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Caramel Apple Cake Recipe

Caramel Apple Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 26 reviews

This Caramel Apple Cake is a delightful autumn-inspired dessert combining moist apple-infused cake with homemade salted caramel and luscious caramel buttercream frosting. It features grated apples for a tender crumb, warm spices like cinnamon and allspice, and a rich salted caramel sauce that can be made from scratch or replaced with store-bought caramel. Perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Salted Caramel

  • 90 g granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 25 g butter
  • 100 g heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Apple Cake

  • 240 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 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

Caramel Buttercream

  • 100 g butter, room temperature
  • 165 g powdered sugar
  • 2–3 teaspoons caramel sauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Salted Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine 90 g granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon water, ensuring all sugar is wet and spread evenly. Heat over medium-high until the sugar melts and turns golden brown, stirring occasionally for even melting.
  2. Add Butter and Cream: Reduce heat to medium and carefully stir in 25 g butter until melted. Gradually add 100 g heavy cream, stirring constantly to incorporate as the mixture bubbles up. Continue stirring until the caramel thickens.
  3. Finish Salted Caramel: Remove from heat, add a pinch of salt, stir well, then transfer to a shallow bowl. Cool in the fridge for 30-60 minutes until it reaches room temperature.
  4. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 170ºC (340ºF) conventional. Line a 22×22 cm square baking pan with parchment paper.
  5. Prepare Apples: Grate 200 g apples and set aside.
  6. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together 240 g all-purpose flour, 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground allspice, 100 g granulated sugar, and 100 g dark brown sugar. Stir to combine.
  7. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk 110 g vegetable oil, 2 eggs, 140 g sour cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract together until blended.
  8. Combine Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Add grated apples and gently fold until no flour lumps remain.
  9. Bake Cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Make Caramel Buttercream: Sift 165 g powdered sugar and set aside. Beat 100 g butter with a mixer on medium-high speed for 4 minutes until creamy. Scrape bowl sides and beat for 2 more minutes.
  11. Add Sugar and Flavorings: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 2-3 teaspoons cooled caramel, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in two parts, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Scrape sides and mix on low speed for 1 minute until smooth.
  12. Assemble Cake: Place the cooled cake on a serving plate. Spread the caramel buttercream evenly over the top. Drizzle additional caramel on top and swirl it into the buttercream with a spoon or offset spatula. Store leftover caramel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.

Notes

  • The salted caramel can be replaced with store-bought caramel if preferred.
  • Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.
  • If apples are very juicy, gently squeeze excess liquid before grating to avoid soggy batter.
  • Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Make sure the caramel sauce has cooled to room temperature before adding it to the buttercream to avoid melting the frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caramel Apple Cake, Salted Caramel Cake, Apple Cake with Buttercream, Autumn Dessert, Caramel Buttercream Frosting

Find it online: https://topreci.com/caramel-apple-cake-recipe/