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Caramel Apple Spice Cake

A cozy fall dessert with tender spiced cake, juicy apples, and a golden caramel drizzle. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat with coffee.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 cups peeled, diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Caramel sauce, for drizzling

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • 9x13-inch baking dish (or 2 loaf pans)
  • Spatula & whisk
  • cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs and vanilla, then mix in applesauce.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet, stirring gently.
  6. Fold in apples and nuts.
  7. Spread into prepared pan.
  8. Bake 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Cool slightly, then drizzle with caramel before serving.

Notes

Dice apples small for even baking. Don’t overmix the batter. Warm caramel before drizzling, and double it if you want extra sweetness! Store at room temp 2 days, in the fridge up to 5 days, or freeze for 2 months (add caramel after thawing).