Caramel Apple Cake

When autumn comes around, you’ll need a collection of recipes to mix apples into. This caramel apple cake fits the bill. It’s packed with warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Ripe fruit and crunchy walnuts are folded into the batter for delicious textures. You’ll swoon over the rich glaze poured on top, which enhances the cake’s sweet flavors. This dessert is worthy of being the centerpiece and is so easy to customize that you’ll want to make it again and again.

Caramel Apple Cake Ingredients

• Canola oil: Mix canola oil into the batter to achieve a delicious and moist cake.

• Sugars: We rely on both granulated and brown sugar to sweeten the cake. We also use brown sugar to enhance the flavor of the icing.

• Eggs: The eggs contribute to the structure of this caramel apple cake as it bakes.

• All-purpose flour: We use all-purpose flour in the batter, which helps the cake maintain its structure.

• Baking soda: We add baking soda to the batter to help the caramel apple cake rise.

• Spices: Nutmeg and cinnamon enhance the warm flavors of this caramel apple cake.

• Apples: We dice and mix the apples into the cake batter for extra texture and sweetness.

• Walnuts: The walnuts provide a necessary crunch to this otherwise soft and tender cake.

• Vanilla extract: The vanilla extract boosts the flavor of the spices and apples in this cake.

• Half and half: We add half and half to the caramel icing mixture to make it smooth.

• Butter: When the butter cooks with the brown sugar, it creates a caramel-like flavor for the icing.  

• Confectioners’ sugar: We sweeten the caramel icing with powdered sugar.

Directions   

Step 1: Combine the wet ingredients 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the canola oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar and eggs until well blended.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients 

Mix the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and nutmeg in another large bowl. Then, gradually add this dry mixture to the wet one and combine.

Step 3: Fold the apples and walnuts into the batter and bake

Fold the apples and walnuts gently into the batter. Then, pour the batter into a greased and floured 10-inch fluted tube pan and bake for one and a half hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Make the icing

Place a small saucepan on medium-low heat. Add the brown sugar, cream, butter and salt—stir until the sugar dissolves. Transfer the caramel to a small bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Beat the confectioners’ sugar into the caramel until smooth. Then, drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. If desired, sprinkle the top of the cake with walnuts and serve.

Caramel Apple Cake Variations 

• Mix in coconut: Fold shredded coconut into the batter of this caramel cake to add texture and a hint of sweetness.

• Make it boozy: Add a teaspoon of rum or bourbon to this caramel apple cake to enhance its flavor.

• Add raisins: Raisins pair deliciously with warm flavors such as cinnamon and nutmeg. 

How to Store Caramel Apple Cake

If you have leftover caramel apple cake, store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for three to seven days. 

Can you make this caramel apple cake ahead of time? 

If you’re looking for a dessert to make ahead of a potluck or special gathering, definitely make this caramel apple cake. Follow the recipe and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for three to seven days. Then, you can serve it when you’re ready.

Can you freeze this caramel apple cake?

If you have leftover caramel apple cake and don’t think you’ll be able to finish it all, you can store it in the freezer. We recommend putting it in an airtight container or a freezer-friendly bag. It can stay fresh for up to two to three months in the freezer.

How long does caramel apple cake last? 

You can store this caramel apple cake in an airtight container on your counter for three to seven days or freeze them for up to two to three months.

Caramel Apple Cake Tips

Can I use a bundt cake pan instead of a tube one?

While this recipe calls for a fluted tube pan, that’s actually (ssh!) the same as a bundt pan. We recommend greasing and flouring whichever pan you use so the cake comes out seamlessly after baking.

Can I make a gluten-free version of this apple cake?

If you prefer gluten-free desserts, you can change this recipe to fit your needs. Instead of all-purpose flour, mix almond flour, oat flour or coconut flour into the batter. The taste may differ from the original cake, but it will still be delicious. 

How do I know when the cake is finished baking?

To check if the caramel apple cake is ready, first, observe its appearance. If it starts to rise and turn golden brown, you can remove it from the oven. You can also insert a toothpick into the cake. The cake is ready if the toothpick comes out clean without any batter sticking to it.