Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce

Nothing says autumn like a warm apple cake with caramel sauce. This easy apple cake recipe combines layers of spiced apples, creamy cheese, and buttery cake, all topped with a homemade caramel sauce that brings a rich, cosy flavour to each bite. Follow this step-by-step recipe for a moist apple cake with caramel sauce that’s perfect for any autumn gathering.

As soon as the weather cools down, I find myself reaching for cosy recipes that make my kitchen smell incredible, and this apple cake with caramel sauce does just that. It’s an indulgent dessert but also has that simple, rustic charm that makes it feel homemade and comforting. This apple cake with caramel sauce brings together the flavours of fresh apples, warm spices, and a luscious caramel drizzle.

This recipe has a twist on a traditional apple cake, adding a creamy cheese layer and a rich caramel sauce to make it even more decadent. The combination of textures is what really sets it apart – the slightly tangy cream cheese complements the sweetness of the apples, while the spiced cake and silky caramel bring everything together. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress.

Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce: Breaking Down the Cake Elements

Cake Base: This buttery cake is made with brown butter, which adds a deep, nutty flavour that enhances the spices and apples. It’s soft, tender, and just dense enough to hold up to the cream cheese and apple layers without becoming too heavy.

Apples: Fresh, diced apples add a juicy, fruity layer that balances the richness of the cake. Tossed with cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and a touch of brown sugar, they bring an extra layer of warmth and a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Cream Cheese Layer: The cream cheese layer is a smooth and slightly tangy surprise that adds creaminess to every bite. It balances the sweetness of the cake and caramel sauce, giving the dessert an extra layer of texture and flavour.

Caramel Sauce: The homemade caramel sauce brings the whole dessert together. With a hint of salt, it adds a buttery, rich sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy cream cheese and spiced apples. Drizzled on top, it turns this simple apple cake into a show-stopping dessert.

Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce: Recipe Tips

Here are a few tips to make your apple cake with caramel sauce just right:

• Use fresh, firm apples – they hold up better during baking and add a nice bite to the cake. For this recipe, I used delicious, green Granny Smith apples.
• Let the brown butter cool down – this helps it blend better into the batter.
• Use room temperature ingredients for cake batter – this will ensure that you achieve the best fluffy cake texture.
• Bake the cake until the centre is just set – this ensures it stays moist without overcooking.
• Allow the caramel to cool slightly before drizzling – this makes it thicker and easier to control.

Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce: Recipe Variations

For a unique twist on this apple cake, consider these ingredient variations:

• Swap apples for pears – for a different fall flavour, pears add a mellow sweetness.
• Try a walnut or pecan topping – adding nuts to the batter or on top of the caramel sauce adds crunch.
• Add a dash of maple syrup – for a richer flavour, add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the caramel sauce.

If you are looking for more, autumn inspired recipes, check out these desserts:

Sticky Apple Cinnamon Buns
Pecan Pie
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Apple Cake with Custard Frosting
Pear Cake with Custard Layer

Recipe

Ingredients

Apples:
300g apples (2-3 apples peeled and diced)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Cake:
200g butter
150g plain flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix
1 teaspoon baking powder
100g brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
2 eggs
Pinch of salt
50g flaked almonds

Cream Cheese Layer:
250g cream cheese
2 eggs
100g caster sugar

Caramel sauce:
200g granulated sugar
60ml water
110ml double cream
50g unsalted butter softened
½ teaspoon salt

Method

Prepare the Apples:

1. In a bowl, combine diced apples, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and brown sugar.
2. Cook them in a pan for 10-15 minutes until the apples get softer.
3. Take them from the heat and let them to cool down.

Make the Brown Butter Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and line a baking pan with loose bottom.
2. Melt the butter over medium heat, letting it turn golden brown, with a nutty aroma. Let it cool.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, baking powder, and salt.
4. Whip the cooled brown butter with sugars (brown and vanilla) and eggs.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:

1. Beat the cream cheese, caster sugar, and eggs until smooth and creamy.

Make the Caramel Sauce:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the caster sugar with water, stirring occasionally, until it becomes a deep amber colour.
2. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted.
3. Add the double cream and a pinch of salt, stirring until smooth.
4. Let it cool slightly.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Pour the cake batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Layer the spiced apples on top together with flaked almonds, then pour the cream cheese mixture over the apples, spreading it gently.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the cream cheese layer is set and the cake is golden.
3. Let it cool.
4. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cooled cake, slice, and enjoy!