Caramel Apple Cake

Picture this: the aroma of freshly baked cake wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the warm, comforting scents of cinnamon and caramel. It’s a cozy afternoon, and you can almost taste the sweetness of ripe apples nestled in fluffy layers of cake, all lovingly topped with a decadent caramel buttercream. This is the magic of Caramel Apple Cake.

With its tender, moist texture and the delightful crunch of apples, this cake is truly a celebration of flavors. The combination of soft apples and rich caramel creates a dessert that feels like a hug in a slice. Perfect for gatherings, seasonal celebrations, or simply to enjoy at home, this cake is bound to become a favorite. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake this delicious delight this weekend. Pin this recipe for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• A warm, wholesome flavor that feels like home
• Perfect for cozy weekends or brunch with family
• A show-stopping dessert that impresses without fuss
• Great for using up extra apples from autumn’s harvest

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – the foundational ingredient for that perfect cake texture
• 2 cups peeled and chopped apples – adds moisture and a lovely fruity flavor
• 1 cup sugar – for sweetness that balances the tartness of apples
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – enhances the depth of flavor with its caramel notes
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – creates a rich, velvety batter
• 4 eggs – helps bind all the ingredients together for a fluffier cake
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – brings warmth and harmony to the flavors
• 1 tsp baking powder – essential for helping the cake rise
• 1 tsp baking soda – creates that perfect lightness in the cake
• 1/2 tsp salt – balances the sweetness
• 1 cup caramel sauce – for that indulgent, sweet drizzle
• 1 cup butter for buttercream – rich and creamy frosting base
• 3 cups powdered sugar – for a fluffy buttercream texture
• 1/4 cup heavy cream – adds moisture and a silky finish to the frosting
• 1/2 tsp sea salt – gives a delightful contrast to the sweetness

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the chopped apples.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
6. For the buttercream, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until fluffy.
7. Stir in the sea salt to enhance the flavor.
8. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the caramel buttercream generously on top and drizzle with homemade salted caramel sauce.
9. Slice, serve, and enjoy the warmth of homemade goodness with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Success

• Measure flour correctly for a light texture. Scooping directly from the bag can pack it in and create a dense cake.
• Let baked goods cool completely before glazing to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt away.
• Use apples that are firm and sweet-tart for the best flavor and texture. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the cake moist.
• If you want a richer flavor, consider browning the butter before incorporating it into the batter for added nuttiness.

Variations and Creative Twists

• For a touch of spice, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, fall-inspired flavor.
• Feel free to fold in some crushed walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Consider swapping out part of the apples for pears for a unique twist on texture and taste.
• Drizzle with a chocolate ganache alongside the caramel for an indulgent double topping.

How to Store or Freeze

To store your Caramel Apple Cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it by wrapping the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, simply allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving.

Serving Ideas

Serve your Caramel Apple Cake warm with a hot cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy experience. It’s also perfect for lunchboxes, making it a delightful surprise for kids and adults alike. Pair it with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert after dinner or enjoy it at a Sunday brunch with friends.

For More Recipe Inspiration

If you’re looking to expand your baking repertoire, be sure to check out some of my other favorites:

• Protein Muffins
• Bento Cake Recipe
• Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust

Caramel Apple Cake – FAQ

Follow Me for More Cozy Recipes

If you love simple, cozy bakes, follow me for more recipe inspiration.
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Dive into your baking adventure with this Caramel Apple Cake recipe, bringing warmth and joy into your home with each slice. Happy baking!

Emily

Caramel Apple Cake

A moist and tender cake filled with sweet apples and topped with rich caramel buttercream, perfect for cozy gatherings and celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Baking

Calories: 380

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour The foundational ingredient for that perfect cake texture.
• 2 cups peeled and chopped apples Adds moisture and a lovely fruity flavor.
• 1 cup sugar For sweetness that balances the tartness of apples.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar Enhances the depth of flavor with its caramel notes.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Creates a rich, velvety batter.
• 4 pieces eggs Helps bind all the ingredients together for a fluffier cake.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract Brings warmth and harmony to the flavors.
• 1 tsp baking powder Essential for helping the cake rise.
• 1 tsp baking soda Creates that perfect lightness in the cake.
• 1/2 tsp salt Balances the sweetness.

For the Caramel Buttercream

• 1 cup butter Rich and creamy frosting base.
• 3 cups powdered sugar For a fluffy buttercream texture.
• 1/4 cup heavy cream Adds moisture and a silky finish to the frosting.
• 1/2 tsp sea salt Gives a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
• 1 cup caramel sauce For that indulgent, sweet drizzle.

Method

 

Baking the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the chopped apples.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Making the Buttercream

1. For the buttercream, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until fluffy.
3. Stir in the sea salt to enhance the flavor.

Frosting and Serving

1. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the caramel buttercream generously on top and drizzle with homemade salted caramel sauce.
2. Slice, serve, and enjoy the warmth of homemade goodness with friends and family!

Notes

Measure flour correctly for a light texture. Let baked goods cool completely before glazing to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt away. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the cake moist. For richer flavor, consider browning the butter before incorporating it into the batter.