Name: Caramel Apple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 90 g granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon water; 25 g butter; 100 g heavy cream; Pinch of salt; 240 g all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground all spice; 100 g granulated sugar; 100 g dark brown sugar; 200 g apples grated; 110 g vegetable oil, room temperature; 2 eggs, room temperature; 140 g sour cream 14-18%, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 100 g butter, room temperature; 165 g powdered sugar; 2-3 teaspoon caramel; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 29 reviews

If you’re craving cozy fall flavors, the Caramel Apple Cake is an absolute must-bake treat. Imagine tender, spiced apple cake layers crowned with a cloud of caramel buttercream and finished with ribbons of homemade salted caramel. Every bite brings the magic of orchard-fresh apples, toasted autumn spices, and the kind of melty caramel drizzle that draws oohs and aahs at every gathering. Whether you’re looking for a showstopper dessert for friends or a comforting weekend bake, this Caramel Apple Cake will deliver warmth, nostalgia, and plenty of sticky-fingered smiles.

Caramel Apple Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is simple, but each one plays a starring role in this Caramel Apple Cake’s deliciousness! Expect a dreamy combination of moist apple cake, satiny buttercream, and gooey caramel to make your kitchen smell like heaven.

Granulated sugar: Creates the golden caramel for the sauce and lends sweetness to both the cake and caramel.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar for a smooth caramel base—don’t skip this little detail!
Butter: Adds creamy richness to both the caramel and the buttercream topping for extra decadence.
Heavy cream: Provides that luscious, dreamy texture in the caramel sauce—essential for real indulgence.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the caramel and makes all the flavors pop with a hint of savoriness.
All-purpose flour: Gives the cake structure while keeping it delightfully tender.
Baking powder & baking soda: This dynamic leavening duo ensures your cake rises beautifully and stays light.
Ground cinnamon & allspice: These warming spices infuse every bite with classic apple pie flavor.
Dark brown sugar: Adds moisture and molasses notes for a deeply flavorful crumb.
Grated apples: Bring fresh, natural sweetness and keep the cake ultra-moist—use tart apples for the best flavor!
Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb supremely tender without overpowering the other flavors.
Eggs: Help the cake set and provide structure, so every slice holds together perfectly.
Sour cream: Adds rich tang and extra moisture, transforming the cake into a bakery-worthy masterpiece.
Vanilla extract: Gives roundness and warmth to the cake and the buttercream.
Powdered sugar: Ensures the buttercream is smooth, fluffy, and irresistible.
Homemade or store-bought caramel: Drizzled over top, this is the finishing touch that makes your Caramel Apple Cake unforgettable!

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake

Step 1: Make the Salted Caramel

Start by preparing your homemade salted caramel. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and a splash of water. Stir just until the sugar is evenly moistened, then flatten it out in the pan so it melts consistently. Heat over medium-high, watching it closely as it turns from clear to a gorgeous golden hue. Once you spot warm caramel colors, gently stir to melt any lingering sugar crystals. When it’s perfectly golden, lower the heat, stir in butter until smooth, then gradually add heavy cream (it may bubble vigorously, so be careful!). Finish with a pinch of salt for that craveable salty-sweet depth, then transfer to a shallow bowl to cool in the fridge while you prepare the cake.

Step 2: Prep the Apples and Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 170ºC (340ºF) and line a 22×22 cm square pan with parchment paper for easy cake removal later. Grate your apples and set them aside—they’ll release juices that help keep the Caramel Apple Cake moist and flavor-packed. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and both sugars. Give everything a quick stir to combine, ensuring your spices and leaveners are evenly dispersed.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully blended—this step is key for a velvety, uniform cake batter. The tangy sour cream and oil promise each bite will be airy and melt-in-your-mouth.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Pour your wet ingredients into the sifted dry mixture and add the grated apples. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to over-mix—just enough to ensure there are no flour streaks left. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Let the cake rest 10 minutes before carefully removing it from the tin, then allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Caramel Buttercream

While your cake cools, whip up the caramel buttercream. Sift powdered sugar and set aside. In a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the room-temperature butter for several minutes until fluffy and pale. Scrape down the bowl, then add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and several spoonfuls of that glorious caramel, dividing additions to maintain a silky texture. Beat until everything is smooth, airy, and beautifully creamy.

Step 6: Assemble Your Caramel Apple Cake

Place your fully cooled apple cake on a serving platter. Spread the buttercream generously over the top, swooping it into soft peaks. Drizzle with as much homemade caramel as your heart desires, then use a spoon or small offset spatula to create pretty caramel swirls. If you have leftover caramel, save it for drizzling over ice cream or dipping apples—trust me, you’ll find a delicious use!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake

Garnishes

This cake shines with just a swirl of caramel, but you can take it a step further. Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of cinnamon, or thin apple slices fanned along the top. Some toasted pecans or walnuts add crunch and a bakery-style finish, too. These simple touches make your Caramel Apple Cake look and taste extra-special for any occasion.

Side Dishes

Caramel Apple Cake is delightfully rich, so consider pairing each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A cup of hot coffee or spiced chai on the side balances the sweetness and turns dessert into a cozy fall ritual.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, cut the cake into small squares for a caramel apple “snack cake” platter, perfect for potlucks or picnics. For festive individual servings, try baking in muffin tins for mini cakes—swirl the caramel over each. Or, layer slices with extra buttercream in mason jars for adorable, portable parfaits that will delight kids and adults alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any remaining Caramel Apple Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen runs warm, the fridge keeps everything fresh for up to 5 days, though be sure to bring slices to room temperature before serving for that soft, just-baked texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (un-iced or iced) tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then allow to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you crave that just-baked warmth, pop a slice of Caramel Apple Cake into the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The caramel grows deliciously gooey and the sponge regains all its tender moisture. Just take care not to overheat—short bursts work best!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making my own?

Absolutely! While homemade caramel brings a lovely depth and freshness, quality store-bought versions work in a pinch. Just be sure to use a salted one for that wonderful sweet-salty contrast, or add a pinch of sea salt to regular caramel.

What type of apples is best for Caramel Apple Cake?

Choose tart, firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their bright flavor and slight acidity shine through the cake and balance the caramel’s sweetness perfectly. Softer apples may become mushy and get lost in the bake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The cake texture may be slightly different, but the moist apples and creamy buttercream still guarantee a crowd-pleasing result.

How do I avoid my cake being too dense?

Be careful not to over-mix once the wet and dry ingredients come together—just fold gently until combined. Also, ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for a light, fluffy crumb in your Caramel Apple Cake.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Check for doneness starting around the 45-minute mark, since baking times can vary slightly with larger cakes.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Cake really is the essence of fall comfort, blending sweet apples, warm spices, and luscious caramel into every forkful. Whether you make it for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve a treat, I hope you find it as irresistible as I do. Give it a try—and prepare for rave reviews and lots of second helpings!