Caramel Apple Cake

The Caramel Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall. With its moist apple base and creamy caramel buttercream, this cake is perfect for any gathering—be it a family celebration, casual get-together, or seasonal feast. Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice that will leave everyone craving another slice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are simple and straightforward, making this cake accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of apples, cinnamon, and caramel creates a warm and comforting taste that evokes the spirit of autumn.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy afternoon treat; this cake fits any occasion.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the sour cream and grated apples, each bite is soft and tender, ensuring a delicious experience.
• Impressive Presentation: Topped with smooth caramel buttercream and homemade salted caramel sauce, it’s visually stunning.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Rubber spatula
• Grater

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve light and fluffy buttercream quickly.
• Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan ensures even baking for your Caramel Apple Cake.
• Grater: Freshly grated apples provide better flavor and moisture than pre-packaged options.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

Start by making the caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat:
1. Combine granulated sugar and water. Stir until dissolved.
2. Allow it to boil without stirring until it turns a golden amber color.
3. Remove from heat, then add butter and heavy cream carefully. Stir until smooth. Add a pinch of salt.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and all spice.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Mix together granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, grated apples, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients:
1. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C):
1. Grease your baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Pour the batter into the prepared pan evenly.
3. Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 6: Prepare the Buttercream

While the cake cools:
1. Beat room temperature butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
3. Incorporate caramel sauce and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled:
1. Spread caramel buttercream over the top of your cake evenly.
2. Drizzle additional caramel sauce if desired for an extra touch!

Enjoy your delicious Caramel Apple Cake!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

Serving your Caramel Apple Cake can be a delightful experience for your guests. Here are a few creative suggestions to enhance your cake presentation and flavor combinations.

With Whipped Cream

• Freshly whipped cream adds lightness and balances the rich caramel flavors of the cake.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates a delicious contrast with the warm cake, making for a comforting dessert.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce

• For those who love caramel, adding more sauce enhances the sweetness and gives an appealing look.

Garnished with Cinnamon

• Sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon on top to complement the apple and caramel flavors and add visual appeal.

Served with a Cup of Coffee or Tea

• Pairing your cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea makes for a cozy dessert moment.

How to Perfect Caramel Apple Cake

Perfecting your Caramel Apple Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out amazing every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Grate Apples Finely: Finely grated apples help distribute moisture evenly throughout the batter, leading to a softer cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense texture; overmixing can lead to toughness.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached when fully baked.

Best Side Dishes for Caramel Apple Cake

Complementing your Caramel Apple Cake with side dishes can elevate your dessert presentation. Here are some great options:

1. Chilled Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the richness of the cake.
2. Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola adds texture and pairs well with both apple flavors and caramel.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese can enhance the overall flavor profile.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit creates a light option that contrasts nicely with the cake’s sweetness.
5. Savory Roasted Nuts: Spiced nuts offer a crunchy counterpart that complements the soft texture of the cake.
6. Herbed Salad: A light salad dressed in vinaigrette refreshes the palate between bites of sweet cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a perfect Caramel Apple Cake can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls. Avoid these mistakes to ensure your cake turns out delicious.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light texture.
• Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for best results.
• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect the cake’s rise. Always let eggs and dairy come to room temperature before mixing.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Check your cake for doneness with a toothpick a few minutes before the timer goes off.
• Not allowing the cake to cool completely: Cutting into a warm cake can result in crumbling. Wait until it’s fully cooled before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.

Freezing Caramel Apple Cake

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Caramel Apple Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making this Caramel Apple Cake, we’ve got you covered!

Can I use different types of apples for Caramel Apple Cake?

Yes, you can use any variety of apples. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp provide sweetness.

How do I make homemade salted caramel sauce?

To make salted caramel sauce, melt sugar with water until golden brown, then stir in butter and cream with a pinch of salt.

What can I substitute for sour cream in this recipe?

Greek yogurt or buttermilk works well as substitutes for sour cream while keeping the cake moist.

How do I store leftover Caramel Apple Cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Cake is not just a dessert; it brings the flavors of fall right into your kitchen! Its soft texture and sweet caramel topping make it perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Feel free to customize with nuts or various spices to suit your taste!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Caramel Apple Cake

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the cozy flavors of autumn with this delightful Caramel Apple Cake. This moist dessert features a tender apple base infused with cinnamon and layered with a luscious caramel buttercream. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to seasonal celebrations, this cake is sure to impress your guests with its rich taste and beautiful presentation. Whether enjoyed on its own or complemented by whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, each slice promises a comforting experience that captures the essence of fall.

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Ingredients

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• 240 g all-purpose flour
• 200 g grated apples
• 110 g vegetable oil
• 140 g sour cream
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 100 g dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 100 g butter (for buttercream)
• 165 g powdered sugar
• 90 g granulated sugar (for caramel sauce)
• 25 g butter (for caramel sauce)
• 100 g heavy cream (for caramel sauce)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the caramel sauce by combining granulated sugar and water in a saucepan. Boil until golden amber and carefully stir in butter and heavy cream.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. In another bowl, mix sugars, grated apples, oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until combined.
4. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the batter in a greased 9×13 inch pan for about 45 minutes.
6. For buttercream, beat room temperature butter until creamy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and caramel sauce.
7. Once cooled, frost the cake with buttercream and drizzle additional caramel sauce if desired.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg