Caramel Apple Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Caramel Apple Cake is a delightful blend of soft, moist apple cake topped with rich caramel buttercream and drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce. It’s a recipe that brings back warm memories of cozy gatherings and family celebrations. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive occasion, this cake is sure to impress everyone at the table!

What makes this cake so special is its simplicity and the comfort it brings. The combination of apples, cinnamon, and caramel creates a flavor that feels like a warm hug. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up any day of the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly, perfect for those busy evenings when you still want something sweet.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves cake! The flavors in this Caramel Apple Cake are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make ahead convenience: Bake it in advance and enjoy it later! It stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of caramel and apple makes every bite irresistible. It’s truly comforting!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Caramel Apple Cake! You’ll find everything you need to create this delicious dessert right here.

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 wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your cake:

• Add nuts: For a little crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
• Use different fruits: Swap out apples for pears or even peaches if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Spice it up: Experiment with adding nutmeg or ginger to enhance the fall flavors.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour for a gluten-free treat.

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 of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Once it’s boiling, don’t stir anymore—just let it cook until it turns golden brown. Remove from heat and carefully add in 25 g of butter followed by 100 g of heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth. Let it cool slightly before using.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together 100 g granulated sugar, 100 g dark brown sugar, and grated apples (about 200 g). Then add in 110 g vegetable oil, 2 room-temperature eggs, 140 g sour cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk these together until they are well combined.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now it’s time to combine your wet and dry ingredients! Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix as this can make your cake dense.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour your batter into a greased cake pan and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 6: Make the Buttercream

While your cake is cooling down, prepare your caramel buttercream! Beat together room temperature butter with powdered sugar until creamy. Slowly drizzle in your prepared caramel sauce and mix well until fluffy.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once your cake has completely cooled down, spread an even layer of caramel buttercream on top. Drizzle more salted caramel sauce over the frosting for that extra touch!

Now you have an amazing Caramel Apple Cake ready to share with friends and family! Enjoy every delicious slice!

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cake

Baking this Caramel Apple Cake is a wonderful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Eggs, sour cream, and butter blend better when they are at room temperature, resulting in a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.
• Grate the apples finely: Finely grated apples distribute moisture evenly throughout the cake, enhancing its texture and flavor. Plus, it helps them bake down beautifully!
• Don’t overmix: Mixing the batter just until combined prevents your cake from becoming dense. A few lumps are perfectly fine; they will incorporate during baking.
• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so check your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Allow to cool completely before frosting: This is crucial! Frosting a warm cake can cause the buttercream to melt. Let it cool for at least an hour on a wire rack before decorating.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

Presenting your Caramel Apple Cake beautifully can make any gathering feel special. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will impress your guests!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and creamy finish that pairs wonderfully with the rich caramel flavors.
• Fresh apple slices: Thinly sliced apples arranged artfully on the plate not only look beautiful but also echo the apple goodness in your cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a lovely contrast with the warm cake, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Caramel sauce drizzle: Serve extra homemade salted caramel sauce on the side for guests to drizzle over their slice for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Cinnamon-spiced roasted pears: These sweet, tender pears add another layer of fall flavors that pair beautifully with the cake while being deliciously healthy.
• Coffee or spiced tea: Pairing this dessert with coffee or a warm spiced tea enhances its comforting vibes and makes for a cozy after-dinner treat.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to create an unforgettable dessert experience! Enjoy every moment as you share this delightful Caramel Apple Cake with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Caramel Apple Cake is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness whenever you like! With simple storage options, it stays fresh and tasty.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Slice the cake into individual portions for easy access.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful Caramel Apple Cake!

Can I use other fruits instead of apples in the Caramel Apple Cake?

Absolutely! While apples add a wonderful flavor and moisture, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or even grated carrots for a unique twist.

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

To make the caramel sauce, simply combine granulated sugar and water over medium heat until dissolved. Then add butter and heavy cream while stirring continuously until smooth. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt for that perfect salted caramel flavor!

Can I make the Caramel Apple Cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

What is the best way to serve Caramel Apple Cake?

This cake is delicious on its own but can be served warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or drizzled with extra caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Caramel Apple Cake brings warmth and joy to your kitchen! Its soft texture and rich flavors make it a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making this recipe as much as I did, and don’t hesitate to share it with family and friends. Happy baking!