Caramel Apple Spice Cake

There’s something deeply comforting about baking in autumn—the scent of cinnamon warming the air, the soft hum of the oven, and the satisfaction of using fresh, in-season apples straight from the orchard. That’s what inspired this Caramel Apple Spice Cake. This cake isn’t just a sweet treat—it’s a celebration of everything we love about fall.

Growing up in a small town, apple season was one of the most anticipated times of year. My family would bundle up in thick flannel shirts and head to the nearby orchard on crisp Saturday mornings, baskets in hand. The apples we picked—firm and tart with a hint of sweetness—would later find their way into pies, cider, and my mother’s special spice cake. But it wasn’t until I tried pairing the cake with a caramel buttercream that I realized how magical the combination could be. This is my take on that family tradition: moist, flavorful spice cake, studded with juicy apples and blanketed in silky, spiced caramel frosting.

Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, a harvest potluck, or simply want a slice of comfort with your morning coffee, this Caramel Apple Spice Cake is the perfect way to bring warmth and nostalgia to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Celebration of Fall Flavors: Packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, it’s autumn in every bite.
• Tender and Moist: The chopped apples and applesauce make this cake irresistibly soft and full of texture.
• Rich Caramel Buttercream: A silky frosting with hints of cinnamon and caramel ties everything together.
• Perfect for Sharing: This multi-layer cake makes an impressive centerpiece for any fall gathering.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and frost the next day for a low-stress dessert.

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INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

For the Spice Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup applesauce
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cups chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)

For the Caramel Buttercream:

• 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup caramel sauce
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Optional Decoration:

• Extra caramel sauce for drizzle
• Thin apple slices or dried apple chips

How to Make Caramel Apple Spice Cake

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pans
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease four 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures easy removal and even baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. The warm aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like fall.
3. Cream the Wet Ingredients
   In another large bowl, beat together the softened butter, oil, sugar, and applesauce until light and creamy. This combination of fats keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
4. Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
   Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract for an added depth of flavor.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
   Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. This step helps maintain the cake’s tender crumb.

1. Fold in the Apples
   Gently fold in the chopped apples using a spatula. These will sink slightly during baking, creating pockets of juicy apple goodness throughout the cake.
2. Bake
   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
3. Make the Buttercream
   Beat the softened butter until fluffy. Add vanilla, caramel sauce, and cinnamon. Slowly mix in powdered sugar until smooth. The buttercream should be spreadable but not runny.
4. Assemble the Cake
   Level each cake layer with a serrated knife for a neat stack. Spread a thick layer of buttercream between each layer, then frost the outside of the cake with a crumb coat. Chill for 15 minutes.
5. Final Frosting and Garnish
   Apply a final layer of frosting and drizzle caramel sauce over the top. Garnish with thin apple slices or dried apples for an extra touch.

HELPFUL TIPS

• Use freshly chopped apples instead of canned for best texture and flavor.
• If your apples are very juicy, pat them dry slightly before folding into the batter.
• Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to avoid a melting buttercream.
• For a taller cake, you can also bake this in three 9-inch pans or two 10-inch pans.
• Add chopped toasted pecans for a bit of crunch if desired.

DETAILS

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Yield: Serves 9–12
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES

This recipe is highly adaptable. You can swap out the apples for pears or even add a handful of raisins for an old-fashioned touch. The buttercream can be replaced with cream cheese frosting for a tangier finish.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

(Approximate per slice)

• Calories: ~450
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Sugars: 35g
• Protein: 4g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Absolutely. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its drizzle shape.

Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes. Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: You can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Results may vary slightly, but the apples help retain moisture.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

• Short-term: Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Long-term: Wrap individual slices and freeze. Thaw overnight for best results.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cozy delights:

• Apple Crisp Cheesecake Delight
• Southern Fried Apples: A Sweet Slice of Southern Tradition
• A Love Letter to Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
• A Cozy Spring Favorite: Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Conclusion

There’s something undeniably special about a homemade cake filled with love, tradition, and seasonal charm. This Caramel Apple Spice Cake brings that all to your kitchen—perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you crave something sweet, spicy, and sentimental. I hope it becomes a staple in your own fall baking ritual, just as it has in mine.