Name: Caramel Apple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1.5 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1.5 cups sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced); 1 cup sugar; 0.25 cup water; 0.5 cup heavy cream; 3 tablespoons butter (for caramel sauce)

Jump to Recipe

Imagine biting into a cake that’s tender, moist, and bursting with the nostalgic flavors of caramel and crisp apples. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with this Caramel Apple Cake—an irresistible dessert that brings the magic of fall straight into your kitchen. Growing up, caramel apples were always a special treat at county fairs, and this cake captures all that festive joy in a homemade bake. The best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to create this delicious masterpiece. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and family-friendly steps, this cake is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. If you loved my classic Apple Cinnamon Loaf, you’ll find this Caramel Apple Cake even more decadent and celebration-worthy. Get ready to make memories with a dessert everyone will request again and again!

What is Caramel Apple Cake?

So, what’s in a name—Caramel Apple Cake? Is it a cake? An apple pie in disguise? A caramel dream come true? Well, it’s all three rolled into one! This playful dessert features layers of spiced apple cake crowned with a luscious homemade caramel sauce, making every bite pure bliss. I like to joke that whoever first combined apples and caramel in a cake knew exactly what they were doing—after all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” If you’re craving a dessert that’s as fun to say as it is to eat, this Caramel Apple Cake invites you to bake, share, and savor each gooey, golden forkful. Time to preheat your oven and join in the deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Caramel Apple Cake. First, the main highlight: it’s a wonderfully moist, spiced cake bursting with tender, real apple slices and swirls of velvety homemade caramel. Making it at home won’t just save you a trip to the bakery—it’ll save you money, too! Fresh ingredients and pantry staples keep it budget-friendly, and you’ll skip the preservatives found in store-bought treats. Let’s not forget the caramel sauce; it’s rich, glossy, and takes the cake from tasty to cravable in seconds. Personally, I find this cake reminds me of my popular Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake recipe, only with an irresistible caramel twist! Bake a batch, drizzle on that golden sauce, and I promise: your kitchen will smell like pure happiness.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake

Quick Overview

This Caramel Apple Cake is as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. With just a handful of staple ingredients and a straightforward method, you’ll have a showstopping dessert ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The recipe stands out for its tender apple layers and signature homemade caramel sauce—no fancy equipment or professional skills required. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this cake is sure to impress. Trust me, you’ll love how the flavors of cinnamon, fresh apples, and buttery caramel come together for a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is simple!

Slice of Caramel Apple Cake with caramel drizzle
Whole Caramel Apple Cake with sliced apples on top
Homemade caramel sauce being poured over apple cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)

For the caramel sauce:

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons butter (for caramel sauce)

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the sliced apples until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, make the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it boil until it turns a deep golden color (about 6–8 minutes). Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Remove from heat and immediately (and carefully!) add the heavy cream and 3 tablespoons butter. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before drizzling all over your cooled cake. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

What to Serve Caramel Apple Cake With

This Caramel Apple Cake is a standout on its own, but you can really make the experience memorable by pairing it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a cozy afternoon treat, enjoy a slice with spiced chai or cinnamon coffee. Hosting a gathering? Serve it alongside a platter of fresh fruit, roasted nuts, or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for dipping. It also makes a fabulous finale to hearty fall dinners like roast chicken or butternut squash soup. There’s no wrong way to indulge!

Top Tips for Perfecting Caramel Apple Cake

Choose apples that hold their shape during baking—like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji—for the best texture and flavor.
Don’t overmix your batter; doing so can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for the softest crumb.
If you’re in a hurry, use store-bought caramel sauce—just warm it up before drizzling.
No buttermilk on hand? Make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Keep a close eye when making caramel; sugar can change color quickly and burn. Swirl the pan gently instead of stirring to avoid crystals.
Let the cake cool before adding caramel to prevent it from soaking in too much.
For nutty flavor, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the top just before serving.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To store leftovers, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place slices in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you plan to keep it longer, freeze individual slices (without caramel sauce) for up to 2 months. Just wrap them well and place in a freezer-safe bag.

To reheat, microwave slices for 15-20 seconds until just warmed, then drizzle with caramel. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving. Always add the caramel sauce just before enjoying for the best results!

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this cake?
Yes, you can use your favorite baking apples. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp brings a sweeter flavor. Mixing apple types can add depth!

Can I make the caramel sauce in advance?
Definitely. Prepare the caramel sauce a day ahead and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge. Simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop before drizzling.

Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based butter and milk (or buttermilk alternative) for a dairy-free version. Use coconut cream for the caramel sauce if preferred.

Can I freeze Caramel Apple Cake?
Absolutely. Freeze slices (without caramel) wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw and add fresh caramel before serving.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! Just add one tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for a few minutes to create a quick buttermilk substitute.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone seeking comfort, warmth, and a little indulgence all in one bite. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple baking process, this recipe brings sweet apples and golden caramel together in a way that’ll have friends and family asking for seconds (and the recipe, too!). Its cozy, inviting flavors make it the perfect centerpiece for gatherings, celebrations, or just a treat-yourself day at home. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to check out my other apple and caramel recipes on the blog. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apples, and let’s bake a cake that’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy baking!