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Caramel Apple Cake Bliss

Caramel Apple Cake Bliss

A plush spiced apple cake soaked with warm salted caramel and a glossy drizzle. Cozy, crowd-pleasing, and irresistibly tender.
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 2.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.75 tsp fine sea salt for the cake
  • 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp ground allspice optional
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cup packed light brown sugar for the cake
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled for the cake
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract for the cake
  • 0.75 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk room temperature
  • 2.25 cup peeled tart apples, diced about 1/2-inch pieces
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans optional, plus extra for topping
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter for the caramel
  • 0.75 cup packed light brown sugar for the caramel
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream for the caramel
  • 0.5 tsp fine sea salt for the caramel; reduce for less salty
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract for the caramel

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment.
  • Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, 0.75 tsp salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a bowl.
  • Stir granulated sugar and brown sugar with melted butter until glossy and smooth.
  • Beat in eggs and 2 tsp vanilla until the mixture looks creamy.
  • Whisk in applesauce and buttermilk until combined.
  • Fold dry ingredients into wet just until no dry spots remain. Do not overmix.
  • Gently fold in diced apples and pecans, then scrape batter into the pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake until golden and a tester comes out clean, 40 to 48 minutes. Cool 10 minutes.
  • Make the caramel: melt 0.5 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 0.75 cup brown sugar.
  • Simmer 2 minutes, whisking. Slowly add cream and 0.5 tsp salt. Cook 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla. Let the caramel stand 2 minutes to settle.
  • Poke the warm cake all over with a skewer. Pour caramel evenly on top and spread to the edges.
  • Rest 20 minutes to set. Slice, garnish with extra pecans if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Variation: Swap half the apples for pears for a softer, fragrant twist. For a showy finish, add a light sprinkle of flaky salt on the caramel. Storage: Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days; warm slices 10–15 seconds before serving.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Caramel Apple Cake Bliss flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.