Caramel Apple Layer Cake

Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of caramel with the fresh, crisp flavor of apples? Look no further than this delightful Caramel Apple Layer Cake. This cake is not only visually stunning with its layered beauty, but it also delivers a burst of flavors in every bite. Ideal for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to holiday gatherings, this cake will be the star of your dessert table. The combination of moist apple cake layers, buttery caramel sauce, and creamy frosting creates a harmonious blend that will leave your guests wanting more. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the standout features of this Caramel Apple Layer Cake is its versatility. The cake layers are made with fresh apples, lending natural moisture and flavor that elevates a traditional vanilla cake. The addition of buttermilk ensures that each bite is tender and fluffy, while the Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples add a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the rich caramel sauce.

This recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow, ensuring that you won’t feel overwhelmed in the kitchen. Plus, the homemade caramel sauce is simpler to make than you might think! With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can achieve a velvety caramel that is far superior to store-bought versions.

Another reason to love this cake is its stunning presentation. The layers of cake, frosting, and caramel create a visually appealing dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake looks as good as it tastes.

And let’s not forget about the aroma! Baking this cake fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting scent that will leave everyone eagerly anticipating their first slice. The smell of baking apples and caramel is enough to make your mouth water. Trust me, once you try this Caramel Apple Layer Cake, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This Caramel Apple Layer Cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase seasonal apples. As fall approaches, apples are at their peak, making it the perfect time to bake this cake. Additionally, the cake is a fantastic way to use up any extra apples you might have on hand. You can even experiment with different apple varieties to see which flavors you prefer!

Moreover, this recipe is a great way to hone your baking skills. From learning to cream butter and sugar properly to mastering the art of making caramel, each step is a valuable lesson in baking. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you pull this cake out of the oven will be worth the effort.

What’s more, this cake is incredibly adaptable. You can customize the flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter or experimenting with different types of frosting, such as cream cheese or chocolate ganache. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this recipe your own.

Lastly, sharing this cake with loved ones creates a sense of community and celebration. Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or just a casual get-together, desserts like this bring people together. So why not create some sweet memories and try your hand at this delicious Caramel Apple Layer Cake?

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

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 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups peeled and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• For the Caramel Sauce:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
• For the Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
• For Garnish:
  • Additional diced apples
  • Drizzle of caramel sauce

Recommended Tools or Utensils

• Three 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Medium saucepan
• Serving plate

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get started on making this scrumptious Caramel Apple Layer Cake.

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy removal later.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
6. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula to avoid breaking them up. This will ensure you get delicious apple pieces in every bite.
7. Divide and Bake: 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. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Caramel Sauce:

1. Melt Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Watch carefully to avoid burning!
2. Add Butter: Once the sugar is melted, add the butter and stir until fully melted and combined.
3. Incorporate Cream: Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble) and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Allow to cool slightly.

Make the Frosting:

1. Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. This will help prevent a powdered sugar cloud!
3. Add Cream and Flavor: Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Layer the Cake: Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, followed by a drizzle of caramel sauce.
2. Repeat: Add the second layer of cake and repeat the frosting and caramel drizzle. Finish with the third layer on top.
3. Frost the Entire Cake: Use the remaining frosting to frost the entire cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
4. Garnish: Garnish with additional diced apples and a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for that extra touch of elegance.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Caramel Apple Layer Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings together flavors and memories. With its moist apple layers, rich caramel sauce, and creamy frosting, it’s bound to be a hit at any celebration. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and share your creations with family and friends! We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. If you enjoyed this recipe, feel free to share it on your social media or pin it for later! For more delicious recipes, check out our collection at Ovia Recipes.

For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest page here.

Caramel Apple Layer Cake

Indulge in this decadent Caramel Apple Layer Cake, featuring moist apple-infused layers, rich caramel sauce, and creamy frosting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Cake, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• 9-inch Round Cake Pans
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Electric Mixer
• Wire Rack

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 tablespoon Vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 cups Peeled and diced apples Preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp

Caramel Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• a pinch Salt

Frosting Ingredients

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

Garnish

• Additional diced apples
• Drizzle of 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, mixing well after each addition. Stir 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 until just combined. Fold in the diced apples gently.
• 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. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
• Add the butter and stir until melted and combined. Carefully pour in the heavy cream (the mixture will bubble), and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Allow to cool slightly.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
• Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
• Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on 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.
• Garnish with additional diced apples and a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.

Notes

For a twist, try adding cinnamon to the batter or using different types of apples for varied flavor.

Keyword apple, caramel, Layer Cake