Fall is the perfect time for indulging in rich, warm, and comforting desserts, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a Caramel Apple Almond Cake? This cake combines the classic fall flavors of sweet apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, layered between a moist and buttery cake, all finished with a decadent homemade caramel sauce. Topped with crunchy sliced almonds and fresh berries, this dessert is an absolute showstopper for any occasion.
Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just enjoying the season, this Caramel Apple Almond Cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. With a balance of textures and flavors, each bite is a perfect combination of soft cake, tender apples, and rich caramel—truly the ultimate fall treat!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Topping:
- Sliced almonds
- Fresh blueberries and cranberries
Directions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually beat in the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Apple Filling:
- In a large skillet, combine the diced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the liquid has evaporated, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Make the Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Cook, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color, about 10 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning the sugar.
- Once the sugar has caramelized, carefully add the heavy cream and butter. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
- Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Let the sauce cool slightly before using.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes have cooled, level the tops of the cakes using a serrated knife to create even layers.
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the cake layer, ensuring it covers the surface completely.
- Top with the second cake layer.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top of the cake, allowing it to run down the sides.
- Garnish with sliced almonds, blueberries, and cranberries for a festive, colorful touch.
Nutritional Information
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours (including cooling)
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving (based on 12 servings)
Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Almond Cake
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the filling to balance the sweetness of the cake and caramel sauce. This adds a nice tart contrast to the rich flavors.
- If you want a more intense caramel flavor, allow the caramel sauce to simmer for an extra minute or two to thicken slightly before drizzling it on the cake.
- Chill the caramel sauce for a few minutes before using it if you prefer a thicker sauce that won’t run too much over the sides.
- For a nut-free option, you can skip the almonds or replace them with another topping such as crushed graham crackers or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
FAQs
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cakes a day or two ahead of time. Store the cooled cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.
Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?
Absolutely! You can use sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter filling or stick with tart varieties like Granny Smith for a more balanced flavor.
Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the caramel sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and warm it up slightly before drizzling it on the cake.
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Almond Cake combines all the best flavors of fall—sweet apples, spicy cinnamon, and rich caramel—into one show-stopping dessert. With its tender cake layers, flavorful apple filling, and indulgent caramel sauce, this cake is sure to be a hit at any celebration or family gathering. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to a special dessert, this recipe is a must-try!