Name: Easy Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe with Few Ingredients
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups applesauce; 1 cup chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 cup caramel sauce, for topping

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Easy Caramel Apple Spice Cake Recipe: A Simple Delight with Few Ingredients 🍎🍰✨

1. Introduction

Craving a delicious, comforting dessert that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This easy caramel apple spice cake recipe is the perfect solution. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a moist, flavorful cake that will impress your family and friends. The combination of warm spices, sweet apples, and rich caramel makes this cake an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable, ensuring a delightful outcome every time. You can explore more recipes like this on our full recipes page. The beauty of this caramel apple cake lies in its simplicity, allowing you to focus on the joy of baking and the pleasure of savoring each bite. Get ready to indulge in a slice of autumn-inspired goodness that’s incredibly easy to make! This recipe is also great if you need something quick for breakfast!

Delicious Easy Caramel Apple Spice Cake with caramel topping, perfect for dessert.

2. Why This Recipe Works

This easy caramel apple spice cake recipe stands out because it uses minimal ingredients without compromising on flavor or texture. Applesauce is the star ingredient, providing moisture and a natural sweetness that reduces the need for excessive sugar. The warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a cozy, comforting flavor profile that’s perfect for fall. The caramel topping adds a luscious richness that complements the apple and spice perfectly. This spice cake with apples is also incredibly forgiving, making it a great option for beginner bakers. The simple steps ensure that anyone can achieve a delicious, bakery-quality cake with ease. Have some extra caramel? Check out our other recipes tagged with caramel! This simple caramel apple dessert is designed to be both quick and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. If you want to know more about us or more of our recipes, click the links!

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups applesauce
1 cup chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 cup caramel sauce, for topping

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent easy caramel apple spice cake. By thoroughly combining these elements, you’ll avoid pockets of baking soda or spices, guaranteeing a uniform flavor and texture throughout your caramel apple cake. Consider using high-quality spices for the best flavor. You might even find some interesting spice blends at your local market.

Dry ingredients for Easy Caramel Apple Spice Cake being prepared in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the applesauce, ensuring it is fully incorporated. This step is vital for achieving the perfect moisture level in your spice cake with apples, making it tender and delicious. The applesauce not only adds moisture but also enhances the apple flavor, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy notes. For an extra touch, you can use homemade applesauce. You can find great caramel cakes here!

Mixing applesauce and eggs for Easy Caramel Apple Spice Cake batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake. Gently fold in the chopped apples. This ensures that the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter, providing bursts of fresh apple flavor in every bite of your simple caramel apple dessert. The key is to mix until the batter is just uniform, avoiding any gluten development that could compromise the cake’s texture. If you love apples, check this page of recipes out!

Combining wet and dry ingredients to prepare Easy Caramel Apple Spice Cake batter.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before drizzling with caramel sauce. Allowing the cake to cool ensures that the caramel sauce doesn’t melt excessively and the cake maintains its shape, making it the perfect easy caramel apple spice cake for any occasion. Make sure to check for doneness regularly to prevent overbaking. For more recipes in the snack category, click here!

Cake pan prepared with apple spice cake batter before baking in the oven.

5. Tips for the Perfect Cake

Use room temperature ingredients for better emulsification and a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake.

Adjust baking time according to your oven; start checking for doneness at 30 minutes.
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.

6. Variations and Additions

Add a cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of indulgence.
Substitute the applesauce with mashed bananas for a banana spice cake variation.
Mix in chocolate chips for a chocolate apple spice cake treat.

Top with a streusel topping for added crunch and sweetness.
Use different types of apples, such as Fuji or Gala, for varied flavor profiles.

7. Serving Suggestions

This easy caramel apple spice cake is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve it warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. It’s the perfect dessert for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any time you need a comforting treat. This caramel apple cake is also a great option for gifting to friends and neighbors during the fall season. You could even serve it with some of our delicious cookies or cupcakes! Enjoy every bite of this delightful and easy-to-make cake!

8. Storage Instructions

Store any leftover spice cake with apples in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, for up to two months. Allow it to thaw completely before serving. This ensures that your simple caramel apple dessert remains fresh and delicious whenever you’re ready to enjoy it.

9. Conclusion

This easy caramel apple spice cake recipe is a winner for its simplicity, flavor, and comforting appeal. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can create a delicious cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply treating yourself, this caramel apple cake is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade goodness that’s both easy and irresistible. The delightful combination of apples, spices, and caramel makes this easy caramel apple spice cake a true culinary delight!