When it comes to fall desserts, nothing beats the warm, comforting flavors of a Caramel Apple Spice Cake. This cake combines the sweet, tangy taste of apples with the rich, buttery notes of caramel and the aromatic blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s a moist, tender cake that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy family dinner, or just want to enjoy a slice with your afternoon coffee, this Caramel Apple Spice Cake is sure to be a hit. Read on for the full recipe, including ingredient lists, substitutions, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to help you bake the perfect cake!

What is Caramel Apple Spice Cake?

Caramel Apple Spice Cake is a tender, moist cake made with fresh apples, warm spices, and a luscious caramel topping. The apples bring moisture and sweetness to the cake, while the spices add warmth and depth. The crowning touch is a thick drizzle of homemade caramel sauce that soaks into the cake, making it irresistibly rich and flavorful. The combination of textures—from the soft cake to the sticky caramel—creates a dessert that’s both rustic and luxurious.

Ingredients List for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect Caramel Apple Spice Cake:

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup vegetable oil
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
3 medium apples, peeled and finely diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

For the Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)

Optional Toppings:

Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
Whipped cream for serving
Additional caramel drizzle

Substitutions and Variations

This Caramel Apple Spice Cake recipe is versatile and easy to adapt to your preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

Flour Alternatives: You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, or use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and replace the sour cream with coconut yogurt to make the cake dairy-free.
Apples: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are great choices, you can use any apple variety you prefer. Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples also work well.
Sugar Alternatives: If you want to cut down on sugar, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the best-ever Caramel Apple Spice Cake, from preparing the batter to making the caramel sauce.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan (or a bundt pan, if you prefer) and set it aside.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set the dry mixture aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Add Sour Cream and Dry Ingredients:

Mix in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until combined. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two or three batches, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Fold in the Apples:

Gently fold the diced apples into the batter using a spatula. The apples will add moisture to the cake as they bake.

7. Pour the Batter into the Pan:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. If using a bundt pan, make sure to smooth the top.

8. Bake the Cake:

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you're using a bundt pan, it may take slightly longer—around 50-55 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make Caramel Sauce

While the cake cools, prepare the caramel sauce. This homemade caramel is rich, buttery, and easy to make.

1. Melt the Sugar:

In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Stop stirring and let the sugar boil until it turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes.

2. Add the Butter:

Once the sugar has reached a deep amber color, carefully add the butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so be careful.

3. Add the Cream:

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. The caramel will bubble up again—keep whisking until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt (if using).

4. Let the Caramel Cool:

Remove the caramel sauce from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling it over the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can sometimes be tricky, but you can avoid these common mistakes to ensure your Caramel Apple Spice Cake turns out perfect every time:

Overmixing the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing will result in a dense, tough cake.
Incorrect Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the cake inside. Baking at a lower or higher temperature can cause the cake to bake unevenly.
Not Letting the Cake Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. If you try to remove it too soon, it may break or stick to the pan.
Caramel Mistakes: When making caramel, be patient and keep an eye on the sugar as it can burn quickly. Once it reaches the right amber color, immediately add the butter to stop it from cooking further.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A beautifully decorated cake not only tastes amazing but also looks irresistible. Here’s how to serve and present your Caramel Apple Spice Cake for maximum appeal:

How to Serve Caramel Apple Spice Cake:

Warm or Room Temperature: This cake is delicious when served warm, but it can also be served at room temperature. If you’re serving it warm, make sure to drizzle the caramel sauce just before serving.
Cut Clean Slices: Use a serrated knife to cut clean slices, especially if serving from a bundt cake.

Presentation Ideas for Caramel Apple Spice Cake:

Drizzle Extra Caramel: Just before serving, drizzle some additional caramel sauce over the top of the cake for a glossy, delicious finish.
Top with Whipped Cream: Serve each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the caramel sauce for added crunch and flavor.
Decorative Apple Slices: Garnish with thinly sliced apples for a rustic, fall-themed presentation.

Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe Tips

Use Fresh Apples: The fresher the apples, the more moisture and flavor they’ll bring to the cake. Avoid using apples that are too soft or mealy.
Don’t Skip the Sour Cream: The sour cream helps keep the cake moist and tender. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt if needed.
Store Properly: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it and warm slices before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the caramel sauce up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and warm it slightly before drizzling over the cake.

2. Can I freeze Caramel Apple Spice Cake?
Absolutely. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

3. What’s the best apple variety for this cake?
Granny Smith apples are a great choice because of their tartness, which contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake and caramel. Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples are also good options for a slightly sweeter flavor.

4. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you're short on time. Just warm it slightly before drizzling over the cake for that fresh, gooey finish.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Spice Cake is the perfect dessert for any fall occasion, combining the sweetness of apples with the richness of caramel and the warmth of fall spices. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it as a weekend treat, this cake is sure to impress. With the detailed instructions and tips provided, you’ll be able to bake a moist, flavorful cake every time. Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall in every bite, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family!