This Caramel Apple Pie Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly merges the classic flavors of apple pie with the moist, fluffy texture of cake. It features layers of soft cinnamon-spiced cake that complement the apple pie filling, adding an irresistible sweetness and indulgent touch. Topped with a generous drizzle of creamy caramel and finished with an apple pie crumble for added crunch, this cake is both visually appealing and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall season, offering a comforting and delicious experience that’s sure to delight anyone who takes a bite.
Snickerdoodle Cake
- November 5, 2024
- 12-14
- 4 hr 10 min
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Ingredients
- 3 and 2/3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 and 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs + 2 additional egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
- Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions
- Step 1
- PREP CAKE: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper rounds, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans.
- Step 2
- DRY INGREDIENTS: Whisk the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together. Set aside.
- Step 3
- WET INGREDIENTS: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a silicone spatula as needed. Beat in the 3 eggs, 2 egg whites, and vanilla extract on high speed until combined, about 2 minutes. (Mixture will look curdled as a result of the egg liquid and solid butter combining.) Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Step 4
- COMBINE: With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients. With the mixer still running on low speed, slowly pour in the buttermilk then mix just until combined. You may need to whisk it all by hand to make sure there are no lumps at the bottom of the bowl. The batter will be slightly thick. Pour batter evenly into cake pans. If desired, weigh them with a kitchen scale to ensure accuracy. Set aside for a few minutes as you make the cinnamon swirl.
- Step 5
- FOR THE CINNAMON SWIRL: With a fork, mix the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon together until combined. Pour the melted butter on top and mix just until combined. Use immediately in the cake batter (next step) because the longer it sits out, the harder it will get as a result of the butter solidifying. Drop small spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl on each of the unbaked cakes. Use a knife to gently swirl the spoonfuls into the batter. Some pieces will remain as chunks (that’s fine!) and some will swirl into the batter.
- Step 6
- BAKE for around 23-26 minutes or until the cakes are baked through. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s done. Allow cakes to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack. The cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
- Step 7
- Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips & Tricks
- Make Ahead: The cake layers can be baked, cooled, and covered tightly at room temperature overnight.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk (an acid) is required for this cake recipe. If you don’t have any, you can make a DIY buttermilk substitute. Add 2 teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup. Then add enough whole milk to the same measuring cup until it reaches 1 and 1/2 cups. (In a pinch, lower fat or nondairy milks work for this soured milk, but the cake won’t taste as moist or rich.) Stir it around and let sit for 5 minutes. The homemade “buttermilk” will be somewhat curdled and ready to use in the recipe.
- All refrigerated items should be at room temperature so the batter mixes together easily and evenly.
Apple Pie Filling
- November 5, 2024
- 1 cup
- 30 min
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Ingredients
- 2 Cups cubed apples (honeycrisp), cubed very small
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 Cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/8 cup water
- 1/4 cup slurry (1/4 Cup water + 1 teaspoon cornstarch)
Directions
- Step 1
- Place all ingredients, except for the slurry, into a medium saucepan.
- Step 2
- Stir together while heating through at medium heat. Let bubble and cool for 15-20 minutes until apples are soft.
- Step 3
- Add in slurry and stir until it’s thickened. If there’s not enough liquid, add in another few tablespoons of water.
- Step 4
- Let cool completely before adding it to your cake filling.
Easy Salted Caramel Sauce
- November 5, 2024
- 1 cup
- 15 min
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Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature cut up into 6 pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Directions
- Step 1
- Heat sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly. As you continue to stir, sugar will form clumps and eventually melt into a thick brown, amber-colored liquid. Be careful not to burn.
- Step 2
- Once the sugar is completely melted, carefully add the butter.
- Step 3
- Whisk the butter into the caramel until it is completely melted, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4
- Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while whisking. Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute.
- Step 5
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Step 6
- Allow to slightly cool down before using. Caramel thickens as it cools.
- Step 7
- Cover tightly and store for up to 1 month in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove to desired consistency.
Oatmeal Crumble
- November 5, 2024
- 2 cups
- 15 min
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Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup butter very softened
Directions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 350°F degrees.
- Step 2
- In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together all the ingredients except for the butter.
- Step 3
- Add in the softened butter and mix until everything is combined.
- Step 4
- Spread the crumble on a cookie sheet prepped with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Step 5
- Bake for about 5 minutes, then stir around a little bit, then another 5 minutes until toasted golden.
- Step 6
- Let cool, then store in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble your cake.
- Step 7
- If you end up with extra, you can keep for 2-4 weeks at room temperature or up to 6 months in the freezer.
Vanilla Bean Buttercream
- November 5, 2024
- 10 cups
- 10 min
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Ingredients
- 3 cups (6 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 lbs powdered sugar (1.5 bags)
Directions
- Step 1
- Using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2
- Add vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, heavy cream, and salt with the mixer running on low.
- Step 3
- Slowly add the powdered sugar. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 full minutes. You can add more powdered sugar if the frosting is too thin, more cream if the frosting is too thick, or a little more salt if the frosting is too sweet.