Why This Caramel Apple Cake Recipe Is a Fall Favorite

This caramel apple cake is adored nationwide for combining the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with moist, tender cake and a decadent caramel drizzle. Its versatility makes it perfect for holidays, weekend baking, or any cozy occasion.

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Whether you’re after a simple sheet cake or looking to impress with a Bundt cake, our recipe covers tips, variations, and step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect results every time.

Popular Search Queries Addressed in This Recipe

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Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cake

Gather these simple and fresh ingredients to create a moist, spiced caramel apple cake that’s perfect for fall baking.

• 2 to 3 medium baking apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup light brown sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• Salted caramel sauce for drizzling

Variations to Try with Your Caramel Apple Cake

Customize this caramel apple cake recipe to suit any occasion or preference. From rich Bundt cakes to convenient dump cakes, these variations bring new twists to a classic favorite.

• Caramel Apple Dump Cake: A quick layered dessert using cake mix, pie filling, and caramel sauce for effortless baking and crowd-pleasing flavor.
• Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze: Add crunchy pecans into the batter and drizzle with buttery caramel glaze for texture and festive taste.
• Sticky Caramel Apple Cake: Make a sticky, decadent cake packed with softly spiced apples topped by a rich caramel glaze, perfect for dessert lovers.
• Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake: Caramelized apple topping baked into a soft cinnamon cake base that is flipped to reveal a stunning presentation.
• Caramel Apple Coffee Cake: Add crumb topping and serve warm with coffee or tea for a delicious breakfast or afternoon treat.
• Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cake: Substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend and adjust baking time slightly for a diet-friendly indulgence.

Nutrition Information for Caramel Apple Cake (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 420-530 kcal
• Protein: 4-15g (depending on recipe variant)
• Carbohydrates: 35-80g
• Fat: 18-35g
• Fiber: 1-4.8g
• Sugar: 27-50g
• Sodium: 290-476mg

Nutrition varies based on recipe variations and serving size. Caramel apple cake is a delicious indulgence but includes beneficial fiber and some protein from apples and eggs.

Recommended Tools for Making Caramel Apple Cake

Using the right tools makes preparing caramel apple cake easier and helps achieve perfect, flavorful results.

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining cake batter and folding in apples evenly.
• 8×8 or 9×9 Inch Baking Pan: The ideal size for even baking and perfect cake height.
• Chef’s Knife: To peel, core, and dice apples precisely.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate ingredient measuring to ensure balanced flavors and texture.
• Whisk or Hand Mixer: Essential for smoothly blending wet and dry ingredients.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the cake evenly and quickly before glazing.
• Saucepan: For preparing homemade caramel sauce to drizzle.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and dice 2 to 3 medium baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups flour, ¾ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt.
3. Cream wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat ⅔ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream until smooth.
4. Combine and fold: Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined, then fold in the diced apples.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8 inch pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and drizzle: Let cake cool completely on a wire rack. Drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce before serving.

Tips to Perfect Your Caramel Apple Cake

• Use fresh tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep your cake tender.
• Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra spice and crunch.
• Allow the cake to cool fully before adding caramel drizzle to prevent melting.
• Try making this cake a day ahead to let the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Store and Keep Your Caramel Apple Cake Fresh

To maintain the moist texture and rich flavor of your caramel apple cake, proper storage is essential. After baking, allow the cake to cool completely before storing.

• Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 24 hours if it doesn’t have frosting or glaze. For best freshness, consume within one day.
• Refrigeration: Because of the cooked apples and caramel, refrigerate the cake in a sealed container. It stays fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze unfrosted cake or without caramel topping for best results. The cake lasts up to 2-3 months frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Make-Ahead Tips: If making ahead, add caramel drizzle just before serving to avoid sogginess. For dump cake variations, layer ingredients the night before and bake fresh.

Proper storage keeps your caramel apple cake tasting fresh, moist, and perfectly spiced for as long as possible.