Caramel Apple Layer Cake

Welcome to a delightful journey of flavors with our Caramel Apple Layer Cake. This cake is a splendid fusion of moist apple cake layers, creamy frosting, and rich caramel sauce, making it the perfect centerpiece for any celebration. Whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or simply a treat for yourself, this cake never fails to impress both visually and on the taste buds. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tart, thanks to the diced apples nestled within the layers, complemented by the luscious caramel drizzled on top. Read on to discover why you’ll want to bake this cake today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Caramel Apple Layer Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home:

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of caramel and apples creates a sweet and slightly tart taste that is simply irresistible. Each layer brings a new depth of flavor, making it a true delight for your palate.
• Visual Appeal: This cake is a showstopper. With its layered structure and beautiful caramel drizzle, it makes for an impressive dessert that can wow your guests.
• Seasonal Ingredients: Apples are a staple in fall baking, making this cake perfect for autumn gatherings. It captures the essence of the season with its warm flavors.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences. Consider adding nuts for crunch or using different types of apples for varied sweetness.
• Make Ahead: This cake can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing you to enjoy your time with guests rather than stressing about last-minute baking.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Trying out this Caramel Apple Layer Cake means embracing a fun and rewarding baking adventure. Here’s why you should roll up your sleeves and get started:

• Easy to Follow: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll find joy in the process.
• Family Friendly: Baking together can be a delightful family activity. Kids love helping with the mixing and pouring, and they’ll be especially excited to taste the delicious results.
• Impressive Results: Even if you’re not an expert baker, this cake looks and tastes gourmet. Your friends and family will be amazed, and you’ll receive compliments galore!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Be it a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this cake fits right in. It’s a versatile dessert that can be dressed up or down based on the occasion.
• Healthier Option: With fresh apples included, this cake offers a hint of nutrition amid the indulgence. Apples are rich in vitamins and fiber, making this treat a little less guilty.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To create your Caramel Apple Layer Cake, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 cups peeled, diced apples (such as Granny Smith)

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

• Additional diced apples
• Caramel sauce

Recommended Utensils

To ensure your baking adventure goes smoothly, make sure to have the following utensils on hand:

• Three 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Wire racks for cooling
• Medium saucepan for caramel sauce
• Serving plate for assembly

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the detailed steps to create your Caramel Apple Layer Cake.

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
2. Prepare the pans: Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. This step is crucial to prevent the cakes from sticking.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Add the eggs: Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step helps to create a stable batter.
5. Mix in liquids: Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
6. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
7. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
8. Fold in the apples: Gently fold in the diced apples to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
9. Divide the batter: Evenly distribute the batter among the three prepared cake pans.
10. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

For the Caramel Sauce:

1. Melt the sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it becomes a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn it!
2. Add butter: Carefully add the butter and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
3. Whisk in cream: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using.

For the Frosting:

1. Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
3. Incorporate cream and vanilla: Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Layer it up: Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top, followed by a drizzle of caramel sauce.
2. Repeat: Add the second layer of cake and repeat the frosting and caramel drizzle.
3. Top it off: Place the final layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
4. Garnish: Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and garnish with diced apples for a beautiful finish.

FAQs

Conclusion

The Caramel Apple Layer Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of caramel and apples beautifully. It’s perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. With its moist layers, creamy frosting, and irresistible caramel drizzle, you’ll find it hard to resist a slice (or two!). So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and create a masterpiece in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your baking experience in the comments below, and feel free to share this recipe with friends and family. Happy baking!

For more delicious recipes, check out some of my favorites: Teriyaki Salmon Bites with Pineapple Glaze, Tender Chicken Strips with Warm Maple Garlic Glaze, and Spicy Cajun Chicken Strips with Ranch Dressing.

For more visual inspiration, check out this Pinterest board filled with amazing baking ideas!

Caramel Apple Layer Cake

This delicious Caramel Apple Layer Cake combines moist layers of apple cake with rich caramel sauce and creamy frosting for a delightful dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Medium saucepan
• Electric Mixer
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
• 4 Large eggs
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 2 cups Peeled, diced apples (Granny Smith)

Caramel Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• pinch Salt

Frosting Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups Powdered sugar
• 0.25 cup Heavy cream
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• pinch Salt

Garnish

• Additional diced apples
• Caramel sauce

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the diced apples.
• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
• For the caramel sauce, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it becomes a deep amber color.
• Carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• For the frosting, in a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until light and fluffy.
• To assemble the cake, place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top, followed by a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Add the second layer of cake and repeat the frosting and caramel drizzle.
• Place the final layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
• Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and garnish with diced apples.

Notes

For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the frosting for extra flavor.

Keyword apple, cake, caramel