Caramel Apple Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, look no further than this delightful Caramel Apple Cake. This cake is not only soft and moist, but it also boasts a rich caramel buttercream that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! It’s perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or just a cozy night in with family. Trust me; once you serve this beauty, everyone will be asking for seconds!

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines simple ingredients with a touch of sweetness that reminds me of warm autumn afternoons spent picking apples. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who’s just starting out, this Caramel Apple Cake is easy to make and oh-so-rewarding.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make: With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll find baking this cake to be a breeze.
• Perfect for gatherings: This cake serves 16 slices, making it ideal for parties or family events where everyone can enjoy a slice of happiness.
• Moist and flavorful: The combination of grated apples and spices ensures every bite is packed with delicious flavor.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the cake in advance and store it for later, ensuring you’re always ready for unexpected guests.
• A crowd-pleaser: The blend of caramel and apple flavors makes this cake irresistible to both kids and adults alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this Caramel Apple Cake, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll require:

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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! Here are some fun variations you might want to try:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add an extra crunch and flavor to your cake.
• Mix in some spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for an added warmth and depth of flavor.
• Substitute the apples: Pears can be used instead of apples for a different yet delightful taste.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to cater to those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

Start by making the caramel sauce which adds richness to your cake. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir gently until dissolved. Once bubbling, let it cook without stirring until it turns golden brown. Remove from heat and stir in butter and heavy cream along with a pinch of salt. Allow it to cool down slightly before using.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground all spice. This mixture creates the foundation for our cake’s structure while ensuring each bite is full of flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, grated apples, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. This step brings together moisture and sweetness that will keep your cake tender.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing as this keeps your cake light and fluffy!

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen during baking will be worth every minute!

Step 6: Make the Buttercream

While your cake is cooling down, prepare the buttercream by beating together room-temperature butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in caramel sauce and vanilla extract for that indulgent flavor.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, spread the caramel buttercream generously over the top of your cake. Drizzle additional salted caramel on top if you want an extra treat!

Now you have a stunning Caramel Apple Cake that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every slice with friends or family—or savor it solo; I won’t tell!

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cake

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning Caramel Apple Cake that everyone will love!

• Use fresh apples – Fresh apples not only add moisture and flavor but also contribute to the cake’s texture. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties work wonderfully!
• Room temperature ingredients – Ensuring your eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature helps them blend more easily, yielding a smoother batter and a lighter cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mixing just until the dry ingredients are combined prevents the cake from becoming tough. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
• Check doneness with a toothpick – Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready. This ensures it’s perfectly baked without being overdone.
• Cool completely before frosting – Allowing your cake to cool completely before adding the caramel buttercream helps prevent melting and makes for a beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

Presenting your Caramel Apple Cake beautifully can make all the difference in impressing your guests. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts – Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cake for added crunch and flavor.
• Whipped coconut cream – A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.
• Fresh apple slices – Garnishing with thinly sliced apples not only looks appealing but also reinforces the apple flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm cake, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Spiced chai tea – The warm spices in chai complement the flavors in the cake, making for a cozy pairing perfect for fall gatherings.
• Caramel popcorn – For a fun twist, serve some caramel popcorn on the side; its crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the soft cake.
• Fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad provides a light balance to this indulgent dessert and adds vibrant colors to your serving platter.

Now you’re all set to create and enjoy this delightful Caramel Apple Cake! Whether it’s for a cozy family gathering or an elegant dinner party, this recipe is sure to bring joy to every occasion. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Caramel Apple Cake is perfect for meal prep, making it a fantastic treat to enjoy throughout the week or for special occasions. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, you can bake it in advance and store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• For long-term storage, freeze the cake after it has cooled completely.
• Wrap the entire cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave on low power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm slices in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.
• Serve warm with a drizzle of extra salted caramel sauce if desired!

FAQs

If you’re curious about making this delicious Caramel Apple Cake, here are some common questions that might help!

Can I make the Caramel Apple Cake without eggs?

Yes! You can replace each egg with a flaxseed egg or unsweetened applesauce as an egg substitute. Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg or 1/4 cup of applesauce.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Caramel Apple Cake?

You can add finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Additionally, incorporating raisins or dried cranberries will add an extra layer of flavor and texture!

What toppings go well with Caramel Apple Cake?

This cake is delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with whipped coconut cream or additional salted caramel sauce drizzled on top!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Caramel Apple Cake as much as I do! It’s a lovely dessert that brings warmth and coziness to any gathering. The combination of soft apple cake and rich caramel frosting is simply irresistible. So gather your ingredients, get baking, and savor every bite! Happy baking!