apple caramel cake recipe

apple caramel cake recipe

The Best apple caramel cake recipe

I’ve been making this apple caramel cake recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of tender apples, gooey caramel, and moist cake is a match made in heaven. I love that it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, but the end result is truly impressive.

My kids can’t get enough of the sweet and tangy flavors, and my husband raves about the moist texture. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a Tuesday night dessert. Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to other sweet treats, thanks to the use of fresh apples and a touch of cinnamon.

As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a snack, dessert, or even as a breakfast treat (yes, really!)

I like to think that this cake has been passed down through generations of home cooks, each adding their own twist to the classic recipe. My grandmother used to make it for family gatherings when I was a kid, and now I carry on her tradition with my own children. There’s something special about breaking into the first slice of warm cake, feeling the oozy caramel seep out onto your plate…

it’s just magic.

Apple Caramel Cake

Apple Caramel Cake

4.5 from 694 votes

A moist and tender apple cake topped with a rich homemade caramel sauce. This dessert combines the sweetness of baked apples with a buttery caramel glaze for a comforting treat.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 5 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)

For the Caramel Sauce

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Set aside.
4In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
5Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
6Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour.
7Mix on low speed until just combined, then fold in the diced apples with a spatula.
8Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
9Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
10Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11While the cake cools, make the caramel sauce.
12In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
13Add the brown sugar and cream, whisking constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, about 3 minutes.
14Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
15Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.
16Let the sauce cool for 5 minutes before serving.
17Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the cooled cake.
18Slice and serve with additional sauce on the side if desired.

🔧Equipment

9-inch round cake pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Saucepan
Whisk
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 320mg🌾Total Carbs: 58g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 40g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For best results, use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. The caramel sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently.

Watch Video Of How Apple Caramel Cake Works

This apple caramel cake recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting friends over for dinner or need something special for your family gathering.

The combination of flavors is unbeatable – sweet apples mixed with gooey caramel create an irresistible treat that everyone will love.

Plus, since this cake freezes beautifully (simply wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil), you can easily whip up individual servings whenever needed without having to bake an entire new batch from scratch.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Caramel Cake

Q1: What type of apples work best in this recipe?

A1: For this recipe, you’ll want to use a combination of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Gala. The sweetness will add depth to the flavor, while the tartness will help balance out the sweetness.

Q2: Can I substitute the caramel with honey or maple syrup?

A2: While you can try substituting the caramel with honey or maple syrup, keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile significantly. Caramel has a rich, deep flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples and cake – using honey or maple syrup might give your cake an overly sweet taste.

Q3: How do I store leftover cake?

A3: If you’re not serving the cake immediately, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer or store it in the fridge/freezer for later use – simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in an airtight container.

Q4: Can I make individual servings of this cake?

A4: Absolutely! This recipe makes one large cake that serves around 8-10 people – if you’d like individual servings, simply divide the batter among 8-10 cupcake liners or ramekins before baking.

Q5: How do I prevent the apples from becoming too soggy during baking?

A5: To prevent sogginess, make sure your apples are sliced thinly and evenly so they cook at roughly the same rate as the rest of your batter – also don’t overmix your batter when combining wet and dry ingredients; doing so may cause uneven distribution of moisture within your mix.

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