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 soft, moist, and bursting with the flavors of fresh apples and warm spices. Topped with a luscious caramel buttercream and drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce, it’s truly a showstopper. Perfect for family gatherings or those busy weeknights when you want something special to enjoy together.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about sharing moments with loved ones over a slice of cake. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or simply an afternoon treat with coffee, this Caramel Apple Cake is sure to bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have this cake ready in no time!
• Family-friendly delight: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet apple flavor and creamy frosting.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight treat, this cake fits right in.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake it in advance, and just add the frosting when you’re ready to serve!
• Deliciously comforting: The combination of caramel and apples brings warmth to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create your Caramel Apple Cake. Let’s gather everything you need!

For the Cake

• 90 g granulated sugar
• 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 (for batter)
• 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

For the Caramel Sauce

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can put your own spin on it with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
• Use different fruits: Substitute grated apples with pears or even shredded carrots for a fun twist.
• Go gluten-free: Swap out all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate different diets.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

Start by making your homemade salted caramel sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 90 g of granulated sugar and 1 tbsp of water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves into a clear syrup. Keep an eye on it as it cooks until it turns a lovely amber color. Then add 25 g of butter and 100 g of heavy cream along with a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth. This step adds that rich flavor which makes your cake unforgettable!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 240 g of 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. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that your cake rises perfectly and has an even flavor throughout.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together 110 g vegetable oil, 100 g granulated sugar (for batter), and 100 g dark brown sugar until creamy. Add in your two room-temperature eggs one at a time while mixing well after each addition. Fold in your grated apples along with 140 g sour cream and 1 tsp vanilla extract. The moisture from these ingredients will keep your cake wonderfully soft!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Pour this delicious batter into a greased cake pan and smooth out the top. This ensures even baking so every slice is perfect.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Allow it to cool for about ten minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Patience here will result in an incredibly moist cake!

Step 6: Make the Buttercream Frosting

While your cake cools down, prepare the frosting by beating together room-temperature butter with powdered sugar until fluffy. Add in some caramel sauce (about 2-3 teaspoons) and another teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor depth!

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, spread that luscious caramel buttercream over your cake generously! And don’t forget to drizzle some more homemade salted caramel over the top for that beautiful finishing touch.

Now slice up your Caramel Apple Cake, invite friends over or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here! Enjoy every moist bite filled with warmth and sweetness!

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cake

Baking should be a joyful experience, and these tips will help you create the perfect Caramel Apple Cake with ease!

• Choose the Right Apples: Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they provide a delicious tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake and caramel.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a tender and fluffy cake.
• Grate Your Apples Finely: Finely grated apples will integrate better into the batter, contributing to the moisture and texture of your cake without large chunks.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined prevents gluten development, ensuring your cake remains soft and tender rather than dense.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before adding the caramel buttercream. This prevents melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

This Caramel Apple Cake is not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some fun ideas on how to serve it for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans on top adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft cake and creamy frosting.
• Dollops of Whipped Cream: A light swirl of whipped cream on each slice enhances its richness while adding a lovely visual contrast.
• Drizzle Extra Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce over each slice elevates both flavor and presentation, making it irresistible!

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the warm cake, creating an indulgent dessert experience.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness and balance to your meal, enhancing the flavors of the apple cake without overpowering it.
• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: These sweet treats make for a fun pairing; their spiced flavor complements the apple notes beautifully.
• Coffee or Tea: Serving this cake with a cup of coffee or tea makes for a cozy gathering. The warmth of your beverage enhances the comforting flavors of fall in every bite!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Caramel Apple Cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Caramel Apple Cake is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent addition to your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re planning for a gathering or want to enjoy a slice during the week, here’s how to store it properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it 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 or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped cake into a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• For individual slices, microwave on low power for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• If reheating the whole cake, cover with foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

Can I use other fruits in my Caramel Apple Cake?

Absolutely! While apples provide a wonderful flavor and texture, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or even berries. Just ensure they are well-drained if using fresh fruit.

How do I make my Caramel Apple Cake more caramel-y?

To amplify the caramel flavor, you can drizzle extra homemade caramel sauce over each slice before serving. You might also consider adding some caramel bits to the batter for added sweetness!

What makes this Caramel Apple Cake so moist?

The combination of sour cream and grated apples contributes significantly to the cake’s moisture. This ensures every bite is tender and delicious, perfect for a cozy dessert.

Can I prepare the Caramel Apple Cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake stores well and can be made a day in advance. Just follow our storage tips above to keep it fresh and delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Caramel Apple Cake brings a touch of joy to your kitchen! It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with warm flavors that remind us of fall gatherings and sweet moments shared with loved ones. Enjoy making this delightful treat, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings or mix-ins. Happy baking!