This Caramel Apple Spice Cake is the ultimate fall treat, blending the comforting flavors of juicy apples and warm spices. Topped with a decadent caramel glaze, this cake is perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday desserts, or whenever you want to indulge in a sweet, spiced delight.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup applesauce
2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith recommended)
For the Caramel Glaze:
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, then dust with flour.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir in the applesauce until smooth, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in the chopped apples.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Make the Caramel Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Glaze the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, pour the warm caramel glaze over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Tips:
Warm or Room Temperature: This cake tastes amazing when served slightly warm, allowing the caramel glaze to melt just a bit into each slice. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the rich flavors. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a festive touch.
Perfect for Brunch or Dessert: This versatile cake is ideal for serving as a comforting dessert after dinner or even as a sweet addition to a fall brunch.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake will remain moist and the caramel glaze will continue to add flavor as it sets.
Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or want to extend the cake’s shelf life, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Before serving, bring the cake to room temperature or reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the glaze.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake (preferably without the glaze) for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. To serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and glaze it before serving.
Glaze Freshness: If you plan to make the cake in advance, consider storing the caramel glaze separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat the glaze on the stovetop or in the microwave before pouring it over the cake.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?
Yes, while Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, you can substitute with other apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Keep in mind that sweeter apples may make the cake sweeter, while tarter apples provide a nice balance to the caramel glaze.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day or two ahead of serving. You can bake the cake and store it covered at room temperature, then add the caramel glaze just before serving to keep it fresh and glossy.
Can I freeze the Caramel Apple Spice Cake?
Yes, the cake freezes well. It’s best to freeze the cake without the caramel glaze. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the glaze before serving.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for the glaze?
If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel sauce can be used as a substitute for the homemade glaze. However, the homemade caramel glaze adds a richer flavor that perfectly complements the spiced cake. If using store-bought, make sure it’s a thick, high-quality caramel sauce for the best results.
Conclusion:
This Caramel Apple Spice Cake combines the best fall flavors into one irresistible dessert. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee or serving it at a family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit!
📖 Recipe:
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Caramel Apple Spice Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Apple Spice Cake is a moist, spiced cake loaded with fresh apples and topped with a rich caramel glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings, this easy-to-make dessert brings together the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for a comforting treat everyone will love. Ideal for cozy autumn evenings or holiday tables, this cake is a delicious way to enjoy seasonal flavors.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup applesauce
2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith recommended)
For the Caramel Glaze:
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and applesauce. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, then fold in chopped apples.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Caramel Glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, pour the warm caramel glaze over the top and allow it to set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
For the best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
Make sure to cool the cake completely before pouring the caramel glaze to prevent the glaze from soaking in too much.
The cake can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Glaze just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
