Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in applesauce and buttermilk.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Gently stir in diced apples and spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake is still warm, drizzle with caramel sauce.
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store leftover Caramel Apple Spice Cake to keep it fresh?
Once completely cooled, store the cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have applied the Cinnamon Glaze, storing it in the refrigerator is recommended, though it may slightly firm up the texture.
Can I substitute the spices in this Caramel Apple Spice Cake recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the warm spices, but maintain a similar total volume for best results. If you omit the ground cloves entirely, consider slightly increasing the cinnamon and nutmeg to keep that signature autumnal flavor profile.
What is the best way to ensure my Caramel Apple Spice Cake bakes evenly at 350°F?
To ensure even baking for this 9-inch round cake, make sure your butter and brown sugar are properly creamed until light and fluffy before incorporating dry ingredients. Also, avoid opening the oven door during the initial 30 minutes of the 45-minute bake time to prevent sinking.
