Cozy Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe: Fall’s Sweetest Treat

Crafting a delectable caramel apple spice cake brings pure comfort to any gathering.

Sweet autumn memories dance through this nostalgic dessert.

Warm cinnamon and fresh apples create a magical harmony of flavors.

Fragrant spices weave their enchantment into every tender crumb.

Our recipe promises a simple yet extraordinary baking experience.

Layers of rich caramel embrace soft, moist cake textures.

You’ll savor each bite like a cherished whisper of home.

Grab a fork and let this cake become your new weekend obsession.

Why Caramel Apple Spice Cake Is Perfect for Fall

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This cake wins over everyone from kids to grandparents with its rich, warm spices and sweet caramel notes that create irresistible comfort food magic.
• Simplify Baking Process: Using a spice cake mix transforms complex cake-making into a straightforward recipe that requires minimal culinary skills while delivering maximum flavor impact.
• Celebrate Seasonal Charm: Packed with diced apples and caramel, this cake captures the cozy essence of autumn, making it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations.
• Quick Kitchen Adventure: With just a few ingredients and simple mixing steps, bakers can create a delectable dessert that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to prepare.

Ingredients Checklist for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Spice Cake Mix: A convenient pre-mixed blend of dry ingredients that provides the foundational flavor and texture for the cake.
• Eggs: Essential binding agent that helps create a smooth and cohesive cake batter.
• Applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness while reducing the need for additional oil.

• Apples: Fresh diced fruit that brings texture, natural sweetness, and a classic autumn flavor to the cake.
• Caramel Sauce: Rich, golden syrup that adds deep sweetness and a luxurious finish to the cake, used both in the batter and as a topping.

• Extra Caramel Sauce: Additional drizzle to enhance the cake's appearance and intensify the caramel flavor when serving.

How to Bake Caramel Apple Spice Cake Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously coat a bundt pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend the Cake Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, velvety applesauce, fresh eggs, and rich caramel sauce. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Fold in Fruity Chunks

Gently fold the freshly chopped apples into the cake batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture. This will ensure bursts of apple flavor in every slice.

Step 4: Pour and Prepare

Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan, making sure to spread it evenly and tap the pan lightly to remove any air bubbles.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.

Step 6: Cool and Drizzle

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a serving plate. While still slightly warm, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top, allowing it to cascade down the cake’s curves.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and serve warm or at room temperature. Each bite promises a delightful blend of spicy cake, tender apples, and sweet caramel.

Pro Tips for Caramel Apple Spice Cake Perfection

• Boost Apple Flavor: Add a splash of apple cider or apple juice to the batter for an intensified apple taste that makes the cake more aromatic and rich.
• Prevent Apple Sinking: Toss diced apples in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter to help them stay evenly distributed throughout the cake.
• Enhance Moisture: Use unsweetened applesauce to keep the cake tender and prevent it from becoming too sweet while maintaining a perfect texture.
• Create Crunch Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel drizzle for a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor that complements the spice cake.

Flavorful Variations of Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Caramel Cake: Replace spice cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and use certified gluten-free ingredients.
• Vegan Spiced Apple Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based caramel sauce, and choose dairy-free applesauce.
• Low-Sugar Caramel Apple Treat: Swap regular caramel sauce with sugar-free caramel, use sugar-free cake mix, and reduce overall sweetness.
• Nutty Apple Spice Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor profile.

Best Pairings for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Elevate Caramel Flavor: Pair with a rich, amber-colored bourbon that complements the cake's caramel notes, creating a smooth and indulgent taste experience.
• Enhance Spice Profile: Serve alongside a warm chai latte, whose complex spices like cinnamon and cardamom mirror the cake's delightful autumn-inspired flavors.
• Create Creamy Contrast: Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing its cool, silky texture to balance the cake's warm, dense richness and provide a delectable temperature contrast.
• Refresh the Palate: Accompany with a crisp apple cider, which echoes the cake's fruity undertones while cutting through its sweetness with a light, refreshing finish.

Storage Guidelines for Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping moisture and flavor intact.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months without losing texture or taste.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power, ensuring soft and warm enjoyment without drying out.
• Let frozen or refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its original delicious consistency.

FAQs About Caramel Apple Spice Cake

• What ingredients do I need for this cake?

You’ll need a spice cake mix, applesauce, eggs, caramel sauce, and fresh apples. These simple ingredients create a delicious, moist cake with rich fall flavors.

• Can I use a different type of pan?

Yes, you can use a 9×13 inch baking pan or two round cake pans if you don’t have a bundt pan. Just adjust baking time slightly and check for doneness with a toothpick.

• How do I know the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean without wet batter, the cake is done. The cake should also be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the pan edges.

Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Warm, spicy caramel apple spice cake brings autumn’s sweetest memories to life with rich layers of comfort and nostalgia. Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, promising delightful moments you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 1 box spice cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) applesauce

Fruits and Caramel:

• 2 cups (300 grams) diced apples
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coating a bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Combine the spice cake mix, applesauce, eggs, and caramel sauce in a large mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture achieves a uniform, silky consistency.
3. Gently incorporate the chopped apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it smoothly and evenly to create a consistent surface.
5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, periodically checking the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free of wet batter.
6. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, which helps the cake set and prevents breaking when removed.
7. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, gently tapping the pan to release it completely.
8. While still warm, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a decadent presentation.
9. Slice and serve the cake while it’s slightly warm for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Swap unsweetened applesauce for a healthier alternative that keeps the cake moist without extra calories.
• Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness to customize flavor profile.
• Toast chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts and sprinkle on top for added crunch and nutty dimension to the cake.
• For gluten-free option, use a gluten-free spice cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg