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
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans with grease.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- 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.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated. Gently mix in grated apples, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- 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.
- Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature before proceeding with glaze preparation.
- 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.
- Remove glaze from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance flavor complexity.
- Drizzle warm caramel glaze over cooled cake, using a spatula to distribute evenly across the surface.
- 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