Apple Spice Cake with Caramel

This apple spice cake with salted caramel cream cheese frosting is a celebration of fall flavors in every bite. The moist, tender crumb packed with warm spices and juicy apple shreds pairs beautifully with a luscious, tangy frosting that has a sweet and salty twist. It’s a dessert that transforms any gathering into a cozy occasion and has quickly become a favorite for holidays and weekend treats alike.

I first made this on a chilly autumn afternoon and loved how the whole house smelled like a spice market. Since then family and friends have asked me to bring it to every get-together.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: foundation for a tender crumb spoon and level for accuracy
• Baking powder and baking soda: give the cake rise and lightness
• Salt: enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves: the aromatic core that makes this a quintessential spice cake fresh spices will give the best flavor
• Packed brown sugar: adds moisture and a subtle caramel note
• Unsweetened applesauce: keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness without extra fat
• Avocado or vegetable oil: ensures tenderness and a moist texture
• Buttermilk: lends tang and helps activate the leavening agents
• Large eggs at room temperature: provide structure and richness
• Pure vanilla extract: rounds out all the flavors beautifully
• Grated apple: fresh Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a crisp tart bite and texture contrast
• Full-fat cream cheese: the base of a creamy, tangy frosting
• Unsalted butter: for smoothness and richness in the frosting
• Confectioners’ sugar: sweetens and sets the frosting
• Salted caramel sauce: the star swirl in the frosting adds luscious salty sweetness

Instructions

Sift and mix the dry ingredients:

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium bowl. Whisk well to make sure the spices and leavening are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and rise.

Whisk the wet ingredients:

In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the brown sugar, applesauce, oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. This ensures the sugar starts dissolving and the mixture is homogeneous.

Combine wet and dry ingredients carefully:

Add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl in batches and gently stir until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, which can toughen the cake. The batter should look smooth with no dry pockets.

Fold in the grated apple:

Using a spatula, gently fold in the grated apple without beating it in. This adds bursts of fresh flavor and moisture, plus a lovely texture in each bite.

Prepare and bake the cake:

Grease a 9 by 13 inch cake pan thoroughly. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in a preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 35 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool completely before frosting:

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool fully in the pan to set the crumb and prevent the frosting from melting.

Make the frosting:

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on high speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt and mix to combine.

Add sugar and beat to consistency:

Add the confectioners’ sugar in increments, mixing well after each addition. Continue until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.

Frost and add the salted caramel swirl:

Using a spatula, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Spoon the salted caramel sauce over the top in dollops then gently swirl with a butter knife to create beautiful ribbon-like patterns.

Cut and serve:

Slice into squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

This cake’s combination of soft textures and bold flavors makes it one of my all-time favorites. The first time I shared it with family, their delighted surprise at the salted caramel ribbons became a cherished memory and always sparks requests for this dessert whenever Apple season rolls around.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to four days. This keeps the frosting firm and the cake moist. Before serving, you can let the cake sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes for the best flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour if you want more fiber and a heartier texture. It may alter the crumb slightly but works well with the spices.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh berries for contrast. A cup of strong coffee or spiced chai tea creates a lovely balance with the warm spices and rich frosting.

This cake is a true fall delight that brings warmth and comfort to any table.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What spices are used in this apple cake?

The cake features ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, providing warm and aromatic flavors.

→ Can I substitute the applesauce in the batter?

Yes, you can use mashed banana or pumpkin puree as alternatives to maintain moisture.

→ How do I ensure the cake stays moist?

Using buttermilk and applesauce in the batter helps keep the cake tender and moist.

→ What type of apple is best for grating into the cake?

Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal, as they add texture without becoming mushy.

→ How is the salted caramel incorporated into the frosting?

Salted caramel sauce is gently swirled into the cream cheese frosting after spreading, creating rich, ribbon-like patterns.