Experience the perfect blend of sweet and spiced with this delightful Apple Cinnamon Cake topped with a luscious caramel drizzle. This cake is a fantastic choice for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to a special celebration. The combination of tender apples, warm spices, and gooey caramel creates a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will make your baking experience both enjoyable and rewarding!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• ½ cup butter, room temperature
• 1 ⅔ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 cups diced and peeled apples (~2 large apples)
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Caramel:

• 1 ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons half & half
• 4 tablespoons butter

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps ensure that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the diced apples and, if using, the chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare the Caramel: While the cake is baking, start the caramel. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the brown sugar, half & half, and butter. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and well blended; there’s no need to bring it to a full boil.
7. Add Caramel: When the cake has been baking for about 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and pour the caramel over the top. Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and the cake is cooked through.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the caramel set and makes it easier to cut.

Bonus Tip:

For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle before baking the cake. The salt complements the sweetness of the caramel and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Conclusion:

This Apple Cinnamon Cake with Caramel Drizzle is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any dessert table. The tender apples and aromatic spices create a warm, comforting flavor, while the rich caramel sauce adds a decadent finish. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite of this delicious dessert and share the recipe with friends and family to spread the joy!