As the first chill of fall seeps into the air, I find myself longing for cozy moments filled with warmth and spice. This yearning lead me to whip up a Caramel Apple Layered Cake that perfectly encapsulates autumn’s essence. Picture this: a soft, spiced cake layered with homemade apple pie filling, all drizzled with a rich salted caramel. It’s a heavenly delight that transforms any gathering into a celebration.
The moment you cut into this cake, you’re met with a beautiful contrast of flavors—the sweetness of apples and the aromatic warmth of cinnamon. Best of all? This indulgent layered cake is surprisingly simple to create! Whether it’s for a festive holiday feast or an intimate family dinner, this Caramel Apple Spice Cake promises to impress while bringing everyone together around the table. Get ready to embrace the season with every delicious slice!
Why is Caramel Apple Spice Cake a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spicy cake and sweet apple filling creates every bite an explosion of autumn flavors.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll whip this together with ease, even if you’re a beginner at baking.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for any gathering, this cake’s stunning layers and warm spices will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Versatile Options: Feel free to customize! Try adding nuts for crunch or frosting with cream cheese for an exciting twist.
Time-Saving Treat: With a baking time of under 30 minutes, you can enjoy this indulgence without spending hours in the kitchen.
Dive into this delicious experience with the ultimate fall treat that’s perfect for cozy nights!
Caramel Apple Spice Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
- All-purpose flour – Structure. Ensure you spoon and level or use a kitchen scale to avoid a dry cake.
- Baking powder – Leavening agent. It helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Baking soda – Leavening agent. Works in tandem with acidic components to create lift.
- Salt – Enhances flavor. It’s essential for balancing out the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon, ginger, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg – Warmth and spice. Substitute with your preferred spices for a customized flavor profile.
- Canola or vegetable oil – Moisture. You can replace it with melted butter for added richness.
- Brown sugar – Sweetness and moisture. Both light or dark packed brown sugar work perfectly here.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetness. Coconut sugar is a delightful alternative if desired.
- Pure vanilla extract – Flavor. Opt for high-quality extract for the best results.
- Large eggs – Structure and richness. Make sure they’re at room temperature for even mixing.
- Sour cream and buttermilk – Moisture and tenderness. Both should be at room temperature; Greek yogurt can be a handy substitute for sour cream.
For the Apple Filling
- Apples (Gala) – Fresh fruit filling. Swap with other sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for variation.
- Brown sugar – Sweetness and enhancement of flavor specifically for the apple filling.
- Cornstarch – Thickener for apple filling. You can replace it with flour if necessary.
For the Frosting
- Heavy cream – Adds richness to the salted caramel and frosting. Regular cream is fine too, but the texture may vary.
- Unsalted butter – Richness in frosting and caramel. Always go for unsalted to better control salt levels.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetness and texture for the frosting. Always sift for a smooth consistency.
Feel the excitement building with these ingredients as you prepare to create your own Caramel Apple Spice Cake. Embrace the cozy fall flavors and surprise your loved ones with this delightful dessert!
How to Make Caramel Apple Spice Cake
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Prepare Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Sift together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, sour cream, eggs, and buttermilk until combined. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
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Bake: Distribute the batter evenly among three prepared 8-inch round cake pans. Bake for 20-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans.
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Make Salted Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar until it turns amber in color. Carefully stir in butter, then slowly add warmed heavy cream, salt, and vanilla. Stir until smooth and cool completely.
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Prepare Apple Filling: In a skillet, sauté sliced Gala apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until the mixture is bubbly and thickened. Allow to cool before using.
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Cinnamon Caramel Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add in sifted powdered sugar, mixing until incorporated. Then blend in vanilla, cooled salted caramel, and cinnamon until you reach a creamy consistency.
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Assembly: Trim the tops of each cake layer to ensure they are even. Layer the cakes, spreading a layer of frosting, followed by apple filling, and drizzle some caramel in between. Frost the entire cake with the cinnamon caramel frosting and decorate with salted caramel drips. Chill the cake in the refrigerator to set.
Optional: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some chopped pecans on top before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations & Substitutions for Caramel Apple Spice Cake
Feel the freedom to tailor this delightful cake to your taste buds and dietary needs—let your creativity shine!
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Fruit Swap: Substitute apples with pears for a subtly different flavor profile, maintaining that delightful sweetness.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities while enjoying the same great taste.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling for a delightful textural contrast that enhances each bite.
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Cupcake Adaptation: Transform this into scrumptious cupcakes by reducing baking time to 18-20 minutes, making them perfect for gatherings!
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Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the cinnamon caramel frosting for a tangy cream cheese frosting for a deliciously different flavor experience.
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Spice Level Boost: Increase the amount of cinnamon and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising, warm kick in every slice.
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Dairy-Free: To make this cake dairy-free, use plant-based milk, oil, and vegan butter in place of dairy ingredients, and still keep it indulgent!
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Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the presentation by adding a caramel drizzle on top of the frosting, taking the visual appeal to a whole new level.
