Autumn Bliss: Spiced Apple Cake with Creamy Caramel Frosting

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate the cozy charm of autumn than with a delicious dessert that embodies the season. Autumn Bliss: Spiced Apple Cake with Creamy Caramel Frosting is the ultimate treat, combining warm spices, the sweetness of apples, and a luscious caramel frosting. It’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or simply indulging in the flavors of fall.

Imagine sinking your fork into layers of moist, spiced apple cake, generously topped with creamy caramel frosting and garnished with caramel-dipped apples. It’s the dessert that captures the heart of autumn with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Apple Cake

This cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Packed with Fall Flavors: Cinnamon, apples, caramel, and a hint of vanilla combine to create the ultimate autumn treat.
• Moist and Delicious: The applesauce and diced apples ensure every bite is tender and full of flavor.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: The caramel-dipped apple garnish turns this cake into a centerpiece worthy of any table.
• Versatile and Customizable: Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or an indulgent weekend treat.
• Made from Scratch: Nothing beats the satisfaction of creating this decadent dessert from scratch.

Ingredients for Spiced Apple Cake with Creamy Caramel Frosting

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dessert:

For the Cake

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	3 ¾ cups
Baking powder	1 tbsp
Baking soda	1 ½ tsp
Ground cinnamon	2 tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Brown sugar (packed)	1 ½ cups
Vegetable or canola oil	¾ cup
Unsweetened applesauce	¾ cup
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)	¾ cup
Vanilla extract	1 tbsp
Large eggs (room temperature)	3
Buttermilk (room temperature)	1 ½ cups
Apple (peeled, cored, and finely diced)	1

For the Creamy Caramel Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Granulated sugar	3 cups
Buttermilk	1 ½ cups
Unsalted butter (divided)	18 oz
Baking soda	1 tsp
Salt	¾ tsp
Powdered sugar	3 cups
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

For the Apple Garnish

Ingredient	Quantity
Small apples	3–4
Soft caramels	7 oz
Heavy cream or water	1 ½ tsp
Lollipop sticks or wooden skewers	As needed

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spiced Apple Cake

1. Preparing the Cake

Set the Stage

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release smoothly.

Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Mix the Liquid Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, oil, applesauce, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients for an evenly mixed batter.
2. Gently fold in the diced apple for added texture and flavor.

Bake the Cakes

1. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Making the Creamy Caramel Frosting

Cook the Caramel Base

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, buttermilk, 6 oz of butter, and baking soda.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a caramel color (about 10–15 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Blend the Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the remaining butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the cooled caramel mixture, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
3. Beat the frosting until smooth and fluffy.

3. Assembling the Cake

Layer and Frost

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
2. Repeat with the remaining layers, then frost the sides and top of the cake.
3. Use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting for a professional finish.

4. Preparing the Apple Garnish

Melt the Caramel

1. In a small saucepan, melt the soft caramels with the heavy cream or water over low heat, stirring until smooth.

Coat the Apples

1. Insert a stick into each apple.
2. Dip the apples into the warm caramel, swirling to coat them evenly.
3. Let any excess caramel drip off, then place the apples on parchment paper to set.

5. Decorate and Serve

Finish with Flair

1. Arrange the caramel-dipped apples on top of the frosted cake for a stunning centerpiece.
2. Slice and serve to enjoy the perfect balance of spiced cake, creamy caramel frosting, and apple charm.

Tips for Perfect Spiced Apple Cake

1. Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and frosting.
2. Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
3. Use Fresh Apples: Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
4. Homemade Caramel Sauce: For an extra-special touch, make your own caramel sauce from scratch.
5. Chill the Frosting: If your frosting is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before assembling the cake.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450
Carbohydrates	60g
Protein	6g
Fat	20g
Sugar	45g

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on a standard serving size.)

FAQs About Spiced Apple Cake with Creamy Caramel Frosting

1. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! The cake layers can be baked up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble and frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

2. Can I use store-bought frosting?

While homemade caramel frosting adds a special touch, you can use store-bought caramel frosting for convenience.

3. What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best, as they balance the sweetness of the cake and frosting.

4. How should I store leftovers?

Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The results may vary slightly, but it should work well.

6. Can I skip the caramel-dipped apples?

Absolutely! The cake is delicious on its own, but the caramel apples add an impressive decorative element.

Why You Should Try This Cake

Autumn Bliss: Spiced Apple Cake with Creamy Caramel Frosting is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of everything we love about fall. From the warm spices and fresh apples to the decadent caramel frosting, every bite is a taste of autumn. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and create this unforgettable autumn masterpiece. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

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