Caramel Apple Cake

The Caramel Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. With its soft, moist apple cake layered with creamy caramel buttercream and drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce, this cake is perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, this cake will impress everyone with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Caramel Apple Cake is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor Combinations: The blend of cinnamon and caramel with fresh apples creates a taste that is comforting and satisfying.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family get-together or a festive celebration, this cake suits every event beautifully.
• Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the sour cream and grated apples, every slice is incredibly moist without being overly heavy.
• Gorgeous Presentation: The layers of caramel buttercream and the drizzle of salted caramel make this cake visually stunning.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cake pan (9×13 inch)
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to achieve light and fluffy buttercream while combining wet ingredients thoroughly.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring no ingredient goes unaccounted for.
• Cake pan: A sturdy pan ensures even baking, resulting in a perfectly shaped cake.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Caramel Apple Cake, you’ll need the following 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 Frosting

• 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 Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves; then stop stirring and let it boil until it turns amber in color.
3. Remove from heat; carefully whisk in butter followed by heavy cream. Add a pinch of salt. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground all spice.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl:
1. Beat together vegetable oil, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined.
3. Fold in grated apples gently into the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat room temperature butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Mix in caramel sauce and additional vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled:
1. Spread buttercream over the top of your cake evenly.
2. Drizzle with any remaining salted caramel sauce as desired.

Now you have an indulgent Caramel Apple Cake that’s sure to be a hit! Enjoy each slice as you celebrate life’s sweet moments!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

Caramel Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the warmth of fall into any gathering. It can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation.

Classic Slice

• Serve a simple slice of Caramel Apple Cake on a plate, drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce for extra sweetness.

À La Mode

• Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm cake and caramel.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side for a light and airy complement to the rich cake.

Garnished with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the top for a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft cake and caramel.

Seasonal Fruit Plate

• Accompany your cake with a plate of seasonal fruits like pears or oranges for a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Caramel Apple Cake

To achieve the best version of your Caramel Apple Cake, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, crisp apples will add moisture and flavor to your cake. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties work beautifully.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps create an even batter that rises well.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached when fully baked.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding caramel buttercream to prevent melting.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste preferences for more warmth or flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Caramel Apple Cake

Pair your delicious Caramel Apple Cake with complementary side dishes that enhance its flavors and create a balanced dessert experience.

1. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: These fluffy donuts dusted with cinnamon sugar echo the fall flavors found in the cake.
2. Apple Cider: Serve warm apple cider alongside your cake for a cozy, seasonal drink option.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie, provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
4. Caramel Popcorn: Crunchy caramel popcorn makes for an exciting textural addition alongside slices of cake.
5. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring pears and berries offers freshness that balances out the richness of the dessert.
6. Nutty Granola: Serve crunchy granola on top of yogurt as an accompaniment—its nuttiness complements the apple flavors perfectly.
7. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some chocolate sauce over individual slices for those who enjoy a chocolaty twist with their caramel apple delight.
8. Marshmallow Fluff Dip: Offer marshmallow fluff as a dip—its creamy sweetness pairs wonderfully with slices of cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Caramel Apple Cake can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to avoid. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs and sour cream can affect the batter’s texture. Always let them sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a lighter texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cake dense. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into your measuring cup, then level it off.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s set at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Underestimating cooling time: Cutting the cake too soon can result in a crumbly mess. Allow it to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Caramel Apple Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Caramel Apple Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap the cake in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Caramel Apple Cake so special?

This cake features a unique blend of flavors with moist apples and rich caramel buttercream that perfectly captures the essence of fall.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! You can experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches to create variations of this delightful cake.

How do I achieve a smooth caramel sauce?

To make smooth caramel sauce, cook sugar and water over low heat until melted and golden brown. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

How long does it take to bake the Caramel Apple Cake?

The total bake time is approximately 45 minutes, but check with a toothpick around the 40-minute mark to ensure it’s done.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Consider adding nuts or spices like nutmeg for extra flavor. The cake is versatile enough for various additions!

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion! Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want a sweet treat, this recipe delivers rich flavors that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or toppings!