Name: Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe: 7 Ways to Savor Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups diced apples; 1 cup caramel sauce

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this caramel apple spice cake! It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, perfectly blending the sweet, rich flavors of caramel with the fresh, crisp bite of apples. Every time I bake this cake, it fills my kitchen with the most heavenly aroma that practically calls everyone to the table. I remember the first time I made it — I had a bunch of apples from a recent trip to the orchard, and I just knew I had to do something special with them. The first bite was magic! It’s moist, spiced just right, and topped with a luscious drizzle of caramel that takes it over the top. You won’t just love it; you’ll crave it! Trust me, this cake is a must-try for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to fancy dinner parties. You’ll definitely want to keep this recipe close to your heart!

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful caramel apple spice cake. I promise, it’s all simple stuff you can find in your kitchen or at the store!

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups diced apples (I love using tart varieties for that zing!)
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade, your choice!)

Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results. Fresh, diced apples really bring this cake to life, so don’t skimp on that part! Now, let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare the Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Alright, let’s dive into the steps for creating this scrumptious caramel apple spice cake! It’s easier than you might think, and I’m here to guide you through each part. Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a kitchen filled with the delightful scent of baking apples and caramel!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cake bakes evenly from the start. Trust me, you don’t want to throw your batter into a cold oven and end up with a dense cake!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and your lovely spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk it all together until everything’s well blended. This step is crucial because it distributes the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the flour.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the wet ingredients! Pour in the 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and combined. You’ll see the batter coming to life, and the aroma will start to fill the air!

Fold in Apples

Gently fold in the 2 cups of diced apples. I like to use a spatula for this, as it helps to combine everything without overmixing. You want those apples to be evenly distributed in the batter, but don’t worry if a few pieces stick out; they’ll bake beautifully!

Bake the Cake

Now, pour the batter into a greased cake pan, making sure to spread it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Cool and Serve

Once it’s done baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is where the magic begins! When it’s cool, drizzle that luscious caramel sauce over the top, and get ready for a slice of pure delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

caramel apple spice cake recipe - detail 1

It comes together quickly, perfect for those busy days when you want dessert without the fuss!
The combination of caramel and spiced apples creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
This cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the applesauce and fresh diced apples, making each bite a delight.
It’s versatile enough for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive celebrations.
Leftovers (if there are any!) make for an amazing breakfast or snack the next day.
It fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of baking spices and caramel—who could resist that?

Tips for Success

To make sure your caramel apple spice cake turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips for you! Follow these little nuggets of wisdom, and you’ll be well on your way to baking brilliance!

Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, go with tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their sweetness balances beautifully with the spices and caramel, creating that perfect harmony.
Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. You want it light and fluffy, not tough!
Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can be sneaky! Make sure it’s properly calibrated to avoid underbaking or overbaking. An oven thermometer can be a lifesaver here.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best mixing results, let your eggs and applesauce sit out for a bit before using them. It helps create a smoother batter!
Cool Completely: Allow your cake to cool completely before drizzling with caramel. This way, the caramel will sit beautifully on top instead of sliding right off!
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking! If you love cinnamon, don’t hesitate to add a bit more for that extra warmth.
Make it Your Own: Want to add nuts or raisins? Go for it! This cake is wonderfully adaptable, so get creative!

With these tips in your back pocket, I just know your caramel apple spice cake will be a hit! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional information for this delightful caramel apple spice cake! Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying with each slice. Here’s the breakdown for one slice of this scrumptious cake:

Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg

This cake is a lovely treat that balances sweetness and satisfaction without going overboard. Just remember, enjoying it in moderation is key! So, dig in and savor every bite!

FAQ About Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! I love using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they add a wonderful zing that balances the sweetness of the caramel. You could also experiment with Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter flavor. Just make sure to avoid super soft varieties, as they might turn mushy in the cake.

How do I store leftovers?

Storing leftovers is super easy! Just keep any uneaten cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can also refrigerate it for about a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving, so it’s nice and soft again!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

You bet! This caramel apple spice cake is perfect for making ahead. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it covered at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, simply drizzle on that caramel sauce and enjoy! If you want to freeze it, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious caramel apple spice cake, let’s talk about how to make serving even more special! Trust me, the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience to a whole new level.

Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean or caramel ice cream on the side is simply heavenly! The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the warm spices and the gooey caramel drizzle.
Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream adds a lovely contrast. You can even spice it up with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra touch!
Coffee: A nice cup of coffee or a warm chai latte complements the flavors of the cake perfectly. The warmth of the drink enhances the cozy vibe of the dessert.
Caramel Sauce: Don’t forget to serve a little extra caramel sauce on the side for those who like an extra drizzle on their slice. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
Fresh Fruit: A side of sliced apples or pears can add a refreshing element to the meal. Plus, they look so pretty on the plate!
Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top of the cake or alongside are a great way to add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.

These serving suggestions are just the cherry on top of an already fantastic cake! Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect dessert spread. Enjoy every slice, and watch your guests delight in the deliciousness!

Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe: 7 Ways to Savor Delight