Caramel Apple Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall, then you’ve come to the right place! This Caramel Apple Cake is not just a cake; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day. It combines soft and moist apple cake with a smooth caramel buttercream and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce. Trust me, every bite feels like a cozy gathering around the kitchen table.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting family over for dinner or just want to treat yourself after a long week. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to wow your guests at parties. I can already picture this beauty making its way onto your dessert table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-friendly appeal: The warm flavors of cinnamon and caramel are sure to please everyone, from kids to grandparents.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake it in advance and store it for those unexpected guests or sweet cravings.
• Deliciously moist: The grated apples keep this cake incredibly soft and flavorful, making each slice irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Caramel Apple Cake requires simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have in your pantry already. Let’s gather what we need!

For the Caramel Sauce

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

For the Cake

• 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 quite flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch to your cake.
• Spice it up: Swap out cinnamon for pumpkin spice for an even more festive flavor.
• Change the fruit: Try using grated pears instead of apples for a different twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

Start by making the caramel sauce, as it needs time to cool down. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. This process helps create that lovely caramel color without burning it. Once it starts bubbling, let it cook until it turns amber in color—about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter, heavy cream, and salt until smooth. Allow it to cool before using.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and all spice. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures an even distribution of leavening agents throughout your cake batter.

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 well combined. This mix creates a rich base full of moisture and flavor for your cake.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—being careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of that light and fluffy texture we want.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pan before pouring in the batter evenly. Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 6: Make the Buttercream

While your cake cools down, prepare the buttercream by beating room-temperature butter with powdered sugar until creamy. Add in caramel and vanilla extract while mixing until fully incorporated—this will give your frosting that luscious caramel flavor!

Step 7: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Once cooled completely, spread the buttery caramel frosting generously over the top of your cake. Drizzle extra homemade salted caramel sauce on top for that gorgeous finish!

And there you have it—the most delightful Caramel Apple Cake ready to impress everyone at your next gathering! Enjoy every slice!

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cake

Making the perfect Caramel Apple Cake is all about a few key techniques that ensure your cake is moist, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Here are some tips to help you along the way!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh apples not only enhance the flavor but also add moisture to the cake. Opt for a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced taste.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially eggs, sour cream, and butter, are at room temperature. This helps create an emulsion when mixing, resulting in a tender cake.
• Don’t overmix: Once you combine your dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the fluffy softness we desire.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before applying the caramel buttercream. This prevents melting and helps maintain a beautiful, smooth finish.
• Make extra caramel sauce: Having extra salted caramel on hand is never a bad idea! Drizzle it over slices when serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

This delightful Caramel Apple Cake shines at any gathering or family dinner. Serving it properly can make all the difference, so let’s explore some fun ways to present this autumnal treat!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream for a light and airy contrast to the rich buttercream.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top adds both visual appeal and enhances the warm spice flavors in your cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your slice of cake offers a delightful contrast in temperature and richness.
• Caramelized pears: Sauté sliced pears with a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon until soft; they provide a lovely complementary flavor to the cake.
• Spiced chai tea: Serve slices with warm spiced chai tea for a cozy pairing that enhances the flavors of fall spices in your cake.
• Mixed green salad: A fresh mixed greens salad with apple slices, walnuts, and vinaigrette adds balance to your dessert table while refreshing your palate after indulging in sweet treats.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Caramel Apple Cake will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Caramel Apple Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dessert anytime. With its rich flavors and moist texture, it keeps well and can be made ahead of time for gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap individual slices of cake in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat slices in a microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful Caramel Apple Cake.

Can I make Caramel Apple Cake without sour cream?

Yes! You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar texture and flavor.

How do I ensure my Caramel Apple Cake stays moist?

To keep your cake moist, make sure not to overbake it. Additionally, using room temperature ingredients helps create a tender crumb.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative. It will still give you that creamy texture!

Can I add nuts to my Caramel Apple Cake?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch and enhance the flavor profile of your cake.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Caramel Apple Cake brings joy to your kitchen and delight to your gatherings! It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall while enjoying a comforting dessert. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Happy baking!