The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe That Wows Every Time

Baking a caramel apple spice cake brings pure magic into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Sweet apples dance alongside warm cinnamon notes, creating a sensational autumn-inspired dessert.

Layers of moist cake promise incredible flavor combinations that will delight everyone around your table.

Rich caramel drizzles add luxurious depth to each incredible bite.

Fragrant spices weave through tender crumbs, promising a comforting experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary afternoon into something extraordinary.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and let your taste buds celebrate fall’s most delectable moments.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples. Choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking for the best texture.

• Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a moist and tender cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

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

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

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Caramel Apple Spice Cake Overview

• Savor Autumn Flavors: Packed with warm spices and fresh apples, this cake captures the essence of fall in every delightful bite.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for personal twists like adding nuts, changing spice levels, or using different types of apples to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations where everyone craves a comforting, homemade treat that brings smiles.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Simple mixing technique and straightforward instructions make this cake accessible for home bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a successful and delicious result.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

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

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender crumb in the cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake's moisture and caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cake's flavor.
• Buttermilk: Brings moisture and a slight tanginess to the cake.

• Apples: Fresh diced apples add natural sweetness and texture to the cake.
• Caramel Sauce: A rich, sweet drizzle that complements the spices and adds indulgence to the dessert.

How to Bake Caramel Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease and flour to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Warm autumn spices
• Salt

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud. Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract for that extra flavor boost.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture.

Alternate adding dry ingredients with buttermilk to create a smooth, silky batter. Gently fold in freshly diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the mix.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Drizzle and Cool

While the cake is still warm, drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the top.

Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving up this autumnal delight.

Tips for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother, more even cake texture and better mixing.
• Dice apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and prevent sinking to the bottom.
• Choose tart baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and texture in the cake.
• Store cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness without losing moisture.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a blend of almond and gluten-free flour mix, ensuring same measurement proportions.

Variations on Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Spice Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Apple Caramel Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk.
• Low-Sugar Apple Spice Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar, and add extra spices for enhanced flavor complexity.
• Keto-Friendly Apple Alternative Cake: Replace apples with zucchini, use almond flour, and sweeten with erythritol for a low-carb version.

Serving Ideas for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Autumn Harvest Brunch Delight: Slice cake and serve alongside warm cinnamon coffee for a cozy weekend morning treat.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Garnish each slice with a caramel drizzle, chopped pecans, and a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Cut into neat squares, arrange on a rustic wooden board with additional caramel sauce for dipping, perfect for casual gatherings and family celebrations.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine, creating a charming homemade gift that captures the warmth of seasonal baking.

Storage Tips for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping it moist and fresh.
• Refrigerate the cake for extended storage, lasting up to 5-7 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container for extra protection.
• Reheat refrigerated or thawed cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Warm briefly to restore softness and bring out the caramel and spice flavors.

Mouthwatering Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Caramel apple spice cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich autumn flavors. Warm spices, tender apples, and luscious caramel create a memorable seasonal treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (300 grams) peeled and diced apples
• 1.5 cups (300 grams) sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 0.5 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease and flour coating.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, aromatic spices, and salt until evenly distributed.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until achieving a light, airy texture. Incorporate eggs individually, then blend in vanilla extract thoroughly.
4. Slowly integrate dry ingredient mixture into the butter blend, alternating with buttermilk to maintain smooth consistency. Gently fold diced apples throughout the batter, ensuring even distribution.
5. Transfer batter into prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula. Position in preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that emerges clean.
6. Immediately after removing from oven, cascade warm caramel sauce across the cake’s surface. Allow cake to cool completely before slicing and serving to allow flavors to settle and texture to stabilize.

Notes

• Achieve a moist texture by using room temperature ingredients, ensuring better incorporation and smoother mixing.
• Prevent apple chunks from sinking by tossing diced apples in a light coating of flour before folding into the batter.
• Customize the spice blend by experimenting with additional warm spices like cardamom or nutmeg for deeper flavor complexity.
• Make the cake gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, maintaining the same measurements.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg