Dive into the delicious world of baking with this Easy Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this cake blends the comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon with the indulgence of salted caramel. It’s simple enough for novice bakers and delicious enough to impress your guests, making it the ideal choice for busy days when you crave a sweet treat.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 360
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 53g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 150mg
Why Make Easy Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting
This cake is not only surprisingly easy to prepare, but it also offers a wonderful balance of flavors that everyone will love. The combination of fresh apples and warm spices makes for a delightful and comforting treat. Plus, with the added salted caramel buttercream frosting, it elevates this cake into a showstopper for celebrations, gatherings, or simply a cozy dessert at home. You can also lighten it up by swapping in whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar, making it a versatile choice for various dietary preferences.
How to Make Easy Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Step by Step
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup apples, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 cup salted caramel sauce
1 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
1/4 teaspoon salt (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples and nuts if using. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting on top and drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving.
How to Serve Easy Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting
Enjoy this delightful cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A side of spiced chai or a simple green salad can make for a well-rounded dessert experience.
How to Store Easy Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Expert Tips for Cooking Easy Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting
- Use fresh apples for the best flavor; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works wonderfully.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- For extra moisture, you can add a splash of applesauce into the batter.
- If you prefer a subtle caramel flavor, reduce the amount of salted caramel sauce in the frosting.
- Customize your nuts or omit them entirely based on your preference.
Delicious Variations of Easy Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting
- For a spiced twist, add a teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice to the batter.
- Incorporate citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to brighten the flavors.
- Swap in gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version without compromising on taste.
Conclusion
Easy Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting is a delightful treat that combines simplicity with fantastic flavors. It’s perfect for any occasion, and I encourage you to give it a try. Your friends and family will surely be asking for seconds!
Easy Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apples, peeled and chopped
- 0.5 cup walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the frosting
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples and nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting on top and drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving.
