It’s autumn again, and I’m baking yummy fall treats. I love pumpkin spice recipes as much as the next gal, but I’m offering you another option just in case you’re in the mood to change it up a bit.
Introducing caramel apple spice cake.
This moist apple spice cake is transported to another galaxy of flavor by the addition of caramel in the frosting and drizzled on top.
Easy Step-By-Step Instructions for Caramel Apple Spice Cake
Grease cake pan (sheet pan, 13 x 9 inch pan, or round pans), and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.In bowl of stand mixer, beat the following for two minutes – 2 cups sugar, ½ cup melted butter (cooled), 2 large eggs (room temperature), and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Scrape sides of bowl frequently. Add 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, and beat two minutes more.In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix the dry ingredients and ½ cup buttermilk into applesauce mixture as described, below.Mix the dry ingredients and ½ cup buttermilk into applesauce mixture as described, above.Pour batter into prepared cake pan and bake as follows: Sheet pan 30-40 minutes 13 x 9 inch pan 35-45 minutes 9 inch round pans 30-40 minutes 8 inch round pans 25-35 minutes It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.When the cake is ready to frost, combine 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened to room temperature), ½ cup butter (softened to room temperature), 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, ½ caramel sauce, and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract.. Beat until light and fluffy. You can use store-bought caramel sauce or try this easy and delicious recipe for caramel sauce.Spread on cake, …Drizzle the top with caramel sauce and sprinkle with ¼ cup chopped walnuts, if desired.I like to make caramel apple spice cake in a sheet pan because it’s quick, easy, and versatile. For example: You can cut it into squares and serve single layers like this, or …… stack them up for a more dramatic cake. If you’re going to stack it, I’ve found it works best to wait and add the caramel drizzle and nuts to the top layer only. Be sure to refrigerate any leftovers. ENJOY!
Free Printable Recipe for Caramel Apple Spice Cake
Grease cake pan (sheet pan, 13×9 inch pan, or round pans), and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In bowl of stand mixer, beat sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla for two minutes, scaping sides of bowl. Add applesauce and lemon juice, and beat two minutes more.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, and whisk completely.
Mix into applesauce mixture alternately with buttermilk. Transfer to prepared pan(s) and bake as follows:
Sheet pan 30-40 minutes
13 x 9 inch pan 35-45 minutes
9 inch round pans 35-40 minutes
8 inch round pans 35-45 minutes
It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
Make the frosting by combining all the ingredients, and beating on high speed until light and fluffy. Spread on cake, drizzle with caramel, and top with walnuts if desired. Refrigerate two hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.
