Indulge in the rich, warm flavors of fall with the best caramel apple spice cake! This moist and tender cake is filled with grated apples, warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and topped with a dreamy homemade caramel glaze. It's the ultimate autumn dessert, perfect for special occasions or cozy evenings at home. If you love the combination of spiced cake, caramel, and apples, this recipe will become your go-to treat for fall. Ready to make the most delicious caramel apple spice cake? Keep reading to discover how to create this comforting, fall-flavored delight!

What is Caramel Apple Spice Cake?

Caramel apple spice cake is a warm, fragrant cake made with apples, spices, and a rich caramel glaze. The cake itself is dense yet moist, thanks to the apples, which also add a subtle natural sweetness. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves give the cake a cozy flavor reminiscent of fall. Once baked, the cake is generously topped with a silky caramel sauce that seeps into the layers, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. It’s a perfect dessert to celebrate the flavors of the season and pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients List for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

Dry Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 medium apples, peeled and grated (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite baking apples)

Caramel Glaze Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
¼ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

Chopped pecans or walnuts
Caramel sauce for drizzling
Whipped cream

Substitutions and Variations

Flour Substitutes: You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if needed. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution flour for the best results.
Healthier Option: Swap vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to lighten up the recipe without sacrificing moisture.
Spices: Feel free to add more or fewer spices according to your preference. Allspice or cardamom could be great additions for an extra layer of flavor.
Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and plant-based cream (like coconut cream) for the caramel glaze.
Nuts and Add-ins: If you love a little crunch, stir in chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter. Dried cranberries or raisins can also add a nice texture and sweetness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Pans:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease the Pans: Grease and flour a 9x13-inch cake pan or two 8-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

Mix Sugars and Oil: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined and smooth.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Grate the Apples: Peel and grate the apples using a box grater or food processor. Fold the grated apples into the wet ingredients.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can result in a dense cake. The batter will be thick and fragrant with spices.

5. Bake the Cake:

Pour the Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan(s).
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes (for a 9x13-inch cake) or 30-35 minutes (for 8-inch round cakes), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan(s) for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the caramel glaze.

6. Make the Caramel Glaze:

Melt Butter and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir constantly until it dissolves, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Remove from Heat: Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Cool the Glaze: Let the glaze cool for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly before pouring it over the cooled cake.

7. Assemble and Serve:

Pour the Glaze: Once the cake is cooled, pour the caramel glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a rustic look. If you're using a 9x13-inch pan, spread the glaze evenly across the cake.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top if desired. You can also drizzle with extra caramel sauce or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent presentation.

How to Cook Caramel Apple Spice Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how to ensure your caramel apple spice cake turns out perfect:

Prepare the Pan Well: Greasing and flouring the cake pans ensures the cake doesn't stick. Parchment paper on the bottom helps with easy removal, especially if you plan to serve it on a platter.
Mixing the Batter: Don’t overmix the cake batter after combining wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
Apple Grating: Grate your apples just before adding them to the batter to prevent them from browning. The apples help add moisture and a subtle apple flavor throughout the cake.
Caramel Glaze: When making the caramel glaze, constant stirring is key to avoid burning the sugar and butter. Let it cool slightly so it thickens before pouring it over the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter: Stir the batter only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, making the cake dense.
Undercooking the Cake: Always check the cake with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time.
Rushing the Glaze: Don’t pour the caramel glaze while it’s too hot. Allow it to cool for a few minutes to thicken; this will give it a better consistency for spreading on the cake.
Forgetting to Let the Cake Cool: Make sure the cake has cooled completely before pouring on the caramel glaze. If it’s still warm, the glaze may run off and not set properly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Caramel Apple Spice Cake:

Serve Warm or Room Temperature: This cake is delicious at room temperature, but it's even better when slightly warmed. Heat individual slices for a few seconds in the microwave before serving.
Pair with Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Presentation Ideas for Caramel Apple Spice Cake:

Garnish with Apple Slices: For a lovely fall touch, garnish the cake with thin slices of fresh or caramelized apples.
Extra Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the cake before serving for added richness and visual appeal.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the top of the caramel glaze for added texture and flavor.

Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe Tips

Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day! You can bake the cake and prepare the glaze in advance. Store the cake covered at room temperature, and add the glaze just before serving.
Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Caramel Glaze Tips: If the caramel glaze hardens too much as it cools, reheat it on low heat and stir until smooth. For an easier option, use store-bought caramel sauce to save time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze caramel apple spice cake?
Yes! You can freeze the cake (without the glaze) by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight, and add the glaze before serving.

What apples are best for this cake?
Granny Smith apples work best for this recipe because their tartness balances the sweetness of the caramel and the cake. However, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples are also great options if you prefer a sweeter apple flavor.

Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply divide the batter into cupcake liners in a muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Drizzle each cupcake with caramel glaze.

How long does caramel apple spice cake last?
Stored in an airtight container, the cake will last for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This caramel apple spice cake is the perfect dessert for fall. The warm, spiced cake is moist and flavorful, with the grated apples adding both texture and sweetness. The rich caramel glaze that drips over the top brings the whole dessert together in the most delicious way. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just indulging in a cozy treat, this cake is sure to be a hit. With easy-to-follow steps and helpful tips, you can whip up this decadent dessert with confidence. Enjoy!