If you’re looking for the perfect fall dessert, this Caramel Apple Spice Cake will be a showstopper at your next gathering. With warm spices, tender chunks of apples, and a rich caramel glaze drizzled on top, this cake brings all the flavors of autumn into one mouthwatering bite. Whether it's for a family dinner, a holiday celebration, or simply to indulge in a sweet treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Stick around for the full recipe, including step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and serving ideas!

What is Caramel Apple Spice Cake?

Caramel Apple Spice Cake is a moist, spiced cake studded with fresh apples and topped with a generous drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. It’s a decadent combination of a traditional spice cake with the added sweetness of apples and the rich depth of caramel. Every bite is filled with the cozy, warming flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a touch of ginger, making it a perfect dessert for chilly fall days.

Ingredients List for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

Before starting, make sure you’ve gathered all the ingredients needed to create this deliciously spiced cake and caramel topping.

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal)

For the Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt

For the Topping (Optional):

Chopped toasted pecans
Sliced apples for garnish
A dusting of powdered sugar

Substitutions and Variations

While this caramel apple spice cake recipe is delicious as written, there are a few ways to modify it based on your preferences or dietary needs:

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version of the cake. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and replace the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tang of buttermilk.
Nut Additions: For added texture and flavor, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter along with the apples.
Spice Variations: Adjust the spice level to your liking by increasing or decreasing the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cloves. You can even add a pinch of allspice for extra warmth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a bundt pan for a decorative touch. If using a bundt pan, make sure to coat every nook and cranny to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in thirds, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 6: Fold the diced apples into the batter using a rubber spatula, ensuring the apples are evenly distributed.

2. Bake the Cake:

Step 1: Pour the batter into the prepared cake or bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 2: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes (for a round cake pan) or 50-55 minutes (for a bundt pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 3: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Caramel Sauce:

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil.
Step 2: Cook the sugar mixture until it turns a deep amber color, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately whisk in the butter until melted.
Step 4: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up.
Step 5: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt, then let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling it over the cooled cake.

4. Assemble the Cake:

Step 1: Once the cake has completely cooled, place it on a serving plate or cake stand.
Step 2: Generously drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
Step 3: Garnish with optional toppings like toasted pecans, sliced apples, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for when making this cake, along with tips to help you achieve the best results:

Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake. Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined for a light, tender crumb.
Incorrect oven temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature (350°F) before placing the cake inside. An oven that’s too hot or too cold can lead to uneven baking.
Skipping the cooling time: Allow the cake to cool completely before drizzling with caramel sauce. If the cake is still warm, the caramel may run off the cake instead of setting nicely on top.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Caramel Apple Spice Cake:

Serve this cake slightly warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor of the apples and spices.
Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast between warm and cold.
For an extra indulgent experience, drizzle each slice with additional caramel sauce just before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Caramel Apple Spice Cake:

Decorate the top of the cake with thinly sliced fresh apples arranged in a circular pattern before drizzling the caramel for a rustic, elegant look.
Garnish with toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture and a nutty contrast to the soft cake.
Place a few cinnamon sticks and apple slices around the serving platter for a festive fall-themed display.

Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature before starting. This will help the cake batter mix smoothly and evenly.
Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples are the best for this recipe because of their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the cake and caramel. However, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples can also be used if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day ahead of time and stored at room temperature. Wait to add the caramel sauce until just before serving for the freshest look.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the caramel sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to use, gently reheat the sauce in the microwave or on the stove until it’s pourable.

2. Can I freeze Caramel Apple Spice Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake (without the caramel sauce) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then add the caramel sauce before serving.

3. Can I make this cake in a bundt pan?
Absolutely! A bundt pan works beautifully for this recipe. Just be sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. Baking time may be slightly longer, so check for doneness after 50 minutes.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Spice Cake is the ultimate fall dessert, packed with tender apples, warm spices, and a rich, gooey caramel sauce. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or simply as a cozy treat, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves the comforting flavors of autumn. Follow the recipe, tips, and serving suggestions above, and you’ll have a stunning dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!