Description
A moist and flavorful caramel apple spice cake layered with a rich cinnamon caramel buttercream. This delicious cake combines the warm spices of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger with fresh chopped apples and a luscious caramel drizzle, perfect for autumn celebrations and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Apple Spice Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple sauce
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup milk
- 3 cups chopped apples
For the Buttercream
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 cups powdered sugar
For Decoration
- Extra caramel sauce for dripping
- Apple slices
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease four 8-inch round cake pans and set them aside to prepare for the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Set this dry ingredient mix aside.
- Beat Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, applesauce, and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla bean paste, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples to distribute evenly.
- Fill Pans and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks while you prepare the buttercream.
- Make Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, vanilla bean paste, caramel sauce, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Level Cake Layers: Using a serrated knife, level the cooled cakes to create flat surfaces for stacking.
- Assemble Cake: Stack the cake layers, spreading a layer of buttercream between each. Use an icing spatula to apply a thin crumb coat all around the cake.
- Chill for Crumb Coat: Place the cake in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Final Frosting: Frost the entire cake smoothly with the remaining buttercream.
- Decorate: Drip extra caramel sauce over the edges of the cake and garnish with apple slices if desired.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your delicious caramel apple spice cake!
Notes
- Use freshly chopped apples for the best texture; tart apples like Granny Smith work well for balancing sweetness.
- Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- To prevent overbaking, start checking the cakes at 20 minutes.
- The cake layers can be baked a day in advance and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store cake refrigerated due to the buttercream but bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
