Caramel Apple Cake

Caramel Apple Cake is a soft and tender dessert that celebrates the best of apple season. Baked with tart apple pieces and warm cinnamon, this cake delivers cozy autumn flavor in every bite. Once baked, the cake gets a sweet cinnamon‑sugar topping and a rich salted caramel drizzle for extra indulgence. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and tender crumb: Apples keep this cake soft and flavorful. 
• Warm cinnamon and apple combo: Classic fall flavors come alive. 
• Easy to make: One‑bowl batter with simple fold‑ins. 
• Perfect with caramel sauce: A drizzle of salted caramel elevates every slice. 

Ingredients

Cake batter:

• 1 ¼ cups (180 g) all‑purpose flour 
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder 
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda 
• ¼ teaspoon salt 
• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened 
• ⅔ cup (145 g) packed dark brown sugar 
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 
• 2 large eggs 
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) full‑fat plain yogurt 
• 3 cups (300 g) chopped tart apples from about 3 medium apples (small ½‑inch cubes), divided 
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 

Topping:

• 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar 
  ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• Salted caramel sauce for drizzling (use your favorite or homemade). 

Directions

Step 1: Prepare Oven & Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8‑inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 2‑inch overhang on two sides. This makes removal easier later. 

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the all‑purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until evenly blended. Set aside. 

Step 3: Combine Butter, Sugar & Vanilla

In a separate large bowl, add the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium‑high speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy. 

Step 4: Add Eggs

Crack the eggs into the bowl one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated before moving on. 

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients and Yogurt

Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on low speed just until it begins to combine.

Pour in the yogurt and blend at low speed until just mixed.

Add the remaining flour mixture and fold gently with a silicone spatula until the batter is smooth and barely combined (a few streaks are okay). 

Step 6: Add Apples

Place the chopped apples in a medium bowl and sprinkle with ground cinnamon, tossing to coat evenly.

Add 2 cups of the apple mixture into the batter and fold gently until the apples are distributed throughout. 

Step 7: Spread Batter

Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Scatter the remaining 1 cup of apples evenly over the top of the batter. 

Step 8: Add Caramel & Topping

Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of salted caramel sauce over the apples.

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this cinnamon‑sugar mixture evenly over the apples and caramel. 

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. 

Step 10: Cool and Drizzle

Remove the cake from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Let it cool for at least 1 hour.

Once cooled, drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the top before serving for the most dramatic flavor and presentation.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced flavor with sweetness. 
• Don’t overmix the batter — a few flour streaks are fine. 
• For extra moistness, drizzle caramel while the cake is warm so it absorbs into the crumb. 
• Serve with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. 

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices at room temperature or slightly warm.
• Pair with hot coffee or chai for a comforting treat. 
• Add a dollop of whipped cream if desired. 

Storage / Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days. 
• Reheat: Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave before serving. 

FAQs

Can I substitute sour cream for yogurt?
Yes — sour cream will work and add richness, though the texture may be slightly firmer. 

What type of apples work best?
Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well and balance sweetness. 

Can I make this cake dairy‑free?
You can substitute dairy alternatives, but the texture and depth of flavor will differ.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Cake delivers the best of fall flavors — tender cake, tart apple brightness, warm cinnamon, and rich caramel drizzle — all in one cozy dessert that’s easy to make and irresistible to serve. 

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