Looking for a delicious dessert that perfectly embodies the flavors of fall? Look no further! This Caramel Apple Spice Cake combines the warmth of autumn spices with the sweetness of caramel and the crispness of fresh apples. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a seasonal treat, this cake is sure to impress. Stick with us through the whole article, and you’ll discover the perfect balance of flavors, tips to avoid common mistakes, and ways to present your cake that will wow your guests. Read on to uncover the best Caramel Apple Spice Cake recipe you’ll ever bake!

What is Caramel Apple Spice Cake?
Caramel Apple Spice Cake is a rich, moist dessert that brings together the familiar flavors of fall in one irresistible treat. Picture layers of spiced cake packed with chunks of juicy apples, topped with a buttery caramel glaze. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger warms the palate while the apples add a fresh, tangy sweetness. Finished with a drizzle of homemade caramel, this cake is a celebration of autumn in every bite. It's the perfect dessert for special occasions, or just when you're in the mood for something comforting and decadent.
Ingredients List for Caramel Apple Spice Cake
To make this mouth-watering Caramel Apple Spice Cake, gather the following ingredients for the cake batter:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Ingredients List for Caramel Glaze
For the perfect finishing touch, you’ll need these ingredients for the caramel glaze:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt (optional, for salted caramel flavor)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about baking is that you can adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try for this Caramel Apple Spice Cake:
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg) or a store-bought egg replacer. Substitute regular milk with almond milk or oat milk.
- Alternative Sweeteners: Swap the granulated and brown sugars with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
- Apple Variations: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their balance of tart and sweet, you can use other apple varieties like Fuji, Braeburn, or even Pink Lady.
- Spice Adjustment: If you're not a fan of cloves or ginger, feel free to reduce or omit them, and instead increase the cinnamon for a more traditional apple-cinnamon flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s break down how to bake this incredible Caramel Apple Spice Cake. Follow this step-by-step guide to get it just right:

- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or one large bundt pan, and set them aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and tender.
- Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula. Ensure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans or pour into the bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 30-35 minutes for round pans or 50-60 minutes for a bundt pan. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Cook the Caramel Glaze: A Step-by-Step Guide
While the cake cools, it's time to make the caramel glaze. This luscious topping is the crown jewel of your Caramel Apple Spice Cake, and it’s easier than you think:
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the Brown Sugar and Cream: Once the butter is melted, stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Continue stirring until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The sugar should dissolve completely, and the sauce will thicken slightly.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (if you prefer salted caramel).
- Cool Slightly: Let the caramel cool for a few minutes to thicken before pouring it over the cooled cake. If the caramel is too thick when cooled, reheat gently before drizzling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe, a few mistakes can lead to subpar results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, leading to a dense and tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Not Preheating the Oven: A cold oven can throw off the baking time and texture of the cake. Always make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing your cake inside.
- Using the Wrong Apples: Soft apples like Red Delicious will become mushy during baking. Stick to firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Don’t rush to ice the cake while it’s still warm. This will cause the caramel to melt and slide right off. Be patient and let the cake cool completely before glazing.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving your Caramel Apple Spice Cake, presentation is key! Here are some ideas to make your cake look as delicious as it tastes:
How to Serve Caramel Apple Spice Cake
- Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added decadence.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce over each slice right before serving for an indulgent touch.
- Add a side of fresh apple slices or warm apple compote to enhance the apple flavors in the cake.
Presentation Ideas for Caramel Apple Spice Cake
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.
- Sprinkle finely chopped nuts, like toasted pecans or walnuts, over the caramel glaze for added texture and visual appeal.
- Garnish with thinly sliced apples or whole cinnamon sticks around the base of the cake for a festive, fall-inspired look.
Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe Tips
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smoother batter and a more evenly baked cake.
- Use Fresh Spices: Spices lose potency over time, so make sure your cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are fresh for the best flavor.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. The cake can also be frozen (without the glaze) for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them at room temperature or in the fridge. Glaze the cake just before serving.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the caramel?
If you don't have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to thoroughly grease and flour your cake pans. You can also use parchment paper on the bottom for extra insurance.
Can I make this into cupcakes?
Absolutely! This recipe works well for cupcakes. Simply adjust the baking time to about 18-22 minutes.
Conclusion
With its perfect balance of spiced apple goodness and rich caramel glaze, this Caramel Apple Spice Cake is a must-bake for the fall season. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just trying your hand at something new, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers incredible results. Now that you've got all the tips and tricks, it's time to get baking! Don’t forget to share your delicious creation with friends and family – it's sure to be a hit!
PrintThe Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe
This Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake recipe combines warm spices with juicy apples and a decadent caramel glaze, perfect for fall baking. Ideal for gatherings, it’s a moist, flavorful cake that's easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Keywords: Caramel Apple Spice Cake, Fall Baking, Apple Desserts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
- ½ cup caramel sauce (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool, then drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best flavor.
- Serve warm for a richer taste.
- For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 220mg
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