Description
Caramel apple spice cake delivers autumn’s warmest flavors in one delightful dessert. Moist layers of cinnamon-infused cake paired with rich caramel frosting create a perfect seasonal celebration you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Fruits and Base):
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups peeled, chopped apples
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Flavor Enhancers and Caramel Sauce:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Arrange the oven rack in the center and heat to 350F (175C). Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes pale and airy. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold chopped apples into the batter.
- Transfer batter to the prepared cake pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes at 350F, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean. Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- For caramel sauce, combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, watching carefully until sugar dissolves and transforms into a deep amber color. Carefully introduce heavy cream, butter, vanilla, and salt, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. Allow sauce to cool slightly before drizzling over the completely cooled cake.
Notes
- Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness to customize the cake’s flavor profile.
- Toast the spices briefly before mixing to enhance their aromatic intensity and create a more complex taste experience.
- Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk to make the recipe dairy-free and suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Reduce sugar content by using unsweetened applesauce or replacing part of the granulated sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia for a healthier version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg