Gooey Caramel Apple Cake

Category: Let's Bake Something Wonderful

This caramel-filled apple cake is the ultimate treat for autumn. Tart apples bring a bright flavor while cinnamon spices warm things up. Topped with a gooey salted caramel glaze, every bite is a sweet, spiced delight. Easy to throw together and perfect for potlucks or special events, this cake is a must-try when craving something comforting. Enjoy it while still warm for that amazing fresh-baked taste.

Hannah Author
Updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 09:51:09 GMT
Gooey Caramel Apple Cake Save
Gooey Caramel Apple Cake | recipesbyhannah.com

Caramelized Apple Slab Cake - Your New Autumn Favorite

This Caramelized Apple Slab Cake brings all those fall feelings right to your table. Every mouthful combines tangy Granny Smith apple chunks with sweet warming spices. The rich buttery cake gets topped with an amazing butter-caramel glaze that soaks down, making everything extra moist and irresistibly tasty. It's fancy enough for special gatherings but easy enough to whip up whenever you're craving something sweet.

What You'll Need
  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups, gives the cake its base
  • Salt: 1/4 tsp, brings out all the flavors
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp, helps it rise nicely
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp, adds that cozy warmth
  • Light brown sugar: 1 cup, packed, creates depth
  • Granulated sugar: 1 cup, adds sweetness
  • Unsalted butter: 2 sticks, melted, makes it rich
  • Buttermilk: 1/2 cup, creates softness
  • Water: 1 cup, adds moisture
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, enhances taste
  • Eggs: 2 large, hold everything together
  • Granny Smith apples: 2 cups, peeled and chopped, add tang and bite
  • Unsalted butter: 1 stick, melted for topping
  • Powdered sugar: 3 cups, sifted, sweetens the glaze
  • Milk: 1/4 cup, thins the topping
  • Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp, rounds out flavors
  • Salted caramel sauce: 1/4 cup, makes it extra dreamy
How To Make It
Step 1:
Get your oven hot at 350°F (175°C) and grease a jelly roll pan completely.
Step 2:
Mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon in a big bowl.
Step 3:
Warm up the butter and water in a pot. Add this hot mix to your dry stuff and stir it all up.
Step 4:
Let it cool a bit, then mix in eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and apple chunks. Pour everything into your pan and bake about 17-20 minutes.
Step 5:
For the topping, blend melted butter with milk, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla, and caramel sauce until it's smooth. Pour this over your still-warm cake.
How To Serve And Keep
  • Eat it while it's still a little warm for the best taste.
  • Keep any extras in a sealed container at room temp for up to 2 days.
Extra Info
  • Granny Smiths work best because they don't turn mushy.
  • Make the glaze thicker or thinner by playing with the milk and sugar amounts.

Advice From Professional Bakers

  • Try sprinkling some flaky sea salt on top after glazing to make the caramel pop.
Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Save
Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake | recipesbyhannah.com

Wrap-Up

This fluffy caramel-covered apple cake takes inspiration from classic fall desserts. Tart apples and cinnamon fill the soft cake base, while the salted caramel glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Quick to whip up and easy to serve to a group, this dish is a star at autumn events. To make it special, the buttery glaze is mixed with vanilla, powdered sugar, and caramel sauce for a glossy finish. Serve lightly warm to savor the cozy flavors in every bite.

Apple Sweet Treat

This gooey caramel apple cake is perfectly soft, warm, and packed with cozy spices. Great for fall vibes!

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Total Time
40 min

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 servings)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour, gives it structure.
02 1 tsp ground cinnamon, adds a cozy flavor.
03 1/2 tsp baking soda, helps it rise.
04 1/4 tsp salt, balances the sweetness.
05 1 cup white sugar, brings sweetness.
06 1 tightly packed cup of light brown sugar, for a hint of molasses.
07 2 sticks of melted unsalted butter, for a rich texture.
08 1 cup water, for added moisture.
09 1/2 cup buttermilk, makes it soft and tender.
10 2 large eggs, work as a binder.
11 1 tsp vanilla extract, gives it extra flavor.
12 2 cups of chopped Granny Smith apples (around 2 medium-sized), for tartness and texture.
13 1 stick unsalted butter, melted to keep it smooth.
14 1/4 cup milk, to tweak consistency.
15 3 sifted cups of powdered sugar, for a silky glaze.
16 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, enhances the glaze's taste.
17 1/4 cup of salted caramel sauce, adds a gooey finish.

Directions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 16.75x12-inch pan or a jelly roll pan.

Step 02

Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, white sugar, and brown sugar.

Step 03

On the stove, heat up butter and water in a pot over medium-high heat. Once the butter's melted, let it boil briefly. Pour it into the dry mix and stir until combined.

Step 04

Cool the mixture slightly, then add in the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Fold in the apples gently at the end.

Step 05

Spread the batter in your greased pan. Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the middle comes out clean. Cool on a rack for about 15-20 minutes while still in the pan.

Step 06

Melt the butter and milk together in the microwave using a heat-safe bowl. Slowly whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and the caramel sauce until smooth. Play with the thickness by adding extra powdered sugar or milk if needed.

Step 07

Drizzle the glaze all over the warm cake, spreading it evenly. Wait around 15 minutes for it to set before cutting.

Step 08

Cut the cake into squares and plate it up to enjoy.

Notes

  1. Granny Smith apples bring tartness that balances the sweet elements of this dessert.
  2. You can fine-tune the caramel glaze's texture by adjusting its thickness.
  3. This dish is perfect for autumn parties, with its baked apple flavor and rich caramel topping.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 360
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Proteins: 3 g