The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Looking for the ultimate autumn dessert? This Caramel Apple Spice Cake is the answer! Packed with warm spices, tender apples, and topped with a rich caramel glaze, this cake is perfect for cozy fall nights, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying a seasonal craving. Each bite delivers layers of flavor—from the moist, spiced cake to the juicy chunks of apple and the luscious caramel drizzled on top. Ready to make your kitchen smell like a fall dream? Let’s dive into the full recipe!

What is a Caramel Apple Spice Cake?

A Caramel Apple Spice Cake combines the warmth of classic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the sweetness of fresh apples. The cake itself is moist and tender, featuring chunks of apple baked right into the batter. To make it even more indulgent, the cake is finished with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, which seeps into the cake and adds an extra layer of gooey, buttery sweetness. This cake is the perfect dessert to celebrate the fall harvest or to serve at Thanksgiving, but it’s just as good any time of year.

Ingredients List for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this irresistible cake. Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start baking.

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for a deeper spice flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
• 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

For the Caramel Glaze:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt (optional, for salted caramel flavor)

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Extra apple slices for decoration

Substitutions and Variations

You can make a few adjustments to this recipe based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some great alternatives:

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in place of the butter, and swap the sour cream with dairy-free yogurt. Use coconut cream in place of the heavy cream for the caramel glaze.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar by using a sugar substitute or cutting back by about ¼ cup without sacrificing too much sweetness.
• Apple Butter Addition: For an even deeper apple flavor, swirl in ¼ cup of apple butter into the batter before baking.
• Spice Variation: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for an even richer spiced flavor.
• Vegan Version: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs, and follow the dairy-free substitutions above.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now let’s break down how to make this incredible caramel apple spice cake. Follow these instructions carefully for a perfectly moist and flavorful cake.

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan (you can also use a bundt pan for a more elegant look) and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt. Set aside.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars:

• In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes.

1. Add the Wet Ingredients:

• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
• Fold in the sour cream and apple cider or apple juice until smooth and well-combined.

1. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can result in a denser cake.
• Gently fold in the chopped apples with a spatula.

1. Bake the Cake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
• Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake will feel springy to the touch.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Make the Caramel Glaze:

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture starts to simmer.
• Let the caramel simmer for about 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt (if using). Allow the glaze to cool for about 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly before pouring it over the cake.

1. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the cake has cooled, place it on a serving plate. Slowly pour the caramel glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
• If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top, or decorate with thin apple slices for an extra touch.

How to Cook Caramel Apple Spice Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Though this cake requires baking, the steps are straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Here are some key points to remember for success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and prevents lumps.
• Chop Apples Evenly: Make sure your apples are chopped into even pieces so they cook uniformly in the cake. Larger pieces may sink, while smaller ones will distribute more evenly.
• Check Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake at the 45-minute mark. If the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, that’s perfect! If it’s wet, it needs more time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined.
• Undercooking or Overcooking: Use the toothpick test to ensure the cake is baked through but not overbaked, which can make it dry.
• Rushing the Caramel Glaze: Let the glaze cool slightly before pouring it over the cake. If it’s too hot, it will run right off the cake; if too cool, it will harden before spreading evenly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is part of the experience with a dessert as beautiful as this Caramel Apple Spice Cake. Here are a few ideas to make it even more impressive:

• Serve Warm: For an extra indulgent treat, warm each slice slightly before serving and pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Decorate with Extra Apples: Thinly slice fresh apples and arrange them in a fan shape around the top of the cake before drizzling with the caramel glaze.
• Add a Whipped Cream Dollop: Top each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a café-style presentation.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Spice Cake

Once your cake is fully assembled and the caramel glaze has set, use a sharp knife to cut it into slices. Serve each slice with a generous drizzle of extra caramel sauce (if desired), and for a special touch, add a side of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of hot apple cider, spiced tea, or coffee for the ultimate fall dessert experience.

Presentation Ideas for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Bundt Cake Presentation: If using a bundt pan, the caramel glaze will cascade beautifully over the sides, giving it a stunning look perfect for holiday tables.
• Caramel Drizzle Art: Use a fork or spoon to create artistic caramel drizzle patterns across the top of the cake.
• Rustic Look: Keep it simple by topping the cake with chopped nuts and serving it directly from the pan for a more rustic, farmhouse-style presentation.

Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the cake a day ahead of time and store it, tightly covered, at room temperature. Just wait to pour the caramel glaze until you're ready to serve.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheat for Best Results: To revive the cake, gently warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This softens the cake and slightly warms the caramel glaze for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.Can I freeze Caramel Apple Spice Cake?
Yes! You can freeze the cake (without the caramel glaze) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw in the fridge overnight. Add the caramel glaze before serving.

2. What are the best apples to use for this cake?
Granny Smith apples are great for a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work well if you prefer a sweeter taste.

3. Can I make this cake in a bundt pan?
Absolutely! Just make sure to grease the bundt pan well and adjust the baking time to about 50–60 minutes. The shape of the bundt pan will also make the caramel glaze look extra impressive.

4. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience. However, homemade caramel glaze adds a richer flavor and is easy to make!

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Spice Cake is the epitome of fall comfort food—spiced, fruity, and oozing with caramel goodness. Whether you're serving it at a holiday dinner, a fall gathering, or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. With its warm spices, tender apple chunks, and rich caramel topping, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. So, grab your ingredients and get baking—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

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