What apples are best for caramel apple cake?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Braeburn are excellent choices. Combining a tart apple with a sweeter variety gives the cake more depth.

Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?

Fresh apples are best for this recipe because they provide texture. Applesauce would add extra moisture and change the structure of the cake.

Can I make this cake without nuts?

Absolutely. Simply leave out the pecans or walnuts.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes. If you're short on time, a good-quality caramel sauce is an easy substitute for homemade caramel.

Why is my apple cake too wet in the center?

The apples may have released extra moisture, or the cake may need more baking time. Continue baking until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the cake a day ahead and store it covered. Warm the cake slightly and add the caramel sauce shortly before serving.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Don't overbake it, and store it tightly covered once cooled. The apples and brown sugar naturally help keep the cake moist.

Can I make this recipe in a Bundt pan?

Yes. Grease and flour the Bundt pan very well, then adjust the baking time based on the size of the pan.

Easy Caramel Apple Cake Recipe – Cozy Fall Dessert

Ingredients

Scale

For the Apple Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 cups peeled and diced apples
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional

For the Caramel Sauce

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Few desserts capture the feeling of fall like a warm Caramel Apple Cake. This homemade cake is soft and tender, filled with juicy apples and warm cinnamon, then finished with a rich caramel drizzle.

It’s simple enough for a weekend baking project but delicious enough for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, and holiday dessert tables. Serve it slightly warm with vanilla ice cream, and you have an irresistible treat.

Notes

Apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Braeburn apples work especially well. A mix of sweet and tart apples gives the cake more flavor.

Buttermilk: It helps create a tender, moist crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 3/4 cup milk with 2 teaspoons lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a warm caramel flavor to the cake.

Pecans: Nuts are optional, but they add a lovely crunch that pairs perfectly with caramel and apples.

Caramel: Homemade caramel sauce is easy to make, but a good-quality store-bought caramel sauce can be used for a shortcut.

Author: info.fidarecipes.com
Cook Time: 3–4 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 425
Sugar: 40g
Sodium: 270mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g

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