Caramel Apple Cake Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Cake is a rich, moist dessert that combines the sweetness of caramel with the tartness of apples, creating a deliciously balanced treat. With its tender crumb and velvety caramel drizzle, this cake is a perfect dessert for fall gatherings, special occasions, or simply when you’re in the mood for something indulgent. The apples add a fruity freshness, while the caramel sauce provides a warm, comforting sweetness that complements the cake perfectly.

This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just looking for a delicious cake to enjoy with a cup of coffee, Caramel Apple Cake is sure to be a hit with everyone. The rich flavors and inviting aroma of this cake will fill your kitchen and leave your guests asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Cake

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of tart apples and sweet caramel creates a balanced flavor profile that’s not too sweet, yet incredibly satisfying. The cake is moist, rich, and full of autumn-inspired flavors.
• Moist and Tender: The cake itself is incredibly moist thanks to the apples and a touch of sour cream or yogurt. This ensures every bite is soft and flavorful, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.
• Caramel Drizzle: The decadent caramel sauce drizzled on top of the cake adds richness and depth of flavor, elevating the cake from good to extraordinary.
• Seasonal and Versatile: This cake is perfect for fall, with the flavors of apples and caramel, but it can also be made year-round by substituting different fruits or adding nuts for variety.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients like apples, flour, butter, and sugar, this cake doesn’t require any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 50-55g
• Protein: 2-3g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 35-40g

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Special Equipment

While making Caramel Apple Cake doesn’t require any specialized tools, a few pieces of equipment will help ensure smooth preparation and better results:

1. Electric Mixer: An electric mixer is helpful for creaming the butter and sugar, as well as mixing the batter. It saves time and ensures a smooth, well-incorporated mixture.
2. Cake Pan: A 9-inch round or square cake pan is ideal for this recipe. You can also use a bundt pan for a more elegant presentation.
3. Mixing Bowls: A couple of large mixing bowls will be needed to combine the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements of the ingredients are essential to achieving the perfect texture and flavor for the cake and caramel sauce.
5. Grater or Peeler: A vegetable peeler is needed to peel the apples, and a grater is helpful if you prefer to grate the apples instead of dicing them for added texture.
6. Saucepan: A medium saucepan is essential for making the caramel sauce. The low and slow cooking process allows the sugar and butter to meld together to form a smooth and glossy sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with butter or cooking spray and lightly flour it to prevent the cake from sticking. If you’re using a bundt pan, make sure to grease and flour all the crevices.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is important for creating a soft and tender cake.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or yogurt) until fully incorporated. The sour cream or yogurt adds moisture and helps to make the cake extra tender.

2. Add the Apples and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cake to become dense. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy due to the diced apples.

Fold in the diced apples gently with a spatula. The apples will add moisture and flavor to the cake, creating a lovely texture. If you want to add a bit of extra flavor, you can also stir in a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, at this stage.

3. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake should be golden brown on top and spring back when gently pressed.

If you’re using a bundt pan, make sure to check the cake’s doneness in several places, as it may take a little longer to bake evenly in the center.

4. Make the Caramel Sauce

While the cake is baking, you can prepare the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.

Once the mixture begins to simmer, continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The sauce should thicken slightly as it cooks. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let the caramel sauce cool for a few minutes before drizzling it over the cake.

5. Cool the Cake and Add Caramel Sauce

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This helps the cake firm up a bit before transferring it to a cooling rack.

Carefully turn the cake out of the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top of the cake. The warm caramel will soak into the cake, adding flavor and moisture.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Cut the cake into slices and serve. The cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this caramel apple delight!

Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Cake

• Use Tart Apples: For the best flavor balance, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and the cake.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
• Caramel Consistency: If the caramel sauce is too thick after cooling, you can gently reheat it and add a little more cream to achieve the desired consistency.
• Add Extra Flavor: You can experiment with adding other spices, such as ground ginger or cloves, to give the cake a unique twist. Chopped nuts also pair well with the apples and caramel.
• Let the Cake Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before serving to prevent the caramel sauce from melting off too quickly.

Variations of Caramel Apple Cake

• Caramel Apple Cake with Streusel Topping: For added texture, top the cake with a cinnamon streusel before baking. The crunchy topping complements the soft cake and caramel sauce beautifully.
• Spiced Caramel Apple Cake: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or cloves to the cake batter for extra spice. These flavors pair wonderfully with the apples and caramel.
• Apple Cider Caramel Cake: For an extra touch of autumn, substitute some of the butter with apple cider in the cake batter. This will enhance the apple flavor and add moisture.
• Glazed Caramel Apple Cake: Instead of a caramel drizzle, make a glaze by mixing powdered sugar with caramel sauce. Pour it over the cooled cake for a glossy finish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Caramel Apple Cake is best enjoyed within a few days of baking, as the apples will release moisture over time. Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend the shelf life, refrigerate the cake, but let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

You can also freeze the cake for longer storage. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, leave the cake at room temperature for a few hours, or reheat it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Caramel Apple Cake

Pair this indulgent

cake with complementary dishes and beverages to enhance the experience:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm cake and caramel.
• Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream is a perfect topping for this rich dessert, adding a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
• Coffee or Tea: Pair the cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea to balance the richness of the caramel and apple flavors.
• Autumn Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a fresh and slightly tart contrast to the sweet cake.

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Conclusion

Caramel Apple Cake is the perfect dessert for fall, combining the warm, comforting flavors of caramel and apples in a moist, tender cake. With its rich flavor, beautiful texture, and indulgent caramel drizzle, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as an everyday treat, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.