Caramel and apple – is there a more perfect combination for a cozy, comforting dessert? If you’re a fan of rich flavors and moist, spiced cakes, you’re in for a treat. This Caramel Apple Spice Cake recipe brings together the sweet and tart flavors of apples with the warmth of cinnamon and the indulgence of caramel. Follow along for a foolproof guide on how to bake this delightful treat. Read on to learn how to make the best caramel apple spice cake that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds!

What is a Caramel Apple Spice Cake?
A Caramel Apple Spice Cake is a moist, spiced cake packed with flavors of caramel, apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices. Topped with a luscious caramel glaze, this cake brings all the comforting flavors of fall into a single, delightful dessert. The combination of soft apple chunks within the cake and a gooey caramel topping creates a delicious balance of sweetness and spice.
This recipe is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or anytime you’re craving a cozy dessert. Plus, it pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. Now let’s dive into the details of this incredible cake.
Ingredients List for Caramel Apple Spice Cake
Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to bake this mouthwatering cake:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – provides structure to the cake.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – helps the cake rise.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – adds lightness.
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances sweetness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon – gives the cake its signature warmth.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds depth to the flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – for moisture and richness.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – sweetens the cake.
- 3 large eggs – bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances flavor.
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped – for tart, juicy flavor pockets.
- ½ cup whole milk – keeps the cake moist.
For the Caramel Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar – provides a deep caramel flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter – adds richness to the caramel.
- ¼ cup heavy cream – makes the caramel sauce smooth and creamy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the caramel flavor.
- A pinch of salt – balances the sweetness of the caramel.
Substitutions and Variations
If you need to make some adjustments or want to add a personal touch to the cake, here are a few substitution ideas and variations you can try:
- Apples: If you don’t have apples on hand, try pears or even shredded carrots for a twist. Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe due to their tartness, but you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter taste.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute, and use almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk. You can also swap out the heavy cream in the caramel topping for coconut cream.
- Spices: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for an extra kick of warm spices. Alternatively, use apple pie spice for a pre-mixed blend of all your favorite fall spices.
- Caramel Glaze: If you want a more pronounced apple flavor, drizzle the cake with apple cider caramel instead of traditional caramel sauce. You can make apple cider caramel by reducing apple cider and mixing it with sugar and butter until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make the best Caramel Apple Spice Cake? Here’s how to do it, step by step:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Cake Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. The butter-sugar mixture should look pale and airy.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, making sure not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the chopped apples using a spatula. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Caramel Topping
While the cake is baking or cooling, make the caramel topping. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar and butter. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to bubble. Once bubbling, stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 9: Drizzle the Caramel Sauce
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top. The warm, rich caramel will soak into the cake, adding extra moisture and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Caramel Apple Spice Cake isn’t too difficult, but here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense instead of light and fluffy. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle and result in uneven texture.
- Not Prepping the Pan: Don’t forget to grease and line your cake pan. This ensures that your cake doesn’t stick to the bottom, making it easier to remove.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Letting the cake cool completely before drizzling the caramel sauce is crucial. Drizzling the caramel while the cake is too warm can make the caramel run off rather than soak into the cake.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when serving this cake, and there are a few ways you can elevate the experience:
How to Serve Caramel Apple Spice Cake
Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, either as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess of the ice cream complements the warm spices and caramel perfectly. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, flavorful cake.
Presentation Ideas for Caramel Apple Spice Cake
- Caramel Drizzle: Add an extra drizzle of caramel sauce on each slice just before serving to give it that irresistible, glossy finish.
- Apple Garnish: Thinly slice an apple and fan it out on top of the cake for an elegant garnish. You can also lightly caramelize the apple slices by cooking them with a bit of butter and sugar.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: For a simple yet classic touch, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh, Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples are a great choice due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the caramel. Make sure to peel and chop them finely so they distribute evenly throughout the cake.
- Caramel Consistency: If your caramel sauce is too thick, add a splash of cream to thin it out. If it’s too runny, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken.
- Storage: This cake stores well at room temperature for up to two days, but it’s best to refrigerate it if you’re keeping it longer. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake a day or two ahead and store it in an airtight container. Just drizzle the caramel sauce right before serving to keep it fresh and moist.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Absolutely. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and add the caramel sauce before serving.
Q: How can I make the caramel sauce thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker caramel sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes after adding the cream. Keep stirring to prevent it from burning.
Q: Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
A: Yes, store-bought caramel sauce can work in a pinch, but making your own caramel will give the cake a much richer flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it – the ultimate Caramel Apple Spice Cake recipe. With its rich flavors of apples, cinnamon, and caramel, this cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you serve it with ice cream, whipped cream, or just as is, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your go-to fall recipes! Now, grab those ingredients and get baking – you won’t regret it!
PrintThe Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe
Enjoy this rich and moist Caramel Apple Spice Cake, featuring tender apples, warm spices, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for cozy autumn evenings or holiday gatherings, this dessert is a delightful combination of sweet and spiced flavors. A must-try for any apple and caramel lover!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar, brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Apples (peeled and diced)
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Fold in diced apples.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and let cool before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples.
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
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