This Caramel Apple Spice Cake is a perfect cake recipe for holidays, offering warm flavors and a tender crumb. You’ll love making this delightful dessert that brings seasonal cheer to any gathering.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor.
- Brown Sugar: You can use light or dark brown sugar for different levels of molasses flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: A gluten-free 1:1 baking blend can be used as a substitute.
- Spices: Adjust cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to your taste.
- Heavy Cream: Coconut cream is a good dairy-free alternative for the caramel.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (about 2 medium)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Tools: 9×13 inch baking pan, large mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly. This step ensures your cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set these dry ingredients aside. This helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, making your cake tender.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is fully combined before moving on.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
6. Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples into the cake batter. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. This ensures every slice gets a delicious apple bite.
7. Bake the Cake
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling fully prevents the cake from breaking when you slice it.
8. Make the Caramel Sauce
While the cake cools, combine granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns a deep amber color. This creates the base of your rich caramel.
9. Finish the Caramel
Carefully whisk in the heavy cream, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so be cautious. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before drizzling over the cooled cake. This adds a sweet, sticky finish to your cake recipe for holidays.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of caramel, top with a simple cream cheese frosting.
- Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a brown sugar and oat streusel mixture over the batter before baking for added crunch.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Caramel Apple Spice Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to soften the caramel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use applesauce instead of diced apples?
A: Diced apples provide texture; applesauce would change the cake’s consistency significantly. Stick to diced apples for this cake recipe for holidays.
Q: My caramel seized. What happened?
A: This usually happens if the sugar crystalizes. Ensure your pan is clean, don’t stir the sugar too much once it boils, and add warm cream slowly.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding caramel.
Q: How do I know if my butter is soft enough?
A: Softened butter should yield slightly when pressed with a finger, but not be melted.
Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: You can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling the rest with regular milk to 1 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.