Caramel Apple Cake

The Caramel Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall. With its moist and tender apple cake base, topped with smooth caramel buttercream and drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce, this cake is sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is both simple to make and incredibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh apples, warm spices, and rich caramel creates a cake that bursts with flavor.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can master this recipe.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake fits right in at parties, family gatherings, or as a comforting dessert during cool evenings.
• Versatile Topping Options: Customize your cake with various toppings or serve it plain for a classic touch.
• Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the addition of sour cream and grated apples, every bite is soft and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Saves time and effort when beating together buttercream or mixing batter.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

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Ingredients

To create the 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 Batter

• 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 the Caramel Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 90 g granulated sugar and 1 tbsp water.
2. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
3. Allow it to boil without stirring until it turns a deep amber color.
4. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in 25 g butter, followed by 100 g heavy cream. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 240 g all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground all spice.

Step 4: Combine Sugars and Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together both sugars (100 g granulated sugar and 100 g dark brown sugar) with grated apples (200 g). Add in room-temperature vegetable oil (110 g), eggs (2), sour cream (140 g), and vanilla extract (1 tsp).

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 7: Make Buttercream Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat room-temperature butter (100 g) until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar (165 g), followed by caramel (2-3 tsp) and vanilla extract (1 tsp). Beat until fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread some buttercream on top before adding the second layer. Frost the top and sides with remaining buttercream. Drizzle with cooled caramel sauce before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Caramel Apple Cake!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

Caramel Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of the cake on a decorative plate for an elegant touch.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Heat a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce

• Add an extra drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce on top before serving for added sweetness and visual appeal.

Garnished with Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with freshly whipped cream to create a creamy contrast against the cake’s moist texture.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Pair your slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor experience.

How to Perfect Caramel Apple Cake

To ensure your Caramel Apple Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Apples: Freshly grated apples add moisture and flavor. Choose sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best results.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Check Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This helps prevent the buttercream from melting off.

Best Side Dishes for Caramel Apple Cake

Serving side dishes alongside your Caramel Apple Cake can elevate your dessert spread. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the apple flavors beautifully.
2. Caramel Sauce Dip: Serve warm caramel sauce on the side for dipping, enhancing the overall caramel experience.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over whipped cream for an added touch of sweetness and spice.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can offer a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
5. Coffee Cake Muffins: These muffins provide another layer of flavor while keeping with the apple theme.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can balance out the sweetness of the cake, providing variety on your dessert table.
7. Nut Mix: Offer a small bowl of spiced nuts to provide crunch and contrast in texture alongside your slices.
8. Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea can cleanse the palate after enjoying this rich dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Caramel Apple Cake can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect Measurements: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups accurately. A small error in the flour or sugar can alter the cake’s texture.
• Overmixing Batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a fluffy texture.
• Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can affect how well they blend. Take them out ahead of time to reach room temperature.
• Underbaking or Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time and do a toothpick test. Adjust your oven settings if necessary to ensure even baking.
• Skipping the Caramel Sauce: Don’t overlook this step! The homemade salted caramel is what makes this cake special, so take the time to prepare it.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cake in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Caramel Apple Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Caramel Apple Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Caramel Apple Cake.

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

Yes, feel free to experiment with various apple varieties. Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel.

How can I make my Caramel Apple Cake gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What is the best way to store leftover Caramel Apple Cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I make this cake without eggs?

You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use unsweetened applesauce as a binding agent.

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

The total baking time is about 45 minutes, but it’s essential to check doneness with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.

Final Thoughts

The Caramel Apple Cake is not just tasty; it embodies the essence of fall flavors while being easy enough for any occasion. This recipe offers versatility; try adding nuts or spices according to your preference. Don’t hesitate; give it a try today!