Caramel Apple Spice Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

Introduction

There’s nothing that screams fall more than a Caramel Apple Spice Cake. With its warm spices, tender apple chunks, and luscious caramel drizzle, this cake is the ultimate cozy treat for autumn gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea.

This moist, flavorful cake brings together the best flavors of the season—apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a rich caramel glaze. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for an easy, foolproof recipe, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect caramel apple spice cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Fall: Packed with apples, cinnamon, and caramel.
• Moist & Tender: The apple and spice blend ensures a soft, delicious texture.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
• Show-Stopping Dessert: A beautiful caramel drizzle makes it visually appealing.
• Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or weekend baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 2 cups finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan for a more elegant presentation.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Apples & Nuts

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

1. Heat sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and golden brown.
2. Add butter and stir until melted.
3. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously.
4. Stir in vanilla and salt, then remove from heat.
5. Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.

Step 7: Drizzle & Serve

Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the cooled cake and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Expert Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake

✅ Use tart apples – Granny Smith apples balance the sweetness with a bit of tartness.
✅ Don’t overmix the batter – This keeps the cake light and fluffy.
✅ Let the caramel cool slightly – This ensures the best consistency for drizzling.
✅ Add a touch of spice – A pinch of cloves or ginger enhances the flavor.
✅ Toast the nuts – If using nuts, toast them for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

Variations & Customizations

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

• Dairy-Free Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and sour cream with dairy-free yogurt.
• Extra Flavor Boost: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the caramel sauce.
• Cupcake Version: Bake the batter in muffin tins for individual servings.

How to Store & Freeze

To Store: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

To Freeze: Wrap the cake (without caramel) in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and drizzle with fresh caramel before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of apples work best?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples hold their shape and add a nice tart balance to the cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. Add the caramel drizzle just before serving.

How do I prevent my cake from becoming dry?

Avoid overbaking and measure ingredients accurately, especially flour.

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes, but homemade caramel gives the best flavor and freshness.

What’s the best way to reheat caramel sauce?

Warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Spice Cake is the ultimate fall dessert, combining warm spices, tender apples, and rich caramel for an irresistible treat. Whether served as a holiday centerpiece or a casual weekend bake, this cake is sure to impress.

With its perfect balance of sweetness and spice, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will become a go-to autumn recipe. Try it today, and let us know how it turns out!

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