Decadent Caramel Apple Cake: A Rich Fall Dessert Delight

Decadent Caramel Apple Cake is a sublime celebration of fall flavors wrapped in moist, tender layers that melt in your mouth. This rich dessert delight brings together immaculate caramel sauce with the crisp sweetness of handpicked apples, conjuring an irresistible treat rooted in autumnal tradition and homemade warmth. Whether baked for a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday, mastering this recipe promises unmatched sensory pleasure framed in golden hues and indulgent textures.

Prep and Cook Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes

Yield

Serves 12 generous slices

Difficulty Level

Medium – perfect for passionate home bakers seeking a rewarding challenge

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (see expert apple selection tips below)
• For the Caramel Sauce:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ½ cup heavy cream, warmed
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugars: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter with granulated sugar and dark brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate sour cream and dry mix: Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mix. Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the crumb tender.
6. Fold in apples: Gently fold the finely chopped apples into the batter, distributing evenly without crushing.
7. Pour and smooth: Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
8. Bake to perfection: Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color.
9. Cool completely: Allow cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to fully cool before caramel sauce application.
10. Make the caramel sauce: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat granulated sugar over medium heat, swirling occasionally (don’t stir), until it melts to a deep amber color. Quickly add butter, whisking until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the warm heavy cream while stirring constantly. Remove from heat and whisk in sea salt. Let cool slightly to thicken.
11. Serve with caramel: Drizzle the luscious caramel sauce generously over each cake slice just before serving to maximize indulgence.

Tips for Success: Elevate Your Decadent Caramel Apple Cake

• Choosing the best apples: Crisp, tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn work beautifully, balancing sweetness with acidity and holding texture well during baking.
• Moisture matters: Incorporate sour cream or Greek yogurt to add natural tenderness and depth. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
• Caramel control: Use a candy thermometer to monitor sugar melting; this prevents burning and bitterness, yielding perfectly silky sauce.
• Make-ahead advantage: Bake the cake a day in advance and store tightly covered to enhance flavors. Warm the caramel gently before serving.
• Substitutions: For a dairy-free twist, swap butter in the cake for coconut oil and use canned coconut milk in place of cream for the caramel sauce.

Serving Suggestions to Impress

Present your slices of Decadent Caramel Apple Cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon for extra aromatic appeal. A few thin apple slices fanned atop each serving echo the cake’s core flavor beautifully and add a crisp texture contrast. For an elegant touch, drizzle extra warm caramel sauce just before serving to invite that glossy allure everyone loves.

For further inspiration on fall baking favorites, explore our Ultimate Fall Muffin Recipes collection. You can also deepen your caramel-making skills by visiting the expert science behind caramel on Serious Eats.