Name: Caramel Apple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups (180g) all-purpose flour; ¾ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for apples); ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (for topping); 1 ½ tbsp granulated sugar (for topping); ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened; ⅔ cup (145g) packed dark brown sugar; 1 tsp (5ml) pure vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; ⅔ cup (160ml) full fat plain yogurt; 3 cups (300g) chopped tart apples (about 3 medium, cored and peeled, cut into ½-inch cubes); About 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (for drizzling over apples and at the end)

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that screams cozy fall vibes with just the right balance of sweet and tart, then you’re going to adore this Caramel Apple Cake Recipe. I absolutely love how this cake turns out – it’s irresistibly moist and tender, with pockets of cinnamon-spiced apples and that luscious caramel drizzle on top sealing the deal. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it all season long!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Fall Flavors: The tart apples and cinnamon blend beautifully with rich caramel for that classic autumn taste.
Simple to Make: This recipe comes together easily with straightforward ingredients and no fancy techniques.
Moist & Fluffy Texture: Thanks to yogurt and brown sugar, the cake stays soft and super tender every time.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this dessert; it’s always the star at gatherings!

The image shows four thick square pieces of apple cake stacked on each other on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a light brown, porous texture with visible chunks of apple inside and apple slices on top. The top layer is covered in a shiny, caramel brown sauce that drips down the sides of the cake pieces. In the background, there are red apples and a glass jar filled with caramel sauce, slightly blurred. The lighting highlights the moist texture of the cake and the glossy caramel sauce photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caramel Apple Cake, apple cake with caramel, fall apple dessert, moist apple cake recipe, easy apple cake with caramel drizzle

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Caramel Apple Cake Recipe plays its part to build layers of flavor and irresistible texture. A quick tip: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance against the sweetness and make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small pile of baking powder and baking soda sprinkled neatly nearby on the same plate, a square of softened unsalted butter placed on a white dish, a small white bowl filled with packed dark brown sugar, a tiny white bowl with pure vanilla extract, two large whole uncracked brown eggs sitting side by side, a small white bowl holding creamy full fat plain yogurt, three peeled and cored medium tart apples cut into small half-inch cubes arranged symmetrically on a white plate, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, and a small white bowl containing granulated sugar, all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Caramel Apple Cake, apple cake with caramel, fall apple dessert, moist apple cake recipe, easy apple cake with caramel drizzle

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect crumb and structure for the cake.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter gives a creamy base to the batter.
Dark brown sugar: Adds moistness and deep caramel notes.
Pure vanilla extract: Gives warm sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and give structure.
Full fat plain yogurt: I love this because it keeps the cake moist without heaviness.
Chopped tart apples: The star ingredient – fresh, juicy, and sprinkled with cinnamon.
Ground cinnamon: A warming spice that pairs beautifully with apples and caramel.
Granulated sugar: For the crunchy cinnamon sugar topping.
Caramel sauce: Drizzled on top for that irresistible finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Caramel Apple Cake Recipe is! Over time, I’ve played around with different tweaks and additions, so don’t be afraid to make it your own. Whether you want it gluten-free, want to add nuts, or just adjust the spice level, this recipe welcomes your creativity.

Nutty Twist: I once tossed in chopped walnuts for extra crunch, and it added a wonderful texture contrast.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend – just watch the consistency and add a little extra yogurt if needed.
Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves can deepen the fall spice profile if you’re a big fan of warm spices like I am.
Caramel Substitute: If you want to keep it lighter, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup works nicely too.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Apples

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper – I like to leave a couple-inch overhang on the sides so I can easily lift the cake out later. Peel and core about 3 medium-sized tart apples, then chop them into small half-inch cubes. Toss 2 cups of those apple cubes with ½ teaspoon cinnamon. The mixture will get folded right into the batter, while the remaining cup of apples will top the cake for a gorgeous finish.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed, so your cake rises consistently and tastes perfectly balanced.

Step 3: Beat Butter and Sugars to Fluffy Perfection

Using an electric hand mixer, beat the softened butter with dark brown sugar and vanilla extract on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is key to a soft texture – the creaming helps trap air in the batter. Then add eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl sides – it makes a difference!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients, Add Yogurt and Apples

Add half of your flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Stir in the plain yogurt – this keeps the cake moist and tender – then carefully fold in the remaining flour mixture. There’s no need to overmix; a few streaks of flour are fine. Fold in the cinnamon-spiced apples and gently combine everything.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Scatter the remaining apples over the top, and drizzle about 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce over those apples. For that signature sweeter crunch, mix granulated sugar with a little cinnamon and sprinkle it on top. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour before you add a final drizzle of caramel sauce on top.

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Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cake Recipe

Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith or similar varieties hold their texture and balance the cake’s sweetness perfectly.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overworking develops gluten, making the cake tough – stop once the flour is just incorporated.
Softened Butter is Key: I learned the hard way that cold butter won’t cream properly and can affect texture.
Cool Completely Before Extra Caramel: Adding caramel sauce while the cake is warm can turn it soggy – patience pays off!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake Recipe

A thick square slice of apple cake shows two visible layers: the bottom is a light brown soft cake base with apple chunks inside, and the top layer is covered with thin apple slices partially lengthened by a messy layer of glossy caramel sauce dripping down the sides. The cake sits on white marbled surface sprinkled with crumbs, small apple chunks, and thin apple slices nearby. The background shows more similar cake slices out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caramel Apple Cake, apple cake with caramel, fall apple dessert, moist apple cake recipe, easy apple cake with caramel drizzle

Garnishes

I usually top my slices with a generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar for that pretty touch. Sometimes I add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream to take it over the top – it’s like a hug in dessert form.

Side Dishes

It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee. For a fuller dessert spread at gatherings, I like serving it alongside roasted nuts or a sharp cheddar cheese board—it might sound surprising, but that mix really works!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this cake in mini ramekins for individual servings and topped each with a mini caramel apple slice and a sprig of fresh mint. It feels fancy but is so simple, and guests always love the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cake holds its moisture beautifully, so it’s still delicious the next day—sometimes even better after the flavors have soaked in!

Freezing

This cake freezes well if you want to prep in advance. I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you like your cake a bit warm, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, warming it gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes works great and keeps the top crispy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for the Caramel Apple Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work best because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness, you can use other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Avoid using softer apples like McIntosh as they may turn mushy during baking.
Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture in the cake, but if you don’t mind a bit of extra chew and rustic charm, you can leave the skins on. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly!
Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, and swap butter for a plant-based option. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but it still tastes delicious.
What’s the best way to drizzle caramel sauce on the cake?

I like to warm the caramel sauce slightly so it flows smoothly and drizzles easily over the cooled cake. Use a spoon or a small piping bag for neat, pretty lines!
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Baking times can vary slightly, so start checking at 35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it always reminds me of cozy afternoons surrounded by family, sharing stories over a warm slice of cake. I hope you find the same joy baking and savoring it as I do. Whether it’s for a weekend treat or a fall celebration, I truly believe this recipe will become one of your favorites — give it a try, and prepare to be amazed!