If you’re yearning for the ultimate embrace of fall in dessert form, look no further than this Irresistible Caramel Apple Spice Cake for Cozy Fall Nights Recipe. Picture tender layers infused with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, perfectly complemented by juicy, cinnamon-kissed apples and a luscious caramel cream frosting that drapes every bite in indulgence. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a comforting hug that brings the magic of autumn right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this recipe come together seamlessly, each playing a crucial role in building the flavors, textures, and aroma that make this cake unforgettable. From the spices that evoke warmth to the fresh apples that add juicy sweetness, every component contributes to this culinary celebration of fall.
- 2 cups All-purpose flour: Ensure you spoon and level or use a kitchen scale to avoid a dry cake.
- 1 tbsp Baking powder: Leavening agent to help the cake rise beautifully.
- 1 tsp Baking soda: Works in tandem with acidic components to create lift.
- 1 tsp Salt: Enhances flavor, essential for balancing sweetness.
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
- 1 tsp Ground ginger: Adds warmth and spice.
- 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice: Adds warmth and spice.
- 1 tsp Ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and spice.
- 1 cup Canola oil: You can replace it with melted butter for added richness.
- 1 cup Brown sugar: Both light or dark packed brown sugar work perfectly.
- 1 cup Granulated sugar: Coconut sugar is a delightful alternative.
- 2 tbsp Pure vanilla extract: Opt for high-quality extract for best results.
- 4 Large eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature.
- 1 cup Sour cream: Use Greek yogurt as a substitute.
- 1 cup Buttermilk: Should be at room temperature.
- 3 cups Apples (Gala): Swap with other sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar: Sweetness and enhancement of flavor.
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch: Thickener for apple filling.
- 1 cup Heavy cream: Adds richness to the frosting.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter: Always go for unsalted.
- 4 cups Powdered sugar: Always sift for a smooth consistency.
How to Make Irresistible Caramel Apple Spice Cake for Cozy Fall Nights Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Begin by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into small chunks. Toss them with the 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to create a glossy coating that will thicken as it cooks. Simmer this mixture gently on the stove over medium heat until the apples soften and the mixture thickens to a jammy consistency, then set it aside to cool. This warm filling is what lends your cake that unforgettable autumn crunch and flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and a generous blend of cinnamon, ginger, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg. This blend of spices creates the soul of your cake, infusing every bite with that cozy fall sensation you’re craving.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the canola oil with both sugars until combined, then add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and buttermilk to bring moisture and tenderness to the batter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined—overmixing can make the cake dense, and we want fluffy, tender layers. Fold in the cooled apple filling gently, so each slice bursts with juicy apple bits surrounded by fragrant spices.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into greased and floured cake pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. As the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll know the magic is taking place!
Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Cream Frosting
Whip the heavy cream with the unsalted butter until smooth, then gradually blend in the sifted powdered sugar to create a luxuriously smooth frosting. The caramel notes subtly balanced with the cream’s richness elevate this cake to new heights of indulgence.
Step 7: Assemble and Frost Your Cake
Once the layers have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of frosting between the layers and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate with apple slices or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of fall charm.
How to Serve Irresistible Caramel Apple Spice Cake for Cozy Fall Nights Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation by topping the cake with thinly sliced apples, lightly dusted with cinnamon or powdered sugar. Toasted pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and creamy frosting.
Side Dishes
Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement the spice and caramel flavors. A warm chai latte or apple cider served alongside will create the perfect autumnal feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices on rustic wooden plates or in clear glass dishes to showcase the beautiful layers. For a cozy gathering, create mini cake cups using cupcake tins, spreading the apple filling inside before topping with frosting, turning this recipe into an easy shareable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 4 days. This ensures that each slice maintains its moist texture and vibrant flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers before frosting by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving for the freshest taste.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This softens the frosting slightly and revives the apple’s natural juiciness, making every bite melt in your mouth.
FAQs
Can I substitute the apples with pears?
Absolutely! Pears are a fantastic alternative that bring a delicate sweetness and soft texture, which pairs beautifully with the spices and caramel in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that performs well in baking, you can enjoy this cake while keeping it gluten-free. Just be sure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time?
Definitely! The caramel cream frosting keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whip before frosting your cake.
What type of caramel sauce pairs best with this cake?
A salted caramel sauce provides a perfect balance to the sweetness of the cake while adding a layer of richness that elevates the dessert experience tremendously.
How can I make this cake more moist?
Ensuring your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature helps. Also, properly measuring your flour prevents dryness. Adding the sour cream boosts moisture and tenderness for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistible Caramel Apple Spice Cake for Cozy Fall Nights Recipe is truly a showstopper that invites everyone to savor the essence of fall in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply indulging on a crisp evening, this cake promises warmth, comfort, and joy. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your new autumn tradition!
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Irresistible Caramel Apple Spice Cake for Cozy Fall Nights Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Irresistible Caramel Apple Spice Cake is a perfect cozy dessert for fall nights. Combining tender spice cake layers with a luscious apple filling and rich cream cheese frosting, this cake brings warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice flavors layered with tender sweet apples and gooey caramel notes. Ideal for gatherings or a comforting treat during cooler months.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups All-purpose flour (Ensure you spoon and level or use a kitchen scale to avoid a dry cake.)
- 1 tbsp Baking powder (Leavening agent to help the cake rise beautifully.)
- 1 tsp Baking soda (Works in tandem with acidic components to create lift.)
- 1 tsp Salt (Enhances flavor, essential for balancing sweetness.)
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon (Add warmth and spice.)
- 1 tsp Ground ginger (Add warmth and spice.)
- 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice (Add warmth and spice.)
- 1 tsp Ground nutmeg (Add warmth and spice.)
- 1 cup Canola oil (You can replace it with melted butter for added richness.)
- 1 cup Brown sugar (Both light or dark packed brown sugar work perfectly.)
- 1 cup Granulated sugar (Coconut sugar is a delightful alternative.)
- 2 tbsp Pure vanilla extract (Opt for high-quality extract for best results.)
- 4 Large eggs (Make sure they’re at room temperature.)
- 1 cup Sour cream (Use Greek yogurt as a substitute.)
- 1 cup Buttermilk (Should be at room temperature.)
Apple Filling
- 3 cups Apples (Gala) (Swap with other sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp.)
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar (Sweetness and enhancement of flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch (Thickener for apple filling.)
Frosting
- 1 cup Heavy cream (Adds richness to the frosting.)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (Always go for unsalted.)
- 4 cups Powdered sugar (Always sift for a smooth consistency.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, pumpkin pie spice, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the canola oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract together until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the sour cream and buttermilk until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and tender.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine peeled, cored, and chopped Gala apples with brown sugar and cornstarch. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the apples soften but hold their shape. Set aside to cool.
- Assemble & Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour half the cake batter into the pan, spread gently and evenly. Spoon the apple filling uniformly over the batter layer. Pour the remaining batter over the apples and spread carefully to cover. Bake for about 24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, and beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more cream or sugar if needed.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or butter knife.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut into 12 slices. Serve this moist, warmly spiced caramel apple cake for a cozy fall dessert experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and cake texture.
- Sift the powdered sugar before incorporating into frosting for smooth results.
- Substitute canola oil with melted butter for richer flavor.
- Use firm sweet apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for the best filling texture.
- Make sure cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
