The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe: Sweet Autumn Magic

Baking a caramel apple spice cake brings pure magic to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Sweet aromas will drift through every room, tempting everyone nearby.

Apples picked at peak ripeness create incredible depth in this classic dessert.

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg dance alongside rich caramel notes, promising something extraordinary.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly into a moist, tender cake that feels like a warm embrace.

Crisp autumn afternoons deserve something special, and this recipe delivers comfort in every delectable slice.

One bite promises to transport you straight to cozy memories of harvest celebrations.

Why The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake Is a Seasonal Delight

• Beginner Baker's Dream: Simple mixing techniques and straightforward ingredients mean even novice bakers can create a stunning dessert without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend dessert cravings, this cake impresses everyone from kids to grandparents with its rich, moist texture and irresistible caramel drizzle.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add nuts for a personal touch, making this recipe adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients for The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that add depth and autumn-inspired flavor to the cake.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the cake.

• Butter: Creates a rich and tender texture in the cake.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a moist cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the cake.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the cake's moisture and tenderness.

• Apples: Fresh diced apples add natural sweetness and texture to the cake.
• Caramel Sauce: A rich, sweet topping that complements the spiced cake.

How to Make The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Salt

Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined for a perfectly balanced cake.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugars until they become light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream to create a rich, smooth mixture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Gently fold until just combined – avoid overmixing.

Carefully fold in freshly diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Step 6: Finish with Caramel Drizzle

Allow the cake to cool completely.

When ready to serve, warm up some caramel sauce and drizzle it generously over the top, creating a mouth-watering golden cascade that will make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Pro Tips for The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your cake.
• Toss diced apples with a little lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration during baking.
• Don't overmix the batter to maintain a tender, soft cake crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Use the toothpick test near the center of the cake to ensure it's perfectly baked without becoming dry.
• Warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to create smooth, beautiful patterns across the cake's surface.

Variations on The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Spice Cake: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the cake remains moist and flavorful for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Caramel Apple Cake: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free caramel sauce to create a plant-based version of the classic recipe.
• Low-Sugar Apple Spice Cake: Substitute refined sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining the cake's rich taste.
• Nutty Apple Spice Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Autumn Harvest Gathering: Serve this cake at a cozy fall potluck with friends, surrounded by pumpkins and warm lighting.
• Decadent Dessert Pairing: Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a sprinkle of sea salt caramel for extra indulgence.
• Coffee Companion: Enjoy a slice alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai tea or rich espresso to enhance the cake's warm flavors.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a cinnamon stick for a charming homemade food gift that feels personal and thoughtful.

How to Store The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its moisture and flavor.
• Slice the cake, place parchment paper between layers, and store in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing its delicious taste.
• Store at room temperature in a covered cake carrier or under a cake dome for 2-3 days, ensuring the cake stays fresh and soft.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat in a preheated 300F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the cake's original warmth and texture.

FAQs

• What makes the apples stay moist in this cake?

The diced apples are folded into the batter right before baking, which helps distribute them evenly and prevents them from sinking. The sour cream in the recipe also adds moisture and helps keep the apples tender throughout the cake.

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, choose firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness to the cake.

• Is there a way to make the cake less spicy?

You can reduce the amount of spices by half or omit the cloves if you prefer a milder flavor. The cinnamon and nutmeg will still provide a warm, subtle spice profile to the cake.

The Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful caramel apple spice cake promises autumn’s warmest embrace, blending sweet orchard fruits with rich seasonal spices. Homemade magic unfolds as cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel create a dessert you’ll crave long after the last crumb disappears.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 2 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Fruit and Topping:

• 2 cups (280 grams) peeled and diced apples
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) caramel sauce (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch pan with grease at 350F (175C), ensuring smooth cake release.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking soda, baking powder, aromatic spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves), and salt until thoroughly integrated.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugars until achieving a pillowy, pale texture that appears light and voluminous.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete blending after each addition, then gently fold in vanilla extract and sour cream for moisture and richness.
5. Gradually introduce dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to maintain cake’s tender crumb structure.
6. Gently fold diced apples throughout the batter, distributing fruit evenly for consistent flavor and texture.
7. Transfer batter into prepared pan, spreading smoothly and creating an even surface for uniform baking.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into cake’s center emerges clean and free of raw batter.
9. Allow cake to cool completely in pan, reaching room temperature for optimal caramel sauce absorption.
10. Drizzle warm caramel sauce generously across cake’s surface just before serving, creating an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and consistent texture throughout the cake.
• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and better structural integrity in the cake.
• Consider toasting spices briefly before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities and deepen flavor complexity.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute regular flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain moisture and structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 338 kcal
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 244 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg