Retro Apple Delight Cake with Silky Caramel Drizzle
Indulge in the nostalgia of this Retro Apple Delight Cake, a delightful take on the classic apple cake recipe. This decadent dessert features tender chunks of Granny Smith apples, accented with warm spices and complemented with a rich, buttery caramel sauce. Perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions, this cake strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, and the easy caramel sauce elevates it to a new level of indulgence. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and don't forget the extra drizzle of caramel for an unforgettable treat that everyone will love!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (softened)
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
egg
1 (large)
baking soda
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
flour
1 cup (all-purpose)
Granny Smith apples
2 (peeled and chopped fine)
chopped pecans
1/2 cup (lightly toasted, if desired)
unsalted butter
1/2 cup
brown sugar
1 cup minus 1 tablespoon (packed light or dark)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
whipping cream
1/2 cup (heavy)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large round, deep cake pan by greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour. For easier removal, consider placing a piece of greased and floured parchment paper at the bottom of the pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Add the egg into the mixture and beat well until fully combined.
4
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6
Fold in the finely chopped apples and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully turning it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely. You can also enjoy it warm if desired.
10
While the cake is cooling, prepare the caramel sauce: In a saucepan over low to medium heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, and salt together, stirring continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is well combined and bubbly.
11
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Mix until the sauce is smooth and no longer grainy.
12
Serve slices of the cake drizzled generously with the caramel sauce. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle some additional chopped pecans on top if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Retro Apple Delight Cake?
The cake features a nostalgic blend of tender Granny Smith apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a rich, buttery caramel sauce.
What type of apples are recommended for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness provides a perfect balance to the sweet cake and caramel sauce.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake typically takes 35 to 40 minutes to bake in a preheated oven.
How can I tell if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I use a different variety of apple?
Yes, while Granny Smith is suggested for tartness, you can use other baking apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn.
Is the caramel sauce difficult to prepare?
No, the caramel sauce is easy and involves melting butter and brown sugar together for about 2-3 minutes before adding cream and vanilla.
What type of sugar is used in the cake batter?
The cake batter uses 1 cup of granulated white sugar.
What type of sugar is used for the caramel drizzle?
The caramel sauce calls for 1 cup minus 1 tablespoon of packed light or dark brown sugar.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, you can simply omit the chopped pecans from the batter and the topping if you have a nut allergy.
Should the butter for the cake be cold?
No, the butter for the cake should be softened to room temperature so it can be creamed properly with the sugar.
How should I prepare the cake pan?
Grease a large round, deep cake pan with butter and dust it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking.
Is parchment paper necessary for this recipe?
It is not strictly necessary, but placing a piece of greased and floured parchment paper at the bottom makes removing the cake much easier.
Which spices are included in the dry ingredients?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg for warmth and flavor.
Can I substitute heavy whipping cream in the sauce?
Heavy whipping cream is recommended for the best silky texture, though half-and-half can be used for a thinner sauce.
How many people does this cake serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 8 servings.
Is it better to serve the cake warm or cold?
The cake can be enjoyed both warm or at room temperature, though serving it warm makes the caramel drizzle extra indulgent.
What kind of pan works best for this cake?
A large, round, deep cake pan is ideal for this recipe.
Can I make the caramel sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What is the texture of the Retro Apple Delight Cake?
The cake is tender and moist with soft chunks of apple and a slight crunch from the pecans.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the apples should be peeled and chopped fine for the best texture.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the additional salt called for in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor.
Why is this cake referred to as 'retro'?
It is called 'retro' because it follows a traditional style of apple cake common in classic home baking.
Can I add extra cinnamon?
Yes, if you enjoy a stronger spice profile, you can increase the amount of cinnamon to your preference.
Does this recipe contain eggs?
Yes, the recipe includes one large egg to help bind the ingredients and provide structure.
How should I store leftover cake?
Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for longer storage.
What is the purpose of creaming the butter and sugar?
Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cake rise and creates a lighter texture.
What if my caramel sauce looks grainy?
Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved into the butter and continue stirring as you add the heavy cream to achieve a smooth finish.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, chopped walnuts are an excellent substitute for pecans in this recipe.
What makes this a good 'fall' dessert?
The combination of fresh apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm caramel captures the classic flavors associated with the autumn season.