Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my caramel apple spice cake! It’s a warm hug in dessert form, bursting with the flavors of sweet caramel and spiced apples. Every time I make this cake, I’m transported back to cozy autumn days, where the smell of cinnamon wafts through the kitchen and makes everyone feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Trust me, it’s a showstopper! The cake is moist and flavorful, and the caramel drizzle on top? Absolute perfection! I whip this up for family gatherings, and it always disappears in a flash. Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight treat, yet impressive enough for a special occasion. You’ll want to dive right into this deliciousness, I promise!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 cup caramel sauce
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and toasty for that cake!
- In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This will be your dry mixture!
- In another bowl, combine the applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Give it a good mix until everything is blended.
- Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until it’s all combined. Don’t overmix; you want it smooth but not too fluffy!
- Gently fold in those diced apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Yum!
- Next, pour the batter into a greased cake pan. I like to use a 9×13 inch pan, but feel free to use what you have on hand!
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Wow, that smell will be heavenly!
- Once it’s baked to perfection, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before drizzling with that luscious caramel sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Moist and flavorful, with an irresistible blend of caramel and spices.
- Great for gatherings; it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
- Versatile—enjoy it as a dessert or a sweet snack with coffee.
- Can be made ahead of time, making entertaining a breeze.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Tips for Success
To make sure your caramel apple spice cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips:
- Ingredient swaps: If you don’t have applesauce on hand, mashed bananas work beautifully as a substitute. They’ll add a slight twist to the flavor while keeping the cake moist!
- Choosing apples: For the best flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combo gives your cake that perfect balance!
- Don’t skip the cooling: Letting your cake cool completely before drizzling with caramel is key. This prevents the caramel from melting into the cake and makes for a gorgeous presentation!
- Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Start checking for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Serving suggestions: Serve slices warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Trust me, the combination is heavenly!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your caramel apple spice cake! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Different spices: Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for a little extra warmth and depth in flavor. It’ll give your cake a delightful twist!
- Mix up the apples: Use different types of apples—like sweet Fuji or tart Cortland—for varying flavors and textures. Each apple has its own personality!
- Add-ins: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch. Or, if you’re a fan of dried fruit, throw in some raisins or cranberries for a sweet surprise!
- Frosting options: Go beyond caramel drizzle! A light cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast, or even a simple vanilla glaze can elevate this cake to new heights.
Feel free to experiment with these variations and make this cake your own! You can’t go wrong with caramel and apples, right?
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your caramel apple spice cake, the right accompaniments can take it to the next level! Here are some of my favorite suggestions:
- Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is a must! It adds a light, airy touch that balances the richness of the cake.
- Vanilla ice cream: Serve a warm slice alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream with the warm cake creates a dreamy dessert experience!
- Hot cider: For a cozy vibe, pair this cake with a warm cup of spiced apple cider. It’s like autumn in a cup and complements the flavors perfectly.
- Tea or coffee: A strong cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, like chai or cinnamon, pairs beautifully with the spice notes in the cake. It’s perfect for an afternoon treat!
- Caramel drizzle: Don’t forget to drizzle a bit more caramel sauce on top just before serving. It makes for a beautiful presentation and an extra burst of flavor!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create the perfect dessert experience. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious caramel apple spice cake and have some leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:
- Storing: Once your cake has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay good for about a week. Just make sure it’s covered so it doesn’t dry out!
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can also freeze slices! Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just remember to label it so you don’t forget about your sweet treasure!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, just take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until it’s warm but not too hot. You can also heat it up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps keep it moist and delicious!
And don’t forget to add a little extra caramel drizzle on top when you serve it again—it makes everything taste brand new! Enjoy your cake, my friend!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know it’s always nice to have an idea of what’s in our delicious treats, so here’s a general overview of the nutritional information for each slice of this caramel apple spice cake! Just keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a ballpark figure:
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 3g
It’s a little indulgent, but hey, it’s dessert! Enjoy every bite without guilt, and remember, life is too short not to savor your favorite treats. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce?
Yes, you can! If you prefer to use fresh apples, just peel and dice them, and replace the applesauce with 1 cup of mashed ripe bananas to keep the cake moist. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this caramel apple spice cake, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well!
Can I add nuts to the cake?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a fantastic addition to your caramel apple spice cake. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of your favorite nuts along with the apples for extra texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to store the cake?
Store your caramel apple spice cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week, just make sure it’s covered to prevent it from drying out!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This cake is perfect for making ahead. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just drizzle the caramel sauce on top right before serving to keep it looking fresh and fabulous!
Caramel Apple Spice Cake: 5 Steps to Deliciousness!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful cake made with caramel and spiced apples.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine applesauce, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- Blend dry and wet ingredients until smooth.
- Fold in diced apples.
- Pour batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before drizzling with caramel sauce.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Serve with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Substitute applesauce with mashed bananas for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: caramel apple spice cake, cake recipe, dessert, apple cake
