Description
A cozy fall favorite, this apple caramel cake recipe features tender spiced apple chunks baked into a moist cinnamon cake, topped with warm buttery brown sugar caramel sauce.
Ingredients
2 cups (284g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp sea salt or table salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
4 cups (468g) peeled, cored and diced apples
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup (210g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (58g) packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Sticky Brown Sugar Sauce:
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 13×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. Toss diced apples with lemon juice in a separate bowl.
4. Cream granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter in a mixer until fluffy.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time.
6. Add flour mixture gradually and mix until just combined.
7. Fold in apples. Batter will be thick.
8. Pour into prepared dish and spread evenly.
9. Bake for 33–38 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. While cake bakes, prepare sauce: combine butter, brown sugar, milk, and salt in saucepan. Bring to boil for 1.5 minutes, stirring.
11. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool slightly.
12. Serve warm slices of cake topped with warm caramel sauce and pecans.
Notes
Use a mix of Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious apples for balanced flavor and texture.
Caramel sauce thickens as it cools. Reheat gently in microwave and whisk until smooth.
Optional: toast pecans for added crunch and depth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American