The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe: Sweet Autumn Magic

Sweet autumn afternoons call for something truly special, and this caramel apple spice cake recipe delivers pure comfort in every bite.

Warm cinnamon and fragrant nutmeg dance through a moist, tender crumb studded with tender apple chunks.

The caramel swirls create a luxurious backdrop that elevates this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Crisp fall apples provide a natural sweetness that blends perfectly with rich, deep spices.

Each slice promises a symphony of seasonal flavors that wrap you in cozy memories.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delectable treat with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Sliced Spice Cake with Caramel Apple Charm

• Celebrate Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a warm, spice-packed cake that captures the cozy essence of autumn with its rich blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Simplify Baking Adventure: Master this straightforward recipe that requires basic ingredients and minimal technical skills, making it perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress family and friends with a moist, apple-studded cake topped with luxurious homemade caramel sauce that transforms an ordinary treat into a spectacular dessert.
• Adaptable Party Showstopper: Ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or weekend family dinners, this versatile cake brings a touch of warmth and elegance to any occasion.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that add depth and autumn-inspired flavor to the cake.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the cake.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that provide moisture and caramelized undertones.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the cake.
• Applesauce: Provides additional moisture and natural apple sweetness.
• Grated Apples: Adds moisture, texture, and fresh apple flavor to the cake.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Heavy Cream: Classic components that create a rich and smooth caramel sauce.
• Vanilla Extract, Salt: Enhance and round out the caramel's flavor profile.

Steps to Bake Caramel Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Prepare The Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of grease and flour to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Salt

Whisk these together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Create The Wet Base

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vegetable oil

Beat until the mixture looks smooth and silky.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract and applesauce until everything is beautifully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine And Fold

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Carefully fold in freshly grated apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Craft The Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the top.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Tips for Warm, Spiced Cake Perfection

• Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
• Grate apples just before mixing and toss with a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration.
• Pat grated apples with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring your cake doesn't become soggy or dense.
• Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the cake's center; if it comes out clean with just a few crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Stir caramel constantly while cooking to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, rich consistency that complements the spiced cake.

Caramel Apple Cake Mix-Ins and Variations

• Gluten-Free Spice Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Maintain the same spice ratios and baking technique for a similar texture.
• Vegan Apple Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and swap heavy cream with coconut cream in caramel sauce. Ensures plant-based eaters can enjoy this delicious dessert.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar, reduce brown sugar quantity, and incorporate sugar-free caramel sauce. Perfect for diabetic-friendly or weight-conscious individuals seeking a healthier treat.

Best Ways to Plate Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Rustic Autumn Dessert Platter: Arrange cake slices on a wooden board with cinnamon sticks, whole apples, and a small pitcher of extra caramel sauce for a cozy, farmhouse-style presentation.
• Seasonal Ice Cream Companion: Top warm cake slices with a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that elevates the dessert experience.
• Coffee Shop Chic Pairing: Serve alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai latte or strong espresso, allowing the cake's warm spices to complement the rich beverage and create a perfect afternoon treat.
• Breakfast Transformation: Slice cake into smaller portions and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a decadent morning indulgence that feels like a special weekend brunch.

Storage for Leftover Spice Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the entire uncut cake tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut the cake into portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for quick individual servings.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best flavor and texture in the cake.

• Is it necessary to use both granulated and brown sugar?

Yes, using both sugars adds depth and moisture to the cake. Brown sugar provides a rich, caramel-like flavor, while granulated sugar helps with sweetness and texture.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist and tender.

The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful caramel apple spice cake delivers autumn’s warmth in every rich, moist slice. Comforting spices and sweet caramel drizzle invite you to savor seasonal nostalgia with each heavenly bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons baking soda

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoons ground cloves

Seasoning:

• 0.25 teaspoons salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and preparing a 9×13-inch baking pan with grease and flour coating.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly integrated.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together granulated and brown sugars with vegetable oil until achieving a smooth consistency.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the sugar mixture, then blend in vanilla extract and applesauce until fully combined.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients, stirring gently to prevent overmixing, then gently incorporate freshly grated apples throughout the batter.
6. Transfer cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly and ensuring uniform distribution.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and cake appears golden brown.
8. Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature, preparing for caramel sauce application.
9. Create caramel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then introducing brown sugar and heavy cream.
10. Bring caramel mixture to a rolling boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
11. Remove caramel from heat, quickly incorporating vanilla extract and salt for enhanced flavor complexity.
12. Drizzle warm caramel sauce generously over the cooled cake, ensuring even coverage for maximum deliciousness.

Notes

• Enhance apple flavor by using a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for complex taste profiles.
• Prevent apple browning by tossing grated apples with a splash of lemon juice before folding into batter.
• Keep cake moist by not overmixing the batter and checking doneness early to avoid overbaking.
• Adapt for gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring same texture and consistency.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 130kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 1.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg