If you are craving a cozy treat that perfectly captures the warming flavors of autumn, this Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a luscious blend of tender apples, fragrant spices, and rich caramel sauce all baked into one irresistible cake that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake never fails to bring comfort and joy to the table with its moist texture and decadent topping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe, you’ll gather simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the tender apples adding moisture to the warming spices that infuse the cake with inviting aromas.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents help the cake rise perfectly fluffy and light.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: Spices that bring a warm, comforting depth to every bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the spices beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, making the cake tender and flavorful.
- Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: A duo that sweetens and adds subtle caramel notes.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding moisture and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with a subtle floral sweetness.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the cake moist and adds natural apple flavor without extra sugar.
- Sour cream: Contributes to the moist, tender texture and slight tang.
- Peeled, cored, diced apples: Fresh apples infuse the cake with bursts of juicy sweetness.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For added crunch and nutty flavor that contrast the softness of the cake.
- Granulated sugar (for caramel sauce): The heart of the luscious caramel topping.
- Unsalted butter (for caramel sauce): Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- Heavy cream (for caramel sauce): Makes the caramel sauce smooth and decadent.
- Vanilla extract and salt (for caramel sauce): Enhances the flavor and balances sweetness with a hint of saltiness.
How to Make Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing either a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 8-inch round cake pans. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and come out effortlessly when it’s done.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Combining these now helps the spices distribute evenly throughout the cake for a consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about three minutes. This step builds a sweet, creamy base that will make the cake wonderfully tender.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract, which rounds out the flavor with a beautiful aromatic touch.
Step 5: Incorporate Applesauce and Sour Cream
Blend in the unsweetened applesauce and sour cream until smooth. These ingredients add moisture and a slight tang that make the texture soft and irresistible.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing here can make the cake dense, so take care to mix gently for the perfect crumb.
Step 7: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts if you’re using them. The apples add natural sweetness and moisture, and nuts lend a lovely crunch to contrast the soft cake.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step locks in the moist, spicy apple goodness that defines this cake.
Step 9: Make the Caramel Sauce
While the cake bakes, prepare the caramel by melting granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber. Quickly add the butter, mixing until melted, then slowly stir in heavy cream (it will bubble up), and finish with vanilla extract and salt. This sauce is the crowning glory that elevates your cake to pure indulgence.
Step 10: Drizzle and Cool
Once your cake is out of the oven and has cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the top. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to let the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation by sprinkling a few extra chopped nuts on top or adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices can also make your cake look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This cake links wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or coffee. The cool or warm accompaniments complement the cake’s cozy spices and rich caramel flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cake in individual glass jars layered with caramel and whipped cream for a charming twist, or cut it into small bites for a party platter. It’s equally stunning as a simple slice on a pretty plate or dressed up as part of an elegant dessert spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain moisture. Refrigerate if you want to keep it a bit longer, up to five days.
Freezing
This Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To revive the cake’s moist texture and warm caramel, simply microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds or heat gently in a low oven. Serve with extra caramel sauce or whipped cream for a cozy treat.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this cake?
Absolutely! Crisp varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp all work wonderfully, each adding a slightly different sweetness and texture to the cake.
Is it necessary to use both baking powder and baking soda?
Yes, they work together for the perfect rise; baking soda helps neutralize acidity from the sour cream and applesauce, while baking powder provides extra lift.
Can I substitute the nuts or leave them out?
You can omit the nuts entirely or substitute with your favorite variety, like almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
How thick should the caramel sauce be?
The caramel should be pourable but thick enough to coat the cake nicely without running off. Letting it cool slightly will help it thicken just right before drizzling.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, but keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe is truly a celebration of autumn’s best flavors wrapped into one delicious dessert. From its warmly spiced batter to the indulgent caramel topping, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to revisit season after season. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of pure comfort and delight.
Print
Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Spice Cake is a moist, warmly spiced dessert perfect for fall. It features tender chunks of fresh apples and a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, all baked into a fluffy cake. The luscious homemade caramel sauce drizzled on top adds a rich sweetness that elevates this classic treat into an indulgent delight.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and ensure a smooth batter. Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Incorporate Applesauce and Sour Cream: Blend in the unsweetened applesauce and sour cream until the mixture is smooth, which adds moisture and tenderness to the cake.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing and toughening the cake.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using) into the batter using a spatula to distribute them evenly.
- Pour Batter into Dish: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce – Melt Sugar: While the cake bakes, melt the granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it liquefies and turns a deep amber color.
- Add Butter: Immediately add the pieces of unsalted butter to the melted sugar, stirring until the butter melts and combines smoothly.
- Add Cream and Finish Sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream (the mixture will bubble vigorously), stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let the caramel cool slightly.
- Drizzle Caramel on Cake: Once the cake is finished baking and has cooled for about 10 minutes, generously drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top to enhance flavor.
- Cool Completely and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving to ensure clean cuts and optimal texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the nuts according to preference or omit them for a nut-free version.
- If fresh apples are not available, use crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
- The caramel sauce can be prepared ahead and warmed slightly before serving if desired.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For extra moisture, serve the cake slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
