Cozy Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe: Autumn’s Sweet Delight

Sweet memories of autumn dance through my mind whenever I slice into this caramel apple spice cake that promises pure comfort.

Crisp orchard apples mingle with warm cinnamon and nutmeg in a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Layers of moist cake capture the essence of fall’s most beloved flavors.

Every forkful delivers a rich, decadent experience that whispers of cozy afternoons and nostalgic gatherings.

Homemade caramel drizzle adds a luxurious touch that elevates this classic treat beyond ordinary desserts.

Baking this cake fills your kitchen with incredible aromas that make everyone pause and smile.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice and savoring each delectable bite.

Apple Spice Cake With Caramel Elements

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Basic structure and rise for the cake, choose unbleached flour for better texture.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that add depth and classic autumn flavor, use fresh and fragrant spices.

• Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide richness, sweetness, and moisture, use room temperature butter for smooth mixing.
• Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Add structure, binding, and enhanced flavor, fresh eggs work best.
• Milk: Ensures soft and tender cake texture, whole milk recommended for richness.

• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds moisture and natural sweetness, use firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Caramel Sauce: Provides glossy finish and extra decadent flavor, homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce works well.

Caramel Apple Spice Cake Baking Method

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your bundt pan and give it a generous coating of butter 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

Make sure everything is well combined and free of any pesky lumps.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Base

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugars until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud.

Crack in the eggs one at a time, then splash in the vanilla extract.

Mix until everything is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamy base, alternating with splashes of milk.

This technique helps create a silky, even batter.

Gently fold in freshly diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the top, allowing it to cascade down the cake’s curves.

Slice and serve to your eager guests.

Tricks Straight From The Pros For Spice Cake Perfection

• Measure ingredients accurately, especially spices, to maintain the perfect balance of flavors in this autumn-inspired cake.
• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast in the cake.
• Don't overmix the batter to keep the cake tender; fold ingredients gently to prevent a tough, dense texture.
• Warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to ensure a smooth, even coating over the cooled cake.
• Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without compromising its delightful texture.

Caramel Apple Spice Cake Best Storage Plan

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• If serving within 2 days, keep cake covered at room temperature in a cake carrier or under a dome to preserve moisture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or reheat entire cake in a preheated 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until gently warmed through.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What to Eat With Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Elevate Cake Flavor Experience: Pair this caramel apple spice cake with a warm cup of chai tea, which enhances the cake's aromatic spices and complements its rich sweetness.
• Create Delightful Dessert Combination: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold creaminess to contrast beautifully with the warm, spiced cake texture.
• Boost Beverage Enjoyment: Match the cake with a smooth bourbon or aged whiskey, where the spirit's oak and caramel undertones harmonize perfectly with the cake's deep flavors.
• Enhance Culinary Indulgence: Accompany the dessert with a dollop of cinnamon-spiced whipped cream, adding an extra layer of creamy, fragrant goodness that elevates the entire tasting experience.

Caramel Apple Spice Cake Spins

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for texture. Use almond milk as a dairy-free alternative.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs. Use coconut oil instead of butter and plant-based milk. Replace caramel with a vegan caramel sauce made from dates and coconut cream.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar. Reduce overall sweetness and add extra spices like ginger or cardamom for flavor depth.
• Nut-Enhanced Edition: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top of the caramel drizzle for added crunch and nutty flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! Choose firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best texture and flavor in your cake.

• Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

• How do I know when 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.

• Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

While it’s best to bake immediately after mixing, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before. Combine them just before baking for the freshest results.

Caramel Apple Spice Cake That’s Soft, Sweet, And Bold

• Savor Quick Family Comfort: A delightful autumn-inspired cake that brings warmth to any gathering in just over an hour.
• Foolproof Baking Adventure: Simple mixing technique allows even novice bakers to create a professional-looking dessert without complex skills.
• Seasonal Flavor Explosion: Packed with warming spices and fresh apples, this cake captures the cozy essence of fall in every delicious bite.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, holiday parties, or casual weekend treats that everyone from kids to grandparents will adore.

The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade caramel apple spice cake brings autumnal comfort to your kitchen with layers of warm cinnamon and sweet caramel. Seasonal ingredients meld perfectly, creating a dessert that whispers comfort and invites you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) baking soda
• 1 teaspoon (2.6 g) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (1.3 g) ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.65 g) ground cloves

Sweeteners and Liquids:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and thoroughly coating a bundt pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until uniformly blended.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugars until light and airy, creating a smooth base for the cake’s texture.
4. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing until fully integrated and creating a rich, smooth consistency.
5. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk to maintain a silky batter texture.
6. Gently fold diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the cake mixture.
7. Transfer the prepared batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading evenly to create a consistent cake structure.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, which helps maintain its structural integrity.
10. Once cooled, carefully release the cake from the bundt pan and generously drizzle caramel sauce over the top for a decadent finishing touch.

Notes

• Let apples sit at room temperature before dicing to enhance their natural sweetness and prevent browning during preparation.
• Use fresh, crisp baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance in the cake.
• Toast ground spices briefly in a dry skillet before adding to the recipe to intensify their aromatic qualities and deepen the cake’s warmth.
• Opt for homemade caramel sauce for a richer, more authentic taste compared to store-bought versions, which can taste artificial and overly sweet.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg