If you're looking for the perfect cake that screams fall, this Caramel Apple Spice Cake is it! Moist, spiced cake layers filled with chunks of tart apples, topped with creamy caramel sauce and maybe even a bit of crunchy nuts—it's the ultimate autumn dessert. Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner, a cozy family gathering, or simply treating yourself, this Caramel Apple Spice Cake is a guaranteed hit. Read on to discover how to make this irresistibly spiced, sweet, and decadent dessert!

What is Caramel Apple Spice Cake?

Caramel Apple Spice Cake is a moist, flavorful cake that combines the warming spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with sweet apples and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s the perfect fusion of apple pie and spice cake, with the addition of caramel making it an indulgent treat. The cake itself is fluffy but rich, loaded with apple chunks that stay tender throughout the baking process. Topped with smooth caramel and a creamy frosting, this cake is the epitome of fall flavors in every bite.

Ingredients List for the Cake

Dry Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the cake.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Adds additional leavening power and helps the cake become tender.
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: The signature spice of fall.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a deeper, earthy note to balance the sweetness.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake.
½ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor.
3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavors.
1 cup applesauce: Keeps the cake moist while adding a mild apple flavor.

Additional Ingredients:

2 medium apples, peeled and diced: Granny Smith apples work best, as their tartness balances the sweetness of the caramel and cake.
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a crunchy texture that complements the moist cake.

Ingredients List for the Caramel Sauce

1 cup granulated sugar: The base for the caramel sauce.
¼ cup water: Helps the sugar dissolve and caramelize evenly.
½ cup heavy cream: Makes the caramel smooth and rich.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a creamy texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the caramel flavor.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the caramel flavor.

Ingredients List for the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides the base for a tangy, creamy frosting.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the frosting rich and smooth.
4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and creates a smooth texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the cream cheese flavor.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.

Substitutions and Variations

Apples: While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples for a sweeter result.
Nuts: If you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to omit them, or swap them out for something like toasted coconut or sunflower seeds for added texture.
Spices: Adjust the amount of spice to suit your preference. If you love extra spice, add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
Caramel Sauce: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. But homemade caramel adds that extra layer of rich, buttery flavor.
Gluten-free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for binding.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before you start, make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them, or line them with parchment paper.

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Whisk the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add applesauce: Mix in the applesauce, which will keep the cake moist and add an extra layer of apple flavor.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Fold in apples and nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using).

2. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter: Evenly divide the cake batter between the two prepared pans.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Caramel Sauce

Melt the sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Cook without stirring until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
Add cream and butter: Once the sugar has caramelized, remove the pan from the heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and butter. The mixture will bubble up, so pour slowly and whisk continuously.
Add vanilla and salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let the caramel sauce cool to room temperature before using.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

5. Assemble the Cake

Level the cakes: If your cakes domed during baking, use a serrated knife to level the tops for a flat surface.
Frost the first layer: Place one of the cake layers on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.
Add the second layer: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
Drizzle with caramel: Drizzle the cooled caramel sauce over the top of the frosted cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful, rustic look.

6. Garnish (optional)

Add nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel drizzle.
Apple slices: Garnish with thinly sliced apples dipped in lemon juice to prevent browning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
Burning the caramel: Caramel can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on it while it’s cooking. Once it turns amber, immediately remove it from heat and add the cream and butter.
Not cooling the cake layers: Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt and become runny.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Caramel Apple Spice Cake is not only a delicious treat but also a visually stunning dessert. Here are a few ways to serve and present it beautifully.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Spice Cake

Slice with a sharp knife: For clean, professional slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Serve slightly warmed: For extra indulgence, heat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. This will make the caramel extra gooey.
Pair with ice cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the rich flavors of the cake.

Presentation Ideas for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

Caramel drizzle: After frosting, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top of the cake and let it drip down the sides for an elegant finish.
Nut garnish: Add a ring of chopped walnuts or pecans around the base or top of the cake for extra texture and visual appeal.
Apple slices: Arrange thin apple slices in a fan shape on top of the cake for a fresh and natural garnish.

Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe Tips

Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing to achieve the smoothest texture possible.
Chill the caramel: If your caramel sauce is too runny when you go to drizzle it over the cake, place it in the fridge for a few minutes to thicken up.
Double the caramel: If you're a caramel lover, make a double batch of the caramel sauce so you can drizzle extra on each slice as you serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze Caramel Apple Spice Cake?
Yes! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

2. How long will this cake last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this cake will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Frost and add the caramel just before serving.

4. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you're short on time. However, homemade caramel sauce adds a richer, more buttery flavor to the cake.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Spice Cake is the ultimate fall dessert. With its moist, spiced cake, tender apple pieces, creamy cream cheese frosting, and indulgent caramel drizzle, it’s a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s for a special holiday celebration or just a cozy fall evening, this cake will bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of fall with every bite!