Spiced Harvest Apple Cake with Decadent Caramel Drizzle
Celebrate the spirit of fall with this Spiced Harvest Apple Cake, a moist and flavorful dessert that is packed with fresh apples and warm spices. Topped with a luscious, homemade hot caramel sauce, this cake is perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy night in. Sharing it with loved ones will surely elevate your autumn festivities. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Each slice is a comforting reminder of crisp fall days and the joy of baking.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter or Margarine
1/2 cup (room temperature, divided into two parts)
Sugar
1 cup (granulated)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Flour
1 cup (all-purpose)
Chopped Walnuts
1/2 cup (optional)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Baking Soda
1 teaspoon
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Apples
3 (peeled and grated)
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
White Sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
Whipping Cream
1/2 cup (heavy)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square cake pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/4 cup of butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3
Add the beaten egg to the mixture and blend well until fully incorporated.
4
Sift together the flour, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
5
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6
Gently fold in the grated apples, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10
While the cake cools, prepare the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter over low heat.
11
Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, white sugar, whipping cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
12
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
13
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving over the cooled apple cake squares.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spiced Harvest Apple Cake?
It is a moist and flavorful autumn dessert packed with fresh apples and warm spices, topped with a homemade hot caramel sauce.
What size cake pan is required for this recipe?
You will need an 8-inch square cake pan.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How many apples are needed?
The recipe calls for three apples.
How should the apples be prepared before adding to the batter?
The apples should be peeled and then grated.
What type of sugar is used in the cake batter?
The batter uses one cup of granulated white sugar.
Does this recipe require eggs?
Yes, one beaten egg is required for the cake mixture.
What spices give the cake its harvest flavor?
The cake is spiced with ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg.
Are nuts mandatory in this apple cake?
No, the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts is optional.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake should bake for 30 to 40 minutes.
How do I check if the cake is fully cooked?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it is done when the toothpick comes out clean.
Should the cake pan be greased?
Yes, grease the pan with non-stick spray or butter before adding the batter.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe suggests either butter or margarine can be used.
What ingredients are used to make the caramel drizzle?
The drizzle consists of butter, brown sugar, white sugar, whipping cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
How long should the caramel sauce be boiled?
Bring the mixture to a boil and stir constantly for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
When should the caramel sauce be served?
Remove the sauce from heat, let it cool slightly, and serve it over the cooled cake squares.
Should the cake be served warm or cold?
The cake can be served either warm or at room temperature.
What kind of cream is used for the caramel drizzle?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream.
How much vanilla extract is included?
One teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is added to the caramel sauce.
What kind of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is recommended.
Does the cake use baking soda?
Yes, the recipe requires one teaspoon of baking soda.
How much total butter is needed for both the cake and sauce?
You will need 1/2 cup of butter in total, divided into two 1/4 cup portions.
How much cinnamon is added to the dry ingredients?
The recipe uses one teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How long should the cake cool in the pan?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Is salt used in both the cake and the sauce?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon is used in the cake batter, and a pinch is added to the caramel sauce.
What is the first step in making the cake batter?
The first step is to cream together 1/4 cup of butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
How should the dry ingredients be incorporated?
Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing.
What is the texture of the caramel sauce?
The sauce is described as a decadent, luscious drizzle that thickens as it boils.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is baked in an 8-inch square pan, typically providing 9 to 12 servings depending on slice size.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is perfect for autumn festivities, gatherings, or cozy nights in.