Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cake
- The Magic of Apples and Caramel
- How to Make the Best Caramel Apple Cake
- Perfect Pairings for Your Cake
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Expert Tips for Success
Key Takeaways
This Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream is the ultimate fall dessert. Combining soft apple cake with a luscious caramel buttercream, it’s a treat that captures the cozy flavors of the season. This recipe from Patricia at Patricia Universe is easy to follow and guarantees a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that embodies autumn, this Caramel Apple Cake is the perfect choice. The moist, spiced cake pairs beautifully with the rich and creamy salted caramel buttercream. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday event, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The Magic of Apples and Caramel
Caramel and apples are a match made in heaven. The tartness of apples complements the deep, buttery sweetness of caramel, creating an irresistible flavor combination. This cake brings out the best in both ingredients, making each bite a delightful experience.
How to Make the Best Caramel Apple Cake
To achieve a perfectly soft and flavorful caramel apple cake, start with high-quality apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. These varieties add a natural sweetness and a hint of tartness that balances the richness of the caramel. Layering the cake with homemade salted caramel buttercream enhances the overall flavor and texture, making it absolutely irresistible.
Perfect Pairings for Your Cake
Serve this caramel apple cake with a warm cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a decadent finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes! While homemade caramel adds extra depth of flavor, store-bought caramel works perfectly fine in this recipe.
What’s the best way to store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them before serving for the freshest taste.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake soft and tender.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- For an extra caramel flavor, add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce between the layers.
Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for layers)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and applesauce to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Fold in diced apples, then divide the batter evenly among prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread caramel sauce between each cake layer before frosting with salted caramel buttercream.
Leave a Comment