Name: Caramel Apple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 90 g granulated sugar; 240 g all-purpose flour; 200 g grated apples; 110 g vegetable oil; 2 eggs; 140 g sour cream; 100 g butter (for buttercream); Caramel sauce (for topping); 1 tbsp water; 25 g butter (for caramel sauce); 100 g heavy cream; Pinch of salt; 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 dark brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 165 g powdered sugar

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If you’re looking for a recipe that captures the essence of fall, then look no further than this Caramel Apple Cake! It’s one of those delightful desserts that makes your heart feel warm and cozy, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. The combination of soft, moist apple cake topped with smooth caramel buttercream is truly irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, this cake is sure to be a hit!

What I love most about this Caramel Apple Cake is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip it up. Plus, the comforting flavors of cinnamon and caramel will make your kitchen smell heavenly as it bakes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: This Caramel Apple Cake comes together quickly, making it perfect for those days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves apples and caramel! This cake is great for kids and adults alike, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings.
Make-ahead convenience: You can bake this cake ahead of time. It stays moist and delicious, so it’s ideal for meal prep or special occasions.
Delicious flavor: With the combination of fresh apples and rich caramel, every bite is bursting with flavor that screams comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this scrumptious Caramel Apple Cake, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; they are easy to find and come together beautifully to create a delightful dessert.

For the Caramel Sauce

90 g granulated sugar
1 tbsp water
25 g butter
100 g heavy cream
Pinch of salt

For the Cake

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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adjust it based on what you have at home or your personal preferences. Here are some fun variations:

Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Mix in spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a different spice profile that complements the apples beautifully.
Use different fruits: Instead of apples, you could experiment with grated carrots or pears for a unique twist.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

Start by making your homemade caramel sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir gently until dissolved. Let it simmer until it turns a golden color. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, heavy cream, and salt until smooth. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground all spice. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout the cake.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, grated apples, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture adds moisture and sweetness to your cake.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your cake light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth!

Step 6: Prepare the Buttercream

While your cake cools down, beat room-temperature butter with powdered sugar until creamy. Add in caramel sauce and vanilla extract; mix until smooth. This luscious buttercream will elevate your cake!

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, spread the caramel buttercream over your cake generously. Drizzle additional salted caramel on top if desired for that extra touch!

Now you have an incredible Caramel Apple Cake ready to impress! Enjoy every delightful slice!

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cake

Making a delicious Caramel Apple Cake is easier than you think! Here are some handy tips to elevate your baking experience:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Having your eggs, sour cream, and butter at room temperature ensures a smoother batter and helps the cake rise better, resulting in a fluffy texture.
Grate Fresh Apples: Freshly grated apples retain moisture and flavor, which makes your cake super moist. Avoid using pre-packaged apple products as they might not provide the same depth of taste.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently folding the ingredients helps maintain air bubbles that contribute to a light and tender cake. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the caramel buttercream. This prevents the frosting from melting off and ensures a perfect presentation.
Make Extra Salted Caramel Sauce: Having extra sauce on hand allows everyone to drizzle more on their slice if they want! It also makes for a delightful topping if you wish to serve it with ice cream.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

Presenting your Caramel Apple Cake beautifully can make it even more enjoyable! Here are some delightful serving ideas:

Garnishes

Chopped Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans adds both crunch and flavor, enhancing that cozy fall vibe.
Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can complement the rich flavors of the cake while providing a creamy contrast.
Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon on top gives an aromatic touch that ties in beautifully with the apple flavor.

Side Dishes

Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm slices of caramel apple cake, creating a comforting dessert experience.
Caramel Drizzle: Serve additional homemade salted caramel sauce on the side for those who love extra sweetness; it’s like giving them an edible gift!
Spiced Chai Latte: A warm cup of spiced chai latte complements the flavors of this cake nicely and adds an inviting beverage option for guests.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the richness of the cake and provides a healthy contrast that everyone will appreciate.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dessert with family and friends! Your Caramel Apple Cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Caramel Apple Cake is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy at gatherings or as a sweet treat throughout the week. Here are some practical tips for storing and preserving this delightful cake.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture.
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

Slice the cake into individual pieces for easy serving.
Place slices in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Alternatively, microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Got questions? Don’t worry; I’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about this scrumptious Caramel Apple Cake.

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

Absolutely! Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully. Each type brings its unique flavor and sweetness, so feel free to experiment!

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

Making caramel sauce is simple! Just follow the recipe provided above using granulated sugar, water, butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. It’s a delightful addition that enhances the cake’s flavor!

Is it possible to make a gluten-free version of Caramel Apple Cake?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it’s designed for baking and adjust any liquid ingredients if necessary.

How long will my Caramel Apple Cake stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature, your cake will be fresh for about 3 days. If refrigerated, it can last up to a week. Just remember to keep it wrapped!

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Cake truly captures the essence of fall with its warm spices and rich caramel flavors. I hope you have as much fun making it as you will enjoying each delicious slice! Whether it’s for a family gathering or just because you deserve a treat, this cake is sure to impress. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!

Caramel Apple Cake

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the warmth of autumn with our delightful Caramel Apple Cake. This easy-to-make dessert features a moist apple cake infused with comforting spices, topped with a luscious caramel buttercream that will leave your taste buds craving more. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, this cake captures the essence of fall in every bite. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it suitable for bakers of all skill levels. Serve it warm with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

90 g granulated sugar
240 g all-purpose flour
200 g grated apples
110 g vegetable oil
2 eggs
140 g sour cream
100 g butter (for buttercream)
Caramel sauce (for topping)
1 tbsp water
25 g butter (for caramel sauce)
100 g heavy cream
Pinch of salt
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 dark brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
165 g powdered sugar

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Instructions

Prepare the caramel sauce by heating sugar and water until dissolved, then whisk in butter, heavy cream, and salt.
Mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and allspice.
Combine wet ingredients: sugars, grated apples, oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Pour batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
While cooling, prepare the buttercream by beating butter with powdered sugar and caramel.
Once cooled, frost the cake with buttercream and drizzle with additional caramel if desired.