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 allspice; 100 g granulated sugar; 100 g dark brown sugar; 200 g grated apples; 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 teaspoon salted caramel; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you are searching for a dessert that blends comforting autumn flavors with a luscious twist, this Caramel Apple Cake is your new best friend. It’s a beautiful harmony between tender apple-studded cake layers and rich homemade salted caramel, all topped with a silky caramel buttercream that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you are baking for a cozy family gathering or want to impress guests with a dessert that tastes as divine as it looks, this Caramel Apple Cake is a guaranteed showstopper that delivers on flavor and texture with every forkful.

Caramel Apple Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Caramel Apple Cake relies on simple, everyday ingredients thoughtfully combined to create layers of flavor and moistness. Each one plays an important role: the grated apples bring juicy sweetness and natural moisture, the cinnamon and allspice add the unmistakable warmth of fall spices, and the homemade salted caramel ties the whole experience together with its buttery, complex notes.

Granulated sugar: Essential for the caramel and cake sweetness, use fine sugar for smooth melting and even baking.
Water: Just a tablespoon to help the sugar melt evenly into golden caramel.
Butter: Adds richness to both the caramel and buttercream, and ensures a velvety texture.
Heavy cream: Key to making the salted caramel sauce luxuriously creamy.
Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the complexity of the caramel.
All-purpose flour: Forms the perfect structure for the cake, keeping it tender yet sturdy.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents give the cake its ideal rise and fluff.
Ground cinnamon and allspice: Fill the cake with warm, comforting spices that pair beautifully with apples.
Dark brown sugar: Deepens the flavor and adds moistness to the cake crumb.
Grated apples: Fresh apples packed with flavor and moisture that infuse the cake with natural sweetness.
Vegetable oil: Ensures the cake stays moist without heaviness.
Eggs: Bind everything together for a tender crumb.
Sour cream: Adds tang and richness that balance the sweetness beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle aroma and depth.
Powdered sugar: The base of the caramel buttercream, lending smooth sweetness.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Salted Caramel

Start by making the salted caramel which is the star ingredient that elevates the entire cake. Combine the granulated sugar and water gently in a saucepan, ensuring the sugar is fully wet. Heat over medium-high and watch as it melts into a shiny amber liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent uneven browning. Once golden brown, reduce the heat and swirl in butter until melted, then add heavy cream slowly—be careful as the mixture will bubble up vigorously. Finish with a pinch of salt to bring out the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Set aside to cool at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Apple Cake Batter

Preheat your oven and prepare a square 22×22 cm pan lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Grate fresh apples and set aside — their juicy texture will keep the cake moist. Sift together all dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the wet into the dry ingredients, then stir in the grated apples, ensuring there are no lumps but don’t overmix to keep the cake tender. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. After baking, let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Up the Caramel Buttercream

While the cake cools, prepare a luscious caramel buttercream to crown your dessert. Start by sifting the powdered sugar for a smooth finish. Beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for several minutes until light and fluffy, which is essential for a creamy texture. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a generous 2 to 3 teaspoons of the homemade caramel, whipping between additions to create a beautifully airy frosting. Scrape the bowl sides and give a final mix on low speed for a perfect consistency that spreads easily but holds its shape.

Step 4: Assemble Your Caramel Apple Cake

Place the cooled apple cake on a serving plate, then spread the caramel buttercream evenly over the top. Drizzle with extra salted caramel, swirling it through the frosting gently with a spoon or offset spatula for an elegant marbled effect. Any leftover salted caramel can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a month, perfect for drizzling on other desserts or enjoying by the spoonful.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

Garnishes

To make your Caramel Apple Cake extra special, consider garnishing with thin apple slices lightly dusted with cinnamon for a fresh fruity touch. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds delightful crunch and nutty aroma. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the caramel’s richness and creates a sophisticated finish.

Side Dishes

This cake is wonderful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a seasonal twist, serve alongside spiced chai tea or a warm cup of apple cider to complement the cake’s cozy flavor profile perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, present the cake on a rustic wooden board and add edible autumn leaves or fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs for an enchanting look. Slice into squares or cut into round layers to create a layered Caramel Apple Cake trifle by layering cake pieces with whipped cream and apple compote.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Caramel Apple Cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the buttercream fresh and the cake moist. Properly stored, it will stay delicious for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy that autumn flavor a little longer.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting. You can also freeze the buttercream in an airtight container and thaw it gently to whip back to the perfect spreading consistency.

Reheating

Though typically enjoyed cold or room temperature, if you prefer a warm slice, heat individual portions gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain the moist texture and decadent frosting.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Store-bought caramel saves time and works well in this recipe. Just choose a good-quality salted caramel sauce for the best balance of flavors, and add a pinch of salt if it’s unsalted to keep that perfect sweet-salty harmony.

What type of apples work best for this cake?

Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their texture and provide a nice balance to the sweet caramel. They won’t break down too much during baking, so you get lovely bursts of apple flavor.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for structure, and follow the rest of the recipe as is for a delicious gluten-free Caramel Apple Cake.

Is it possible to use a different frosting?

For sure. While the caramel buttercream is divine, cream cheese frosting also pairs beautifully with apple flavors. You can add a swirl of caramel sauce on top to keep that luscious caramel element.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy with the apples?

Grating the apples instead of chopping them into chunks helps distribute their moisture evenly without creating sogginess. Also, using sour cream and oil adds moisture that complements the apples without making the batter too wet.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Cake is a wonderful kitchen adventure where simple ingredients come together to create a spectacularly comforting and flavorful dessert. Whether you bake it for a celebration or just a cozy night in, this cake promises smiles and second helpings. So grab your apron and dive into the warmth of autumn flavors — your taste buds will thank you!