’s perfect for cozy family gatherings or even as a sweet ending to a busy weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s simple to whip up, so you can indulge in this deliciousness without spending all day in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this cake is a breeze to prepare.
Family-friendly: Everyone loves the combination of apples and caramel! It’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a regular day, this cake adds a touch of celebration.
Make-ahead friendly: Bake it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment—it’s just as tasty after a day or two!
Heavenly flavor: The blend of spices and creamy caramel creates an unforgettable taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Caramel Apple Cake requires simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. 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

This Caramel Apple Cake is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Use different fruits: Swap out half the apples for grated carrots or pears for a unique twist.
Try different spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger instead of cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel

Start by making your homemade caramel sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 90 g granulated sugar and 1 tbsp water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Allow it to simmer until it reaches a deep amber color. Remove from heat, then add 25 g butter and 100 g heavy cream carefully—this will create your silky caramel sauce. Don’t forget the pinch of salt! Set aside to cool slightly while you prep the cake.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing 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 all spice. This step is crucial because it ensures even distribution of your leavening agents and spices throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together 100 g granulated sugar, 100 g dark brown sugar, grated apples (200 g), room temperature vegetable oil (110 g), eggs (2), sour cream (140 g), and vanilla extract (1 tsp). Whisk until well combined. The moisture from the apples and sour cream helps keep your cake tender!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix! This keeps your cake fluffy and light.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease two round cake pans and pour in your batter evenly. Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in their pans for about ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While your cakes cool down completely, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together room temperature butter (100 g) and powdered sugar (165 g) until light and fluffy. Add in your cooled caramel sauce (2-3 tsp) and another teaspoon of vanilla extract; mix until smooth.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread frosting on top before placing the second layer on top. Finish by frosting the top and sides generously with more caramel buttercream.

Now you have your beautiful Caramel Apple Cake ready to share! Just wait until everyone takes their first bite—they’re going to love it!

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cake

Creating the perfect Caramel Apple Cake is easier than you might think! Here are some handy tips to ensure your cake turns out absolutely delicious.

Use fresh apples: Freshly grated apples not only provide better flavor but also add moisture to the cake, ensuring it stays soft and tender.
Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature. This allows for better emulsification, resulting in a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.
Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle when folding in your ingredients.
Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. This ensures that your cake is perfectly baked without being dry.
Let it cool completely: Before frosting your cake, make sure it’s completely cool. This prevents the buttercream from melting and helps maintain its structure.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

Serving your Caramel Apple Cake can be as delightful as baking it! Here are some creative ideas to present this scrumptious dessert.

Garnishes

Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.
Fresh apple slices: Place thinly sliced apples on top of the frosting for a beautiful presentation and an extra touch of freshness.
Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of ground cinnamon can enhance the aroma and flavor profile, making each slice even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream serves as a wonderful contrast to the warm spices in the cake. It melts slightly on contact, creating a deliciously rich combination.
Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy texture that balances out the richness of the caramel buttercream.
Caramel sauce drizzle: Serve extra homemade salted caramel sauce on the side for those who want to indulge even further. It’s a decadent addition!
Spiced chai tea: A warm cup of spiced chai tea pairs beautifully with this cake, enhancing its fall flavors with aromatic spices like cardamom and ginger.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re all set to create an unforgettable dessert experience with your Caramel Apple Cake! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Caramel Apple Cake is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it taste divine, but it also stores beautifully, making it a great option for gatherings or weeknight desserts.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
If you have leftover caramel buttercream, store it separately in the refrigerator.

Freezing

Wrap individual slices of the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To freeze the caramel buttercream, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat individual slices, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds.
For a warm slice with melty buttercream, consider reheating it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Have questions about making this delicious Caramel Apple Cake? Here are some common inquiries!

Can I make Caramel Apple Cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

How do I store Caramel Apple Cake?

You can store it at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices.

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! While apples are traditional, feel free to experiment with pears or even grated zucchini for added moisture and flavor.

How long does Caramel Apple Cake last?

This cake stays fresh at room temperature for about 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If frozen, it lasts up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this journey into baking your very own Caramel Apple Cake! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a delightful way to celebrate fall flavors and create lasting memories with family and friends. I invite you to try making this cake—it’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen. Happy baking!

Caramel Apple Cake

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the essence of autumn with this delightful Caramel Apple Cake. This moist and flavorful dessert combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a rich caramel buttercream frosting, topped with a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or as a cozy weeknight treat, this cake is simple to prepare and sure to impress. The warm flavors and inviting aroma will make it a favorite among both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale

240 g all-purpose flour
200 g grated apples
110 g vegetable oil
2 eggs
140 g sour cream
100 g granulated sugar
100 g dark brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
100 g butter (for frosting)
165 g powdered sugar
2–3 tsp caramel sauce

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease two round cake pans.
In a saucepan, create homemade caramel by combining granulated sugar and water until amber colored; mix in butter and heavy cream.
In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and all spice.
In another bowl, mix together sugars, grated apples, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.
Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
For the frosting, beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy; mix in cooled caramel sauce.
Once cooled completely, frost between layers and on top of the cake.