Caramel Apple Cake Recipe – Best Ever!
Caramel Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly combines the warmth of spiced cake, the tartness of apples, and the sweetness of caramel.
This moist and flavorful cake is ideal for gatherings or just indulging in a cozy treat.
Let’s get started!
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 people
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this scrumptious Caramel Apple Cake.
| Ingredient | Quantity (for 6) | Quantity (for 8) | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ¾ cups | 2 ⅓ cups | Whole wheat flour (for nuttier flavor) |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp | 2 tsp | Baking soda (1 tsp) |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | ¾ tsp | Additional baking powder (1 ¼ tsp) |
| Salt | ½ tsp | ¾ tsp | Sea salt |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | 1 ⅓ tsp | Pumpkin spice |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ tsp | ¾ tsp | Ground allspice |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ½ cup | ⅔ cup | Coconut oil |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | 1 cup | Brown sugar |
| Brown sugar (packed) | ½ cup | ⅔ cup | Coconut sugar |
| Eggs | 2 large | 3 large | Flax eggs |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 1 ¼ tsp | Almond extract |
| Buttermilk | ¾ cup | 1 cup | Yogurt (thinned with milk) |
| Apples (peeled and diced) | 1 ½ cups | 2 cups | Pears |
| Caramel sauce | ½ cup | ¾ cup | Maple syrup |
Cooking Instruments
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- 9-inch round cake pans (2 pans)
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan for caramel (optional)
How to Make Caramel Apple Cake
Here’s a simple guide to make this delightful dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined.
5. Add Apples
Fold in the diced apples gently using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
7. Prepare the Caramel Sauce (Optional)
If making homemade caramel sauce, melt 1 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add ½ cup of heavy cream and 2 tbsp of butter. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly.
8. Assemble the Cake
Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top. Add the second layer and pour more caramel sauce, letting it drip down the sides.
Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the eggs and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use Fresh Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
- Cool Before Assembling: Ensure the cake layers are completely cool before adding caramel to prevent it from melting off.
Variations
Lets see some variations for different taste.
Caramel Apple Cake Without Egg
For an egg-free version, replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana.
Caramel Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Add a layer of tangy cream cheese frosting between the cake layers and on top before drizzling with caramel sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair a slice of this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a treat for any time of the day!
Storing the Cake
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.
Q: What type of apples is best for this cake?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji apples are ideal as they balance the sweetness of the cake and caramel.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Let’s Enjoy!
Dive into this moist and flavorful Caramel Apple Cake, a perfect treat for any occasion. Try this recipe and let us know how much you love it by sharing your experience!
