Caramel Apple Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, then this Caramel Apple Cake is just what you need! Imagine biting into a soft, moist slice of cake filled with sweet grated apples and topped with velvety caramel buttercream. It’s not just a treat; it’s a warm hug in cake form! This delight is perfect for family gatherings or even cozy weeknight dinners when you want something special.

What makes this cake truly special is how simple it is to make. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find that each step is easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. Plus, it’s a recipe that brings people together, making it a must-try for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this cake in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love the combination of caramel and apples—it’s hard to resist!
• Perfect for gatherings: Serve it at birthdays, potlucks, or get-togethers; it’s always a hit.
• Make-ahead convenience: This cake stays delicious for days, making it ideal for prepping in advance.
• Deliciously comforting: The warm spices and rich caramel create a cozy flavor that feels like home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to find that the ingredients for this Caramel Apple Cake are simple and wholesome. Gather these items, and you’ll be on your way to baking something truly delightful!

For the Cake

• 90 g granulated sugar
• 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! Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch.
• Spice it up: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick.
• Fruit twist: Substitute some apples with pears or even cranberries for a unique flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

Start by making your homemade salted caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 90 g of granulated sugar and 1 tbsp of water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and turns golden brown. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in 25 g of butter followed by 100 g of heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Let it cool while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large 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 evenly ensures that your cake rises beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together both types of sugar (100 g granulated and 100 g dark brown), grated apples (200 g), vegetable oil (110 g), eggs (2), sour cream (140 g), and vanilla extract (1 tsp). This mixture adds moisture and flavor to your cake.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cake to remain light and fluffy!

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly—trust me!

Step 6: Make the Buttercream

While your cake cools down, prepare the caramel buttercream by beating together room temperature butter (100 g) and powdered sugar (165 g). Add in your cooled caramel sauce along with an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Once your cake has completely cooled, spread that luscious buttercream generously on top. Feel free to drizzle more homemade caramel sauce over the frosting for an extra touch!

Now slice yourself a piece—and don’t forget to share! Enjoy every bite of this incredible Caramel Apple Cake!

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cake

Creating the perfect Caramel Apple Cake is all about the little details, and with these pro tips, you’ll impress everyone with your baking skills!

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples not only taste better but also provide more moisture to the cake. Opt for a mix of tart and sweet varieties for depth in flavor.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your eggs, vegetable oil, and sour cream to room temperature helps the batter mix more evenly, resulting in a fluffier cake. Just leave them out for about 30 minutes before you start baking!

• Don’t Overmix: When combining your dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light and fluffy texture we want.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before applying the caramel buttercream. This prevents melting and ensures a beautifully layered look.

• Make Extra Caramel Sauce: If you have extra salted caramel sauce, drizzle it over individual slices when serving for an extra touch of sweetness that will delight your guests!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

Presenting your Caramel Apple Cake beautifully can turn a simple dessert into a showstopper! Here are some ideas to elevate this delicious treat at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top adds a lovely finish and highlights the cake’s warm spices.
• Fresh Apple Slices: Decorate each slice with thin apple slices to enhance the fall vibe and provide a fresh element.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices in the cake and creates a delightful contrast in temperature.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream that adds richness without overpowering the flavors of the cake.
• Hot Spiced Cider: Pair this cake with warm spiced cider for a cozy fall treat that enhances those apple flavors.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with tart apples, nuts, and vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the sweet richness of the cake.

Enjoy making and serving this delightful Caramel Apple Cake—it’s sure to become a favorite at your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Caramel Apple Cake is perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re planning for a gathering or just want to enjoy it over a few days, it’s easy to store and keep fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Slice the cake into portions for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• For best results, warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious treat!

Can I make Caramel Apple Cake without sour cream?

Absolutely! You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for similar results.

How do I make my Caramel Apple Cake even more flavorful?

In addition to the spices listed, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor. A dash of nutmeg can also elevate the taste!

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

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Just ensure they’re firm apples that hold their shape.

How do I store my Caramel Apple Cake for the best freshness?

Store your cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help retain its moisture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Caramel Apple Cake as much as I do! Its soft texture and sweet caramel frosting make it truly special, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe during your next baking adventure—it’s sure to be a hit! Happy baking!