Spiced Caramel Apple Cake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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This Spiced Caramel Apple Cake is your go-to treat whenever you crave something warm and comforting, blending the sweetness of apples with rich caramel and warm spices. Perfect for fall, but honestly, I'd make it any time of year when I need a little cozy in my life.

Ingredients for Spiced Caramel Apple Cake

The flour forms the base of your cake, providing structure. We’re using a mix of baking powder and baking soda to give it the right rise and texture. The trio of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice adds that warm, inviting aroma and flavor profile that makes this cake truly special. Butter gives a rich, tender crumb, while the mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar ensures sweetness and a hint of molasses depth. Eggs act as a binder, and a touch of vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors. Whole milk adds moisture, ensuring the cake stays soft. The apples are the star here, bringing a fresh, fruity element, and finally, the caramel sauce provides an indulgent finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more easily, so take out your eggs and milk ahead of time.
  • If your caramel sauce is too thick, warm it slightly before drizzling to achieve that perfect drip.
  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the spice mix.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy afternoon treat, enjoy it with a warm mug of chai tea or spiced apple cider, enhancing those fall flavors even more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller pan will require a longer bake, while a larger one will need less time.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! It keeps well for a couple of days at room temperature or longer in the fridge. Just drizzle with caramel right before serving.

Spiced Caramel Apple Cake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and give it a good greasing. This ensures our cake doesn't stick and comes out beautifully.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This mix will give your cake the perfect rise and flavor balance.

Now, in a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture gets light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a beautifully textured cake.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. This ensures everything is well combined and your cake has a consistent flavor throughout.

Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. This technique helps maintain a smooth batter without overmixing.

Gently fold in the chopped apples. Be careful not to overmix here; we want those apple chunks to remain intact for delightful bites throughout the cake.

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, let the cake cool slightly before drizzling it with caramel sauce. This step is where the magic happens, soaking into the cake for a luscious finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Balances sweet and spice perfectly for a warming flavor.
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
  • Quick to prepare with minimal fuss.
  • Great way to use up those apples sitting in your fruit bowl.
  • Drizzled with caramel for that extra indulgent touch.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
3 cups peeled and chopped apples
1/2 cup caramel sauce

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
6. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool slightly, then drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

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