As the crisp fall air settles in and the leaves begin to crunch beneath my feet, I can’t help but crave the warm, nostalgic comforts of autumn baking. This Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel has become my go-to dessert for capturing the essence of the season. Imagine the sweet aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples wafting from the oven, promising a cozy treat that speaks to the heart. What sets this cake apart is its luscious caramel buttercream, draped in a generous drizzle of homemade salted caramel, creating a blend of flavors that evoke cherished memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations.
Whether you’re looking to indulge after a busy day or impress guests at your next gathering, this moist and delectable cake is the answer. Trust me, it will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, with its customizable elements, you can easily tailor it to your taste. So grab those fresh apples and let’s dive into creating this delightful fall-inspired masterpiece!
Why is Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel special?
Indulgent flavors: The combination of rich caramel and spiced apples creates a harmonious balance that’s hard to resist.
Moist texture: Thanks to the grated apples, each bite is fluffy and bursting with flavor.
Customizable options: Feel free to swap in your favorite apple varieties for a unique twist or add nuts for delightful crunch.
Perfect for gatherings: This cake is sure to impress guests, making it an ideal centerpiece for your fall celebrations.
Easy preparation: Designed for bakers of all levels, you can whip this up without any fuss.
Plus, for those sharp autumn vibes, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an unforgettable treat!
Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Ingredients
For the Caramel
• Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and structure; ensure even melting to prevent burning during caramelization.
• Water – Assists in dissolving sugar evenly; use just enough to saturate without excess.
• Butter – Adds richness; high-quality butter will enhance the flavor of your salted caramel.
• Heavy Cream – Creates a luxurious texture in the caramel; add slowly to avoid splattering.
• Salt – Enhances flavor, balancing sweetness in both the caramel and buttercream; adjust to taste for that perfect sweet-salty contrast.
For the Cake
• Cinnamon – Imparts warmth and spice to the apples; consider adding nutmeg for deeper flavor.
• Unsweetened Applesauce (or grated apples) – Contributes moisture and natural sweetness; fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith are ideal.
• Eggs – Provide structure and richness; beat until pale for the best consistency.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the buttercream; sift before use for a smoother texture.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic depth; opt for pure vanilla for optimal flavor.
For the Buttercream
• Softened Butter – The base for a fluffy frosting; whip until very pale for the best texture.
• Salted Caramel – Enhances the flavor profile of your buttercream; drizzle in a portion for that signature touch.
With these ingredients for your Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel, you’re one step closer to baking an autumn masterpiece!
How to Make Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel
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Prepare Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until the mixture turns a golden brown, stirring occasionally. Once caramelized, slowly add the butter and heavy cream while stirring. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 340°F (170°C). Line a 22×22 cm baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides for easy removal later.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures even distribution and helps avoid any lumps in your cake.
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Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the eggs, melted butter, and granulated sugar together. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
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Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Be careful not to overmix! Once combined, add in your grated apples, ensuring they are spread evenly throughout the batter.
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Bake Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Enjoy the wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen!
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Cool Cake: Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make Buttercream: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy and pale. Gradually add powdered sugar, the vanilla extract, and a portion of the cooled caramel. Beat until smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency with more sugar or caramel as needed.
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Assemble: Once the cake is cool, spread a generous layer of caramel buttercream over the top. Drizzle with additional salted caramel for that indulgent finish.
Optional: Top with chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Caramel Apple Cake
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Watch the Caramel: Keep a close eye on the caramel as it cooks; it can swiftly turn from perfectly golden to burnt if left unattended.
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Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter for the frosting is softened to room temperature for easy creaming. This results in a light and fluffy caramel buttercream.
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Sift for Smoothness: Sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the buttercream. This helps prevent any pesky lumps, ensuring a velvety texture.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients for your Caramel Apple Cake, fold gently so as not to overmix the batter. This keeps your cake light and airy.
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Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet, bake for an additional few minutes.
What to Serve with Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel?
Indulging in this delightful cake is sure to create a cozy dessert experience, but pairing it with the right accompaniments takes it to the next level.
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Whipped Cream:
A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a lightness that balances the rich flavors of the cake. Its silky texture creates a heavenly contrast. -
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:
The creaminess and coldness of vanilla bean ice cream enhances the warm spices of the cake, making every bite feel like autumn bliss. -
Coffee or Hot Cocoa:
A warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa complements the sweetness of the cake, making it perfect for a comforting afternoon treat or after-dinner indulgence. -
Candied Pecans:
These add a crunchy, sweet element that provides a delightful texture contrast and enhances the nutty flavors of the apples in the cake. -
Caramel Drizzle:
Drizzle extra homemade salted caramel over the cake before serving for an indulgent flair, amplifying the flavor profile and visual appeal. -
Fresh Apple Slices:
Serve thin apple slices alongside as a refreshing and crisp companion. Their juiciness contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cake, completing the fall theme. -
Chai Tea:
A cup of spiced chai tea can elevate the whole experience, harmonizing perfectly with the warm spices of the cake and offering a fragrant sipping experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Caramel Apple Cakes with Salted Caramel are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time during the week! You can bake the cake up to 24 hours in advance; simply let it cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can prepare the salted caramel and caramel buttercream up to 3 days ahead—just refrigerate them in separate containers. When it’s time to serve, rewhip the buttercream briefly to restore its fluffiness. Then, assemble the cake by spreading the frosting and drizzling the caramel just before delighting your family or guests with this indulgent dessert! This process ensures you’ll enjoy the flavors just as great as if freshly made.
Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists to make the recipe truly your own!
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Different Apples: Try using Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious apples for distinct flavor profiles that brighten the cake.
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Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully against the moist cake.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
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Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream, and opt for vegan butter for the frosting to keep it dairy-free.
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Caramel Swirl: Swirl additional salted caramel into the batter before baking for a surprise burst of flavor.
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Boozy Kick: Incorporate a splash of spiced rum or bourbon into the batter for a warm, comforting adult twist.
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Frosting Variations: Experiment with cream cheese frosting instead of caramel buttercream for a tangy and sweet alternative that pairs wonderfully with apples.
Storage Tips for Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel
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Room Temperature: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring the cake remains delicious and moist.
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Freezer: Freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.
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Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm treat, enhancing the flavors of your Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel.
Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe FAQs
What kind of apples are best for the Caramel Apple Cake?
Absolutely! For this cake, I recommend using crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious. They offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of your cake. You can experiment with different varieties for unique taste profiles, but always go for fresh apples for the best results!
How should I store leftovers of the Caramel Apple Cake?
Once your cake is baked and cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have frosting on it, or want it to last a bit longer, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This helps maintain its moisture and delicious flavor.
Can I freeze the Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel?
Very! To freeze, wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This will keep it fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight, and then frost it with your delightful caramel buttercream right before serving!
What if my cake doesn’t rise properly?
The more the merrier! If your cake doesn’t rise as expected, it could be due to overmixing the batter or expired baking powder. Make sure to use fresh ingredients and gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry to keep the cake airy. Also, always test your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer, as some ovens may run hotter or cooler than what’s displayed.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
For gluten-free options, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend or almond flour. Be sure to check that all your ingredients, including baking powder, are certified gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be a delicious treat!
Is this cake safe for pets?
No, it’s not. Keep in mind that the ingredients used, particularly sugar and chocolate, are not suitable for pets. Always enjoy this delightful Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel yourself, and consider making pet-friendly treats if your furry friends are looking for a snack!
Irresistible Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Slowly add butter and heavy cream while stirring. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 340°F (170°C). Line a 22x22 cm baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix eggs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, then add grated apples.
- Bake Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Buttercream: Beat the softened butter until fluffy, gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cooled caramel.
- Assemble: Once the cake is cool, spread buttercream over the top and drizzle with additional salted caramel.