Name: Caramel Apple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 90 g granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon water; 25 g butter; 100 g heavy cream; Pinch of salt; 240 g all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground all spice; 100 g granulated sugar; 100 g dark brown sugar; 200 g apples grated; 110 g vegetable oil (room temperature); 2 eggs (room temperature); 140 g sour cream (14-18%, room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 100 g butter (room temperature); 165 g powdered sugar; 2-3 teaspoons caramel sauce; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you adore the cozy flavors of autumn wrapped up in a cake, then you absolutely need to try this Caramel Apple Cake. It’s a luscious blend of tender, spiced apple cake with a rich salted caramel sauce and a silky caramel buttercream frosting that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Every bite captures the sweet, buttery charm of caramel paired with the tartness of fresh apples, making it a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a special treat just for yourself, this Caramel Apple Cake will become an instant favorite.

Caramel Apple Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of moist cake, gently spiced apples, and decadent caramel. Each component plays a crucial role—from the flour providing structure, to the apples adding natural sweetness and moisture, and the salted caramel bringing that irresistible depth of flavor.

Granulated sugar (90 g for caramel, 100 g for cake): The backbone of sweetness, essential for both the salted caramel and the cake itself.
Water (1 tablespoon): Helps dissolve the sugar evenly when making caramel for a smooth texture.
Butter (25 g for caramel, 100 g for buttercream): Adds a rich, creamy feel to the caramel sauce and lusciousness to the buttercream.
Heavy cream (100 g): Creates that luxurious, velvety consistency in the salted caramel sauce.
Salt (pinch): Balances the sweetness with a tiny kick to enhance all the flavors delightfully.
All-purpose flour (240 g): The foundation of the cake providing structure and softness.
Baking powder (1 ¼ teaspoon) & baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Vital for ensuring the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon) & ground all spice (¼ teaspoon): Give the cake its classic warm spice notes that perfectly complement the apples.
Dark brown sugar (100 g): Imparts a deep molasses flavor and moistness to the cake.
Grated apples (200 g): Freshly grated apples bring juicy freshness and texture to the cake.
Vegetable oil (110 g): Keeps the cake moist without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and contribute to a tender crumb.
Sour cream (140 g): Adds tang and richness, making the cake extra moist and tender.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor profile, rounding out the sweetness beautifully.
Powdered sugar (165 g): For creating a smooth, sweet buttercream frosting.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake

Step 1: Make the Salted Caramel

Start by combining the granulated sugar and water in a saucepan and cook over medium-high heat. The sugar will slowly melt and turn a gorgeous golden brown—this is where patience truly pays off, so keep your eyes on it and stir occasionally for even caramelization. Once it’s a deep amber, add the butter, stirring until it’s fully melted into the mixture. Carefully pour in the heavy cream a bit at a time, stirring constantly to prevent any burns from the bubbling mixture. Finish with a pinch of salt, which elevates the sweetness and adds complexity. Transfer the caramel to a shallow bowl and let it cool down to room temperature. This luscious sauce is the heart of your Caramel Apple Cake.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 170ºC (340ºF) and line a 22×22 cm square baking pan with parchment paper. Grate your apples and set them aside. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, all spice, and both sugars—this dry mixture ensures that your cake is perfectly spiced and sweetened. In another bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry, then gently stir in the grated apples. Mix just enough to combine so the cake stays wonderfully tender. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Up the Caramel Buttercream

Sift the powdered sugar to avoid any lumps and set aside. Beat the softened butter until creamy and fluffy—taking about 4 minutes really makes a difference in the texture. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 teaspoons of the homemade caramel sauce in two parts, whipping well after each addition. The result is a smooth, decadent buttercream that sings with buttery sweetness and that signature caramel flavor. Give it one last gentle stir on low speed to incorporate everything perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble Your Caramel Apple Cake

Place your cooled apple cake on a serving dish and spread the caramel buttercream evenly over the top. Swirl in as much leftover caramel sauce as you like right into the frosting for those irresistible caramel ribbons. If you have any extra salted caramel, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month—it’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream or coffee.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

Garnishes

To add a bit of extra wow factor, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the buttercream. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices can also add a fresh, beautiful touch. These garnishes introduce a delightful crunch and complement the cake’s warm flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the rich caramel notes. For a beverage, a cup of spiced chai tea or a warm caramel latte is heavenly alongside a slice of this Caramel Apple Cake, making the experience truly comforting and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Caramel Apple Cake as a layered dessert by cutting it into squares and stacking them with more caramel buttercream and sliced apples. Alternatively, transform it into mini parfaits by crumbling the cake and layering it with whipped cream and drizzled caramel in glasses. This playful presentation makes an ordinary dessert feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Caramel Apple Cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to savor the cake’s tender crumb and creamy buttercream at their peak.

Freezing

If you want to keep this treat longer, freeze the un-frosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before adding the caramel buttercream frosting to keep it fresh and moist.

Reheating

For a cozy, just-baked feel, warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Enjoy it with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent touch.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making salted caramel?

Absolutely! Store-bought caramel works just fine and saves time, but homemade salted caramel adds that extra depth and fresh flavor that really elevates the cake.

What type of apples work best in this cake?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn are ideal because they hold their texture and balance the sweetness of the caramel and sugars beautifully.

Is it necessary to grate the apples instead of chopping them?

Grating the apples ensures they distribute evenly throughout the batter, keeping the cake moist and tender while giving subtle bursts of apple flavor in every bite.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or another dairy-free cream for the caramel, but the texture and richness might vary slightly.

How important is it to cool the salted caramel before using it in the buttercream?

Cooling the caramel to room temperature prevents the buttercream from melting and ensures a smooth, spreadable frosting. Patience here really helps you get the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Cake is one of those rare recipes that feels both indulgent and homey at the same time. It’s the perfect way to bring a little warmth and sweetness into any gathering or quiet afternoon treat. Trust me, once you taste the tender apples mingling with luscious caramel in this cake, it will quickly become one of your go-to desserts. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!