As autumn arrives, with its crisp air and kaleidoscope of leaves, it inspires us to embrace the warmth and richness of seasonal flavors. The Caramel Apple Spice Cake is an irresistible dessert that embodies the spirit of fall. With layers of tender, spiced cake bursting with juicy apple chunks and a luxurious drizzle of caramel sauce, this recipe is your ticket to autumnal bliss. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake is a surefire crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Bursting with Fall Flavors: The combination of warm spices, fresh apples, and rich caramel sauce is the ultimate autumn treat.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Payoff: Everyday pantry items come together to create a showstopping dessert.
- Versatile and Make-Ahead Friendly: Make the components in advance and assemble for stress-free entertaining.
- Perfectly Moist: Buttermilk and apples ensure each bite is tender and flavorful.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
Add-Ins and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling, homemade or store-bought)
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This step ensures the spices are evenly distributed, so every bite is flavorful.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. This process takes about 2–3 minutes and helps incorporate air into the batter.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of warmth.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This prevents overmixing and ensures a tender cake.
6. Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the batter.
7. Bake the Layers
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Cakes
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Assemble the Cake
Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of caramel sauce over the top. Repeat with the second layer, and top with the final layer. Drizzle more caramel sauce over the top, letting it cascade down the sides for a rustic, decadent look.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Caramel Apple Spice Cake with:
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- A steaming mug of apple cider or chai tea for the ultimate fall experience.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Keep the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap individual layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before assembling.
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Make Ahead: Bake the cake layers and prepare the caramel sauce a day in advance for easy assembly.
- Extra Caramel Appeal: Warm the caramel slightly before drizzling for an ultra-smooth finish.
FAQs
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes! Replace the butter with 1/2 cup of neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) for a slightly denser texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.
Conclusion
The Caramel Apple Spice Cake is a true celebration of fall, combining the cozy warmth of spices, the natural sweetness of apples, and the indulgence of caramel. Its soft, tender crumb and rich layers make it a showstopping centerpiece for any autumn gathering.
For more seasonal treats, don’t miss out on:
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Maple Glaze
- Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake
- Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
Happy baking! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on Pinterest—I can’t wait to see your beautiful cakes!
