Imagine a dessert so irresistible that it combines the warm, comforting flavors of fresh apples with the rich, decadent sweetness of caramel - all baked into a moist, heavenly cake that will have everyone begging for seconds! This Caramel Top Apple Cake is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that will make you the star of any gathering.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the sliced apples gently into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the batter. Use a knife or a toothpick to swirl the caramel into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top if desired, and enjoy!
Tips
- Choose the right apples: Use firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't overmix the batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and light.
- For extra moisture, consider adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the apple flavor.
- Check doneness early: Start checking the cake around 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Let the cake cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to settle and make cutting easier.
- For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or additional warm caramel sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 544kcal
Carbohydrates: 73g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 80mg
