The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe: Fall’s Cozy Delight

Sweet memories of autumn swirl around this caramel apple spice cake that promises pure comfort in every slice.

Crisp orchard apples mingle with warm cinnamon and rich caramel, creating a dessert that feels like a heartfelt hug.

Baking enthusiasts will adore how simple ingredients come together in magical harmony.

Layers of moist cake reveal unexpected depth and complexity with each forkful.

Fragrant spices dance through the kitchen, beckoning everyone near with their irresistible aroma.

Seasonal ingredients transform an ordinary dessert into something extraordinary and memorable.

Grab a plate and let this cake transport you to cozy moments filled with warmth and joy.

What Makes Caramel Apple Spice Cake So Special

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This cake brings together warm spices and sweet caramel, making it a guaranteed hit at gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations.
• Master Seasonal Baking: Perfect for autumn lovers, the recipe captures classic fall flavors with its blend of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rich caramel drizzle.
• Bake with Confidence: Designed for home bakers of all skill levels, the straightforward instructions ensure a delicious result even for novice pastry enthusiasts.
• Customize Your Dessert: Easily adaptable with optional mix-ins like chopped nuts or a sprinkle of extra spices, allowing personal creativity in the kitchen.

Ingredients to Gather for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that create a cozy, aromatic flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the cake.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a tender texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake's flavor.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter.

• Apples: Fresh diced apples add natural sweetness and texture to the cake.
• Caramel Sauce: A decadent drizzle that complements the spiced apple flavor.

Baking Instructions for the Perfect Spice Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously coat your cake pan with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Salt

Step 3: Cream Sugars And Butter

Use an electric mixer to blend white and brown sugars with softened butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cake.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar-butter mixture.

Gradually mix in the dry ingredient blend, alternating with milk to create a silky batter.

Step 5: Fold In Fresh Apples

Gently fold diced fresh apples into the cake batter, distributing them evenly throughout for bursts of fruity flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Step 7: Finish With Caramel Drizzle

Once cooled, generously drizzle rich caramel sauce over the cake, creating a stunning and delicious final touch that will make mouths water.

Tips to Elevate Your Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of flavor and texture in the cake.
• Dice apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and prevent sinking to the bottom of the cake.
• Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent batter.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake texture; stop mixing once ingredients are just combined.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.

Creative Variations to Try with Spice Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Spice Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Apple Caramel Cake: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Apple Spice Cake: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sweetness while maintaining flavor.
• Dairy-Free Apple Caramel Delight: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Suggestions for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Autumn Harvest Party Centerpiece: Place the cake on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh apples, cinnamon sticks, and fall leaves for a stunning seasonal display.
• Cozy Brunch Delight: Serve warm slices with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pecans, perfect for a lazy weekend morning.
• Dessert Diner Style: Cut into small squares, plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle extra caramel sauce for an indulgent after-dinner treat.
• Gifting Gourmet: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a cinnamon stick tie, creating a charming homemade gift for friends and neighbors.

Best Storage Practices for Spice Cake

• Refrigerate leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Cover cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Freeze entire cake or individual slices by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, lasting up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen cake in refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples in this cake?

Yes, you can use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples. Each variety will add a slightly different flavor and texture to the cake.

• Is this cake suitable for people with dairy allergies?

No, the recipe contains butter and milk. You would need to substitute these ingredients with dairy-free alternatives like plant-based milk and margarine.

• How do I know if the cake is properly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is fully baked. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

Delicious Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Caramel apple spice cake brings together autumn’s warmest flavors in a delightful dessert. Layers of moist spiced cake and rich caramel create a memorable treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Sweeteners:

• 2 cups peeled and diced apples
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Finishing Ingredient:

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a cake pan with butter and flour coating.
2. Combine all dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices – in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Cream together sugars and butter in a separate large bowl, beating until smooth and fluffy.
4. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the sugar-butter mixture, mixing until well blended.
5. Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk to create a smooth, consistent batter.
6. Gently fold diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully cooked.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Just before serving, drizzle the cake generously with rich caramel sauce, creating an enticing golden glaze over the top.

Notes

• Adjust apple variety to control sweetness and texture, with Granny Smith offering tartness and Honeycrisp providing balanced flavor.
• Replace butter with coconut oil for dairy-free option, ensuring similar rich moistness in the cake.
• Toast spices briefly before mixing to intensify their aromatic qualities and deepen the cake’s complex flavor profile.
• Use room temperature ingredients to guarantee smoother batter integration and more consistent cake rise during baking.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg