Caramel apple cake. Just the name conjures up images of crisp autumn days, cozy kitchens, and the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and spice. This delightful dessert combines the sweetness of caramel with the tartness of apples, all nestled within a moist and fluffy cake. It’s the kind of treat that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a hot cup of tea and savor every bite.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. So why not bring a taste of fall into your home? Let’s gather our ingredients and embark on a baking adventure!
Caramel Apple Cake: A Recipe for Every Baker
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
For the caramel topping:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Let’s Bake!
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes. This will create a tangy flavor and help the cake rise beautifully.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
Step 2: Creating the Caramel Dream
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The caramel should thicken slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Assembling the Caramel Apple Masterpiece
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Drizzle half of the caramel topping over the batter.
- Top with the remaining cake batter and spread evenly.
- Drizzle the remaining caramel topping over the batter.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks from My Grandmother’s Kitchen
- Apple Selection: I recommend using a mix of apples for a balance of sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn are all excellent choices.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own. Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’re good to go!
- Caramel Consistency: For a thicker caramel, simmer for a few minutes longer. If it becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serving Suggestions: This cake is delicious on its own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level.
Slice of Caramel Apple Cake
FAQs: Baking Questions, Answered!
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: You can, but I recommend reducing the added salt by half to account for the salt already present in the salted butter.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze caramel apple cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cake before or after frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cake
Conclusion: Your Baking Journey Begins!
Baking is a labor of love, and this caramel apple cake is a testament to that. It’s a recipe that will fill your home with warmth and create memories that last a lifetime. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and treat your loved ones (and yourself!) to a slice of autumn heaven.
Are you a fan of fruit-based desserts? Check out our recipes for Pineapple Upside-Down Cake and Applesauce Cake for more delicious inspiration!
Don’t forget to share your baking triumphs with us! Leave a comment below and tell us about your experience making this caramel apple cake. We love hearing from our readers!
