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The BEST Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe

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3.8 from 13 reviews

This Caramel Apple Spice Cake is a moist, warmly spiced dessert perfect for fall or any occasion. Featuring layers of tender apple spice cake filled and frosted with rich caramel cinnamon buttercream, this cake combines traditional autumn flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with fresh chopped apples and a luscious caramel drizzle. It’s an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress at family gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Apple Spice Cake

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1⁄2 cup applesauce
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 cups chopped apples

Caramel Buttercream

  • 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1⁄2 cup caramel sauce
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Decoration

  • Extra caramel sauce for dripping
  • Apple slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease four 8-inch round cake pans thoroughly and set them aside to ensure the cakes will not stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, applesauce, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter to evenly distribute without breaking them down.
  6. Fill Pans and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the four prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in their pans on a wire rack before assembling.
  8. Prepare Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, vanilla extract, caramel sauce, and cinnamon together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating continuously until fully incorporated and fluffy.
  9. Level and Stack Cakes: Once cooled, level the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife for an even stack. Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread an even layer of buttercream over the top. Repeat stacking all layers, placing buttercream between each.
  10. Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of buttercream on the top and sides of the assembled cake to lock in crumbs. Place the cake in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.
  11. Final Frosting and Decoration: Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream in an even and smooth layer. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the cake and decorate with apple slices as desired.
  12. Serve: Slice the finished cake and enjoy your rich, spiced caramel apple treat.

Notes

  • Use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and tartness.
  • Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
  • Chill the crumb-coated cake well to make final frosting easier and neater.
  • To prevent over-baking, check the cakes at 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center.
  • The cake layers and buttercream can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to help the flavors meld.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/the-best-caramel-apple-spice-cake-recipe/