This Spiced Apple Cake with Caramel Glaze is a delightful homemade cake recipe perfect for any occasion. You’ll love its moist texture, warm spices, and sweet, sticky glaze, making it a surprisingly easy yet impressive dessert to master.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture. You can substitute with other firm apples, but avoid overly soft varieties.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential. Feel free to add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture. Granulated sugar can be used in a pinch, but the flavor will be different.
- Buttermilk: Creates a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel sauce works wonderfully for the glaze, or you can make your own.
Ingredients
For the Spiced Apple Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
For the Caramel Glaze:
- ½ cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Tools Needed: 9-inch round cake pan, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined and being careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the finely diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake the Cake
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Caramel Glaze
While the cake cools, combine the caramel sauce, milk or cream, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
8. Glaze the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the warm caramel glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing and serving this delicious homemade cake recipe.
Variation Ideas
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter with the apples for extra crunch.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Before baking, dollop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese mixed with a little sugar and vanilla over the top of the batter, then swirl gently with a knife.
- Streusel Topping: For a crumbly topping, combine ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cold butter, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle over the batter before baking.
Storage Instructions
Store your Spiced Apple Cake at room temperature, covered tightly, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To refresh, you can warm individual slices slightly in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen apples for this homemade cake recipe?
A: While fresh apples are preferred, you can use frozen diced apples. Thaw them completely and pat them very dry before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
Q: My cake is sinking in the middle, what happened?
A: This usually means the cake is underbaked or you opened the oven door too frequently during baking. Ensure you bake until a skewer comes out clean.
Q: Can I make this cake in a Bundt pan?
A: Yes, you can. You may need to increase the baking time slightly and adjust the pan preparation.
Q: How can I make the caramel glaze thicker?
A: You can reduce the amount of milk or cream slightly, or simmer the glaze for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I prepare the cake batter ahead of time?
A: It’s best to bake the cake immediately after mixing the batter. The leavening agents start working once wet ingredients are added.
Q: What kind of apples are best for baking?
A: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape well and provide good flavor balance in a homemade cake recipe.