Irresistible Caramel Apple Harvest Cake

Autumn is the season of rich, warm flavors, and nothing embodies the cozy charm of fall better than this Irresistible Caramel Apple Harvest Cake. A delightful combination of spiced apples, tender cake layers, and a luscious caramel buttercream frosting, this dessert will have your family and friends savoring every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a casual afternoon treat, this cake brings the comforting taste of caramel-dipped apples into a dessert masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the Apple Spice Cake:

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• Wet Ingredients:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
• Filling:
  • 3 cups chopped apples

For the Caramel Buttercream Frosting:

• 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup caramel sauce
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 cups powdered sugar

For Decoration:

• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
• Fresh apple slices

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture.
6. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 2: Bake the Cakes

1. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Buttercream

1. Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract, caramel sauce, and cinnamon until fully incorporated.
3. Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Start by setting the first cake layer onto your serving platter. Spread a smooth, even layer of rich caramel buttercream across the top.
2. Layer the second and third cake rounds on top, ensuring each layer is generously coated with the creamy frosting, covering both the top and sides of the cake.
3. Gently pour warm caramel sauce over the edges, letting it elegantly cascade down the sides for a luscious finish.

Step 4: Garnish

1. Delicately arrange thin slices of fresh apples on the top, fanning them out to create a beautiful display.
2. Complete the cake with a final swirl of caramel sauce, drizzling it across the apples for a stunning touch.

Conclusion

This Irresistible Caramel Apple Harvest Cake combines the nostalgic flavors of fall into a show-stopping dessert. The spiced apple cake layers paired with velvety caramel buttercream create a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in the season, this cake is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Embrace the essence of autumn with this irresistible treat and share the joy with loved ones!