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Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 107 reviews

This Caramel Apple Cake combines a soft, moist apple-infused cake with a rich homemade salted caramel sauce and a luscious caramel buttercream frosting. The cake is baked to perfection and topped with a smooth buttercream swirled with sweet caramel for an irresistible dessert that blends the warmth of cinnamon and allspice with the delicate tang of sour cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Salted Caramel

  • 90 g granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 25 g butter
  • 100 g heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Apple Cake

  • 240 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 100 g granulated sugar
  • 100 g dark brown sugar
  • 200 g apples, grated
  • 110 g vegetable oil, room temperature
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 140 g sour cream (14-18%), room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Caramel Buttercream

  • 100 g butter, room temperature
  • 165 g powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tsp caramel (prepared salted caramel sauce)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Make Salted Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water, stirring to wet all sugar completely. Flatten into an even layer and melt over medium-high heat, allowing it to turn golden brown. Stir occasionally once it starts browning to ensure even melting.
  2. Incorporate Butter and Cream: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in butter until melted, then slowly add heavy cream in increments, stirring constantly as it bubbles vigorously. Continue stirring until the caramel sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Finish Caramel: Remove from heat, add a pinch of salt, stir well, then transfer to a shallow bowl. Cool to room temperature in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.
  4. Prepare Cake Pan and Oven: Preheat oven to 170ºC (340ºF) conventional and line a 22×22 cm square baking pan with parchment paper.
  5. Prep Apples: Grate the apples and set aside.
  6. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and allspice. Stir to combine.
  7. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
  8. Combine Batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry mix, add grated apples, and gently stir until smooth with no flour lumps.
  9. Bake Cake: Transfer batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Cool Cake: After baking, let the cake relax in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
  11. Prepare Buttercream: Sift powdered sugar and set aside. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat butter on medium-high speed for 4 minutes. Scrape bowl sides, then mix an additional 2 minutes.
  12. Add Powdered Sugar and Flavorings: Incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2-3 teaspoons of the cooled caramel sauce in two parts, beating well after each addition.
  13. Finalize Buttercream: Scrape sides again and mix buttercream for 1 more minute on low speed until fluffy and fully combined.
  14. Assemble Cake: Place cooled cake on serving dish. Spread caramel buttercream evenly over the top. Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top and swirl with a spoon or offset spatula. Store any leftover caramel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure all wet ingredients including eggs, sour cream, and oil are at room temperature before mixing.
  • Grating apples finely helps them incorporate evenly and keeps the cake moist.
  • Be cautious when adding hot cream to caramel as it bubbles vigorously and can cause burns.
  • Use parchment paper to line the pan to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the cake.
  • Leftover caramel sauce can be refrigerated and warmed slightly before use.
  • Adjust cinnamon and allspice to taste for a milder or stronger spice flavor.

Keywords: caramel apple cake, apple cake, caramel buttercream, homemade caramel sauce, fall dessert

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/caramel-apple-cake-with-salted-caramel-buttercream-recipe/