Ah, fall! It’s that magical time when the air turns crisp, leaves crunch underfoot, and the scent of warm spices fills our homes. There’s just something about the flavors of caramel and apple that bring back memories of cozy gatherings with family and friends. My caramel apple spice cake is a true celebration of autumn, combining tender cake with sweet, juicy apples and a luscious caramel drizzle that makes each bite feel like a warm hug. I remember baking this cake for my first fall potluck and watching everyone’s faces light up with delight. Trust me, you’ll want this cake on your table as the leaves change colors and the pumpkin spice lattes start flowing. It’s a slice of nostalgia that you won’t want to miss!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making my caramel apple spice cake truly shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cake. Make sure to spoon and level it for accuracy!
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create that lovely tender crumb.
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce: This not only adds moisture but also enhances the apple flavor.
- 1 cup diced apples: Choose your favorite variety—Fuji or Granny Smith work beautifully!
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: This keeps the cake moist and delicious.
- 3 eggs: They act as the binding agents, giving the cake structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of this will elevate the flavor profile!
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This is your leavening agent, helping the cake rise.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for a perfectly light cake.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Essential for that warm, autumn spice flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a hint of nutmeg adds depth to the cake.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup caramel sauce: For drizzling on top, this is the pièce de résistance!
Make sure everything is measured accurately for the best results, and get ready for a cake that tastes like a warm fall hug!
How to Prepare the Caramel Apple Spice Cake
Making my caramel apple spice cake is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful autumn dessert ready to impress your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your cake bakes evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined. This dry mixture is the foundation of your cake!
- In another bowl, combine the applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until well blended. You want that smooth, creamy texture!
- Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or your cake might be dense. We want it light and fluffy!
- Next, fold in the diced apples with a spatula. The chunks of apple will add wonderful bites of sweetness and texture.
- Grease your cake pan (I love using a 9×13 inch pan for this recipe) and pour the batter in, spreading it evenly.
- Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Wow, that smell will be heavenly!
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial for the cake to set perfectly.
- Finally, drizzle your cake generously with caramel sauce before slicing. Trust me, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
Nutritional Information
Here’s some estimated nutritional information for my caramel apple spice cake. Each slice (about 1/8 of the cake) contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 20g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your delicious slice of autumn goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a delightful combination of sweet, juicy apples and rich caramel that captures the essence of fall.
- The cake is super easy to make, perfect for bakers of all levels—no fancy techniques required!
- It fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that’s sure to get everyone excited.
- This recipe is versatile—great for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
- With its moist texture and spiced flavor, it’s the ultimate comfort dessert!
Tips for Success
To ensure your caramel apple spice cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips I’ve learned along the way!
- Measure accurately: Spoon and level your flour for the best texture. Too much flour can make your cake dense, and nobody wants that!
- Use fresh apples: Opt for firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They’ll hold their shape and add delightful bites of tartness.
- Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, you’re ready to cool it down! If it has batter, give it a few more minutes.
- Cool it right: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice!
Following these tips will help you achieve a deliciously moist cake that everyone will rave about!
Variations
One of the best things about my caramel apple spice cake is how versatile it is! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:
- Different apples: Experiment with various apple types! Try tart Granny Smith for a zingy contrast or sweet Honeycrisp for a richer flavor.
- Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and added texture.
- Spice it up: Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or cloves for an extra layer of warmth and depth.
- Frost it: For a decadent twist, top with cream cheese frosting instead of caramel for a delicious pairing!
These simple tweaks can make your cake feel fresh and exciting every time you bake it! Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your caramel apple spice cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes beautifully! Just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm treat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds—just enough to bring out that cozy flavor again!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I get about my caramel apple spice cake, along with helpful answers!
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While I love using Granny Smith for a nice tartness, you can use any apple variety you prefer. Honeycrisp and Fuji are also fantastic choices!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake keeps well! You can bake it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Just drizzle the caramel sauce right before serving for that fresh touch.
How should I serve it?
This cake is delightful on its own, but for an extra treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Yum!
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans can give your cake a nice crunch and complement the apples beautifully.
What if I don’t have applesauce?
If you’re out of applesauce, you can substitute it with an equal amount of mashed bananas or even yogurt for a different twist!
Caramel Apple Spice Cake to Warm Your Autumn Heart
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious caramel apple spice cake perfect for fall.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine applesauce, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Fold in diced apples.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Top with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 1.5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8.5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 54g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: caramel apple spice cake, fall dessert, apple cake