Feel inspired to mix and match these ideas to craft a cake that’s uniquely yours!
Expert Tips for Caramel Apple Spice Cake
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Mixing Matters: Avoid overmixing the batter; gently combine wet and dry ingredients to keep your cake fluffy and light.
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Perfect Caramel: Stir constantly while making the salted caramel to prevent burning; patience is key for that rich flavor.
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Chill the Frosting: If your frosting gets too soft while mixing, pop it in the fridge for a quick chill before spreading for easier application.
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Bake Evenly: Rotate your cake pans halfway through baking to ensure even cooking for your caramel apple spice cake.
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Cool Completely: Allow cake layers to cool in the pans for at least 10 minutes before transferring to racks to avoid breakage.
How to Store and Freeze Caramel Apple Spice Cake
Fridge: Store your caramel apple spice cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This helps maintain moisture and enhance the flavors over time.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Reheating: To warm a slice, microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will make the cake soft and gooey, accentuating the delicious caramel and apple flavors.
Leftovers: If you have any leftover frosting or caramel, store them separately in the fridge for up to 1 week to use as a topping for other treats!
What to Serve with Caramel Apple Spice Cake?
As the delicious aroma of spiced apple cake fills the air, pair it with delightful accompaniments that enhance its flavor and joy.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop adds creamy texture, balancing the sweetness of the cake and making each bite even more divine.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy treat contrasts beautifully with the warm cake, creating a delightful temperature play that’s hard to resist.
- Spiced Chai Latte: This warm, aromatic drink complements the cake’s flavors perfectly, offering a cozy beverage to savor alongside dessert.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Enhance the cake’s indulgence by serving it with extra caramel sauce, allowing guests to add as much richness as they desire.
- Candied Pecans: These crunchy morsels add a nutty sweetness and delightful texture, transforming each slice into a more festive treat.
- Hot Apple Cider: Serve this seasonal favorite alongside the cake for a comforting, complementary drink that ties the whole meal together.
- Gingerbread Cookies: For a fun and festive twist, pair with gingerbread cookies that echo the warm spices of the cake, creating a wonderful dessert medley.
- Chocolate Bark: Break off a piece of rich chocolate bark for a sweet contrast, offering a surprising yet delightful flavor combination with each bite of cake.
Gather around the table, share warmth, and make memories with these perfect pairings!
Make Ahead Options
This Caramel Apple Spice Cake is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy fall days! You can prepare the cake layers up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake them, cool completely, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. The apple filling can also be made a day ahead and refrigerated; just warm it slightly before assembling. For the cinnamon caramel frosting, it’s best prepared within 3 days, but it should be stored in the fridge and stirred well before using. When ready to serve, layer your cake with the frosting and apple filling, drizzling the salted caramel on top for that delectable finish. Enjoy your baking while ensuring you’ll have a delicious dessert ready when you need it!
Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your caramel apple spice cake, I recommend using Gala apples for their sweetness. However, you can substitute with other sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp, which will also provide a delicious filling.
How should I store the cake?
Store your caramel apple spice cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping it covered helps retain moisture and allows the flavors to deepen and enhance over time—a little bit of patience can lead to even more delightful bites!
Can I freeze the cake for later?
Yes, you can! Wrap individual slices of the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe container. This will keep your cake fresh for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.
What if my caramel is too hard?
If your salted caramel turns out too hard, don’t worry—it happens! Simply reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat along with a splash of heavy cream. Stir until it’s smooth and the desired consistency is reached. Consistency is key, so make sure to keep stirring to prevent burning.
Is this cake safe for people with allergies?
It’s important to consider any dietary restrictions! This recipe contains common allergens like eggs and dairy. If you’re baking for someone with allergies, I suggest using egg substitutes like a flax egg and plant-based alternatives for sour cream and butter. Always double-check ingredient labels to be on the safe side.
How long does the frosting last?
Leftover frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Keep it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to use it again, just give it a good stir and check the consistency. If it gets too soft, pop it in the fridge for a quick chill to make spreading easier.
Irresistible Caramel Apple Spice Cake for Cozy Fall Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Sift together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, sour cream, eggs, and buttermilk until combined. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
- Distribute the batter evenly among three prepared 8-inch round cake pans. Bake for 20-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar until it turns amber in color. Carefully stir in butter, then slowly add warmed heavy cream, salt, and vanilla. Stir until smooth and cool completely.
- In a skillet, sauté sliced Gala apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until the mixture is bubbly and thickened. Allow to cool before using.
- In a mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add in sifted powdered sugar, mixing until incorporated. Then blend in vanilla, cooled salted caramel, and cinnamon until you reach a creamy consistency.
- Trim the tops of each cake layer to ensure they are even. Layer the cakes, spreading a layer of frosting, followed by apple filling, and drizzle some caramel in between. Frost the entire cake with the cinnamon caramel frosting and decorate with salted caramel drips. Chill the cake in the refrigerator to set.
