The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe: Cozy Fall Treat

Sweet memories dance through my caramel apple spice cake, a nostalgic treat that whispers autumn’s warmth.

Crisp orchards and cozy kitchens inspired this delectable creation.

Fragrant cinnamon and tender apples mingle with rich caramel, creating a symphony of flavors.

Seasonal ingredients weave magic into every delightful slice.

Soft crumbs promise comfort and indulgence with each forkful.

Baking this cake connects us to cherished moments of shared joy.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible dessert.

The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake for Celebrations

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Crafting these lemon bars requires minimal culinary skills, making it perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
• Bright and Zesty Flavor Profile: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest creates a tangy, refreshing dessert that instantly lifts spirits and delights taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These lemon bars are ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers, offering a universally appealing sweet treat that everyone loves.
• Versatile Serving Option: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish, or enjoy as a casual snack that works for both fancy occasions and everyday indulgence.

Every Ingredient in The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Ginger: Warm spices that create a cozy, aromatic flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the cake.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that add depth and moisture to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: Provides richness and helps keep the cake tender.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, sweet flavor to the cake.

• Grated Apples: Fresh fruit that adds moisture, natural sweetness, and texture to the cake.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that provide a delightful contrast in texture.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the caramel.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and helps create a silky glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the caramel flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness of the glaze.

How to Make The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans and give them a quick grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Ginger
• Salt

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredient Goodness

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vegetable oil (or melted butter)

Crack in the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Splash in vanilla extract and blend until smooth.

Step 4: Marry the Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in freshly grated apples, letting their natural sweetness shine through.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 6: Craft Decadent Caramel Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream

Cook until sugar dissolves completely, about 2-3 minutes.

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

Step 7: Drench in Caramel Glory

Generously pour the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every inch gets covered in sticky sweetness. Let the glaze set for 10 minutes.

Step 8: Final Flavor Flourishes

Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts. Add an extra drizzle of caramel sauce if you’re feeling indulgent.

Top with a cloud of whipped cream for the ultimate finish.

Expert Touches for The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake

Enhance the flavor by using a mix of apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a more complex taste profile. Check cake doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back when fully baked. Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness. Consider swapping vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter version or use gluten-free flour to make the recipe more diet-friendly. Elevate the presentation by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or caramel drizzle just before serving to create a stunning visual and extra layer of flavor.

Exciting Options for The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Autumn Harvest Cake: Replace apples with pumpkin puree and add extra warm spices like cardamom for a seasonal fall version.
• Nutty Caramel Apple Cake: Mix in chopped walnuts and pecans directly into the batter for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Cake: Create a cream cheese mixture and swirl it through the batter before baking for a rich, tangy complement to the caramel and apple.
• Salted Caramel Apple Cake: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel glaze to enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile.

Pairing Ideas for The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Cozy Family Dessert Night: Serve warm slices of caramel apple spice cake alongside vanilla ice cream for a comforting after-dinner treat that brings everyone together.
• Autumn Brunch Centerpiece: Create an elegant dessert platter with cake slices, sprinkled cinnamon, and fresh apple wedges that celebrates seasonal flavors and looks stunning.
• Gifting Delights: Package individual cake slices in rustic kraft paper with twine, perfect for sharing with neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings as a homemade, heartwarming present.
• Rustic Potluck Star: Bring this cake to community events, garnished with extra caramel drizzle and chopped nuts, ensuring everyone gets a taste of warm, spiced happiness.

Preserve The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake Freshness

• Store the caramel apple spice cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for 2-3 days if you plan to consume it quickly. Place it in a cake carrier or cover it with a cake dome to maintain freshness and prevent dust or insects from settling on the surface.
• Wrap the entire unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding caramel glaze and serving.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples in this cake?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Just ensure they’re fresh and grated finely for the best texture.

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

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version of the cake.

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

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade caramel apple spice cake delivers autumnal comfort with rich, warming spices and tender apple chunks. Drizzled caramel sauce and cream cheese frosting complete this irresistible seasonal dessert you’ll crave all fall long.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/2 cups (340 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp (7.5 ml) baking powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda
• 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans with grease.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. In a separate bowl, cream granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and uniform, then incorporate eggs individually, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated. Gently mix in grated apples, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
5. Transfer batter to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature before proceeding with glaze preparation.
7. Create caramel glaze by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves completely, approximately 2-3 minutes.
8. Remove glaze from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance flavor complexity.
9. Drizzle warm caramel glaze over cooled cake, using a spatula to distribute evenly across the surface.
10. Let glaze set for 10 minutes, then optionally garnish with chopped pecans, additional caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream before serving.

Notes

• Ensure apples are finely grated to distribute evenly throughout the cake, preventing clumping and creating a moist texture.
• Replace vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter, healthier version that maintains moisture.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities, adding 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture.
• Store cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 79 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 107 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 2.3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg