Are you craving a comforting, warm dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Apple and Caramel Cake recipe is the perfect blend of sweet apples, rich caramel, and a tender cake base. It's a delightful homemade treat perfect for any occasion, from a cozy night in to a special celebration. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, offering a delicious and satisfying end to any meal.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and diced
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Get started with the cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly for a light and fluffy cake.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, leading to a tender crumb. An electric mixer makes this step much easier.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
Prepare the caramel sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Do not stir. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color. This takes patience – don't rush it!
- Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble up!). Whisk constantly until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and salt until melted and combined.
Bake and assemble:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before pouring the caramel sauce over the top. Allow the caramel to drizzle down the sides for extra deliciousness!
Tips for the Best Apple and Caramel Cake:
- For a more intense apple flavor, use a mix of apple varieties.
- Don't overmix the batter, or the cake will be tough.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the caramel sauce to prevent it from melting.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added crunch.
- Use a different type of fruit, such as pears or peaches, instead of apples.
- Drizzle the cake with melted chocolate after adding the caramel sauce for a decadent touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This apple and caramel cake recipe is a simple yet impressive dessert. It’s a delicious and healthy meal option, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without excessive guilt. Enjoy this easy-to-follow recipe and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!