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–+ servings
Caramelized Apple Cake

Caramelized Apple Cake

Moist Caramelized Apple Cake with spiced layers and creamy caramel frosting. Perfect fall dessert. Easy one-bowl recipe with step-by-step instructions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 16 people
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup applesauce
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 cups chopped apples
  • 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Four 8-inch round cake pans
  • Cooling racks
  • Offset spatula for frosting

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease four 8-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
  3. In another bowl, beat butter, oil, applesauce, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in vanilla.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in chopped apples.
  5. Divide batter among prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
  6. For the frosting, beat softened butter until smooth. Add vanilla, caramel sauce, and cinnamon, then beat again. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  7. Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a serving plate, spreading frosting on top, and repeating with remaining layers. Frost the entire cake and drizzle with extra caramel, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 5mg

Notes

This cake is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings, especially during autumn. It stores well for up to two days at room temperature and can be refrigerated for up to five days. For freezing, wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly for up to three months. Don't forget to toss the chopped apples in a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.
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