Caramel Apple Cake – A Fall Favorite Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the cozy flavors of fall with a decadent twist, this caramel apple cake is the perfect treat. Featuring moist apple spice cake layers paired with rich salted caramel buttercream, vanilla frosting, and a luscious caramel drip, this cake is guaranteed to be a showstopper at any gathering. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with your family, the caramel apple cake will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cake

This caramel apple cake is a masterpiece of flavors and textures. The apple spice cake offers a warm, spiced aroma that’s irresistibly comforting. Combined with the indulgent salted caramel buttercream filling, it becomes a dessert that captures the essence of fall. Not only does this cake taste amazing, but it also has an impressive presentation, with the caramel apple on top and the caramel drips down the sides. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spice.

Ingredients

For the apple spice cake, the ingredients work together to provide rich flavor and a moist texture:

• All-purpose flour: Creates the structure of the cake while providing a neutral base.
• Baking soda & baking powder: Helps the cake rise, creating a light texture.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the spices and balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg: Give the cake its warm, spiced flavor that evokes the season.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Brown sugar and white sugar: Sweetens the cake with deep, caramel-like notes from the brown sugar.
• Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the cake.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Infuses the cake with a pure apple flavor while keeping it moist.

For the homemade salted caramel:

• Granulated sugar: The base for the caramel.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creaminess.
• Heavy whipping cream: Gives the caramel its smooth texture.
• Kosher salt: Essential for achieving the perfect salty-sweet balance.

For the salted caramel buttercream:

• Unsalted butter: Forms the base of the buttercream, providing richness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the buttercream while giving it a light texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and flavor.
• Homemade salted caramel: Infuses the buttercream with deep caramel flavor.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the salted caramel flavor.

For the vanilla buttercream topping:

• Unsalted butter: Creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and lightens its texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds flavor to balance the richness of the butter.
• Milk or heavy whipping cream: Helps adjust the consistency of the frosting.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavor profile.

Additional ingredients:

• Apple: Fresh apple for decoration.
• Chopped almonds: For added texture and a nutty flavor.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to make this cake more diet-friendly or need substitutions, here are a few options:

• Gluten-free flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
• Dairy-free butter and cream: Substitute dairy-free butter and coconut cream for the butter and heavy whipping cream in the caramel for a dairy-free version.
• Maple syrup: Swap out the white sugar in the cake and frosting for maple syrup to bring in a more natural sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Apple Spice Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and prepare your cake pans by spraying them with cooking spray and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.
3. Cream the butter on high speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the brown and white sugars and beat for another 3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Turn the mixer to medium and beat for another minute.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with applesauce, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.

Making the Homemade Salted Caramel

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until it melts into an amber-colored liquid (about 6-8 minutes).
2. Reduce the heat and add the butter. Whisk until fully melted and combined.
3. Slowly add the heavy whipping cream, continuing to whisk until fully incorporated.
4. Let the caramel boil for one minute, then remove from heat and stir in the kosher salt.
5. Allow the caramel to cool to room temperature before using.

Making the Salted Caramel Buttercream

1. Beat the butter in a stand mixer on high until light and fluffy, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract, then add the cooled salted caramel and salt. Beat on medium for another 2 minutes.

Making the Vanilla Buttercream

1. Cream the butter in a mixer until it’s light and fluffy (about 7 minutes).
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Add the vanilla extract, milk, and salt, then mix for another 2 minutes until smooth.

Assembling the Cake

1. Frost the cooled apple spice cake with the salted caramel buttercream. Crumb coat the cake, then refrigerate for 20 minutes.
2. After chilling, frost the cake with the vanilla buttercream.
3. Drizzle the cooled salted caramel over the sides of the cake to create a drip effect. Place the caramel apple on top and garnish with chopped almonds.

Tips & Tricks

• Check your caramel temperature: If the caramel is too thick for a drip, microwave it in 15-second intervals to loosen it up before drizzling.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five days.
• Make-ahead: Both the cake layers and buttercream can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Bring to room temperature before using.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a cinnamon-spiced latte. For a different take, try topping the cake with candied pecans instead of almonds for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a more indulgent version, add a drizzle of extra caramel sauce over the top just before serving. You can also make this cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight for an easy dessert the next day.

Why This Caramel Apple Cake Is Perfect for Fall

The combination of apple spice cake and salted caramel creates the ultimate fall flavor experience. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or just enjoying a cozy afternoon, this cake will bring warmth and sweetness to your table.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Cake is the perfect blend of rich flavors, comforting spices, and a touch of indulgence. From the moist apple spice cake to the creamy salted caramel buttercream and decadent caramel drizzle, every bite is a celebration of fall’s finest flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or treating your family to something sweet, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Plus, with its stunning presentation and irresistible taste, it’s a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy this delightful fall treat!

FAQ

More Relevant Recipes

• Turtle Caramel Cake: This decadent dessert features rich caramel and chocolate layers, topped with pecans and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. It’s a perfect choice for anyone who loves the combination of caramel and nuts, much like the flavors found in caramel apple cake.
• Peach Upside-Down Cake: A fruity, moist cake that is similar in texture to the caramel apple cake. This recipe combines the sweetness of peaches with a buttery, caramelized top, offering a delightful twist on traditional fruit cakes.
• Fresh Peach Cake: This cake brings the natural sweetness of fresh peaches to the forefront. With its light, moist crumb and subtle flavors, it pairs beautifully with caramel for a rich fall dessert similar to the caramel apple cake.

Print