Caramel Apple Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, then let me introduce you to my favorite: Caramel Apple Cake! This delightful cake is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a warm hug in dessert form. The combination of soft, moist apple cake topped with smooth caramel buttercream and drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply want to indulge yourself on a cozy weeknight, this recipe will surely bring smiles all around.

What I love most about this Caramel Apple Cake is how easy it is to make. You don’t need to be a baking expert to pull it off, and the aroma of apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen is worth every minute spent in preparation. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this scrumptious treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have this delicious cake ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of apples and caramel—this cake will be a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and store it for later—it’s just as tasty after sitting for a day or two.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This cake serves 16 slices, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, or any cozy get-together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making them easy to find in your pantry or local grocery store. Let’s gather what we need to create this delicious Caramel Apple Cake!

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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to play around with different flavors and textures based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Change the Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a different flavor twist.
• Fruit Swap: Use grated pears instead of apples for a unique take on this classic dessert.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

Start by combining 90 g of granulated sugar and 1 tbsp of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, stop stirring and let it cook until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully add 25 g of butter, followed by 100 g of heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly. This homemade salted caramel adds an irresistible touch!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing 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 the dry ingredients first ensures that everything combines evenly when you add the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine 100 g granulated sugar, 100 g dark brown sugar, grated apples (200 g), and room temperature vegetable oil (110 g). Add in two room temperature eggs, 140 g sour cream, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is nicely blended. This step creates a moist batter packed with flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cake light and fluffy! Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Buttercream

To prepare the buttercream, beat together the room temperature butter (100 g) with powdered sugar (165 g) until light and fluffy. Add in your cooled caramel sauce from earlier (2-3 tsp) along with another teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until thoroughly combined—it should be creamy and smooth!

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once your cake has cooled completely, spread the caramel buttercream generously over the top. Drizzle additional homemade salted caramel sauce on top if desired for extra sweetness! Slice into generous pieces and enjoy this delightful Caramel Apple Cake with loved ones.

And there you have it—a delicious dessert that’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cake

Creating the perfect Caramel Apple Cake is all about a few simple techniques that will elevate your baking game. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ingredients such as eggs, sour cream, and butter mix more evenly when they’re at room temperature, leading to a fluffier batter and a moist cake.

• Grate apples finely: Finely grating the apples allows them to blend seamlessly into the batter, ensuring every bite is bursting with apple flavor while keeping the cake tender.

• Don’t skip the salt: A pinch of salt in both the cake batter and caramel sauce enhances the flavors beautifully. It balances out the sweetness and elevates the overall taste of your dessert.

• Cool before frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before applying the caramel buttercream. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or substituting pumpkin spice can create a unique twist on this classic recipe.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

The presentation of your Caramel Apple Cake can make it even more enticing! Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or an elegant dinner party, these ideas will help you impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor. They pair beautifully with the softness of the cake.
• Fresh apple slices: Add thin slices of fresh apples on top for a pop of color and an extra hint of apple goodness.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over each slice adds an inviting aroma and enhances the fall flavors in your cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices in the cake perfectly, creating a delightful contrast in temperature.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream. Its lightness balances out the richness of the caramel buttercream.
• Caramelized Pears: Sautéed pears drizzled with caramel sauce make for an elegant side dish that echoes the flavors of your cake while adding another layer of sweetness.
• Tea or Coffee: Pair slices of this decadent cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The warmth enhances all those wonderful flavors, making each bite even more enjoyable.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Caramel Apple Cake will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Caramel Apple Cake is an excellent choice for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy this delightful treat throughout the week or share with friends and family during gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• For a warm slice, microwave on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, heat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Caramel Apple Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made ahead and stored as directed above. It tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.

How do I store leftovers of my Caramel Apple Cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! While apples are traditional, feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or even berries for a different twist on this cake.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative if you prefer. Both options will keep the cake moist and flavorful!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Caramel Apple Cake as much as I do! Its soft texture and rich caramel flavor truly capture the essence of fall, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or treating yourself on a cozy evening, this cake is sure to impress. Enjoy making it, and happy baking!