Salted Caramel Apple Cake with Caramel Buttercream Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of fall, you’re absolutely going to adore this Salted Caramel Apple Cake with Caramel Buttercream Recipe. It’s one of those desserts I make whenever I want to impress guests or simply indulge myself with something soft, spiced, and buttery sweet. Between the moist apple-studded cake and the luscious salted caramel buttercream frosting, this cake feels like a warm hug in every bite. Stick with me here, because I’ll walk you through everything you need to make this fan-freaking-tastic dessert a reality in your kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together classic fall ingredients and a few baking basics that work in harmony to deliver this delectable salted caramel apple cake. I always recommend weighing your ingredients when you can—it makes a huge difference for baking success.

• Granulated Sugar: For both caramel and cake, this gives sweetness and the perfect structure to the caramel if you make it from scratch.
• Water: Helps the sugar dissolve evenly when making caramel.
• Butter: Adds richness to the caramel and the buttercream, lending that luscious, creamy texture I love.
• Heavy Cream: Used in the caramel to balance and soften the sugar’s intensity.
• Salt: Just a pinch in the caramel enhances all those flavors beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, giving structure without heaviness.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Ensure the cake rises perfectly airy and tender.
• Ground Cinnamon & Allspice: These spices bring warmth and depth to the apple cake—essential fall vibes.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Adds moistness and a hint of molasses flavor to the cake batter.
• Grated Apples: Fresh apples keep the cake moist and give lovely texture throughout.
• Vegetable Oil: I love this for its neutral flavor and keeping the cake moist longer.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness; room temperature helps with emulsification.
• Sour Cream: The secret to a soft crumb and tangy undertone in the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts all the other flavors and adds sweet aroma.
• Powdered Sugar: The key to silky smooth caramel buttercream.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Salted Caramel Apple Cake with Caramel Buttercream Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your personal taste or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to experiment a bit and make it your own!

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: I’ve tried swapping the regular flour for a gluten-free blend, and while the texture changes slightly, it still tastes fantastic—just watch the baking time closely.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or even cardamom along with the cinnamon for a spicier twist that I adore in cooler months.
• Caramel Variations: If you’re short on time, you can definitely use good-quality store-bought salted caramel, though homemade really stands out.
• Apple Varieties: I like mixing tart Granny Smiths with sweeter Fuji or Gala for a balanced flavor; it’s a little trick I learned to make the cake taste amazing.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Cake with Caramel Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Make the Salted Caramel

Start with granulated sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir just enough to wet all the sugar, then leave it alone so the sugar melts evenly into a golden amber caramel. This part can feel a bit nerve-racking, but I’ve found patience here pays off big: wait for the perfect golden color before stirring, then mix in the butter and heavy cream slowly—expect vigorous bubbling, so go slow and steady. Once the caramel thickens slightly, stir in the pinch of salt, transfer to a bowl, and cool it down in the fridge for about 30-60 minutes. You’ll want it room temperature when you whip it into the buttercream later.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Cake Batter

While the caramel chills, preheat your oven to 170ºC (340ºF) and line a 22×22 cm square pan with parchment paper. Grate your apples next—this little trick keeps the fruit evenly distributed and prevents big chunks that might sink. In a large bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and both sugars. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients—vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract—until combined. Pour the wet into the dry, toss in those lovely grated apples, and gently fold everything together until just combined. The batter should be thick but easy to spread.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pop the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. I always start checking around 40 to avoid overbaking. When a wooden skewer or cake tester comes out clean, your cake is ready. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent cracks and sinking.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Buttercream

While the cake cools, sift your powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Using a stand or handheld mixer, beat softened butter on medium-high speed for 4 minutes until fluffy and pale—that’s essential for lightness. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2-3 teaspoons of your cooled salted caramel in two parts, mixing well in between. Scrape down the sides and give the buttercream one last gentle mix to bring it all together. The frosting should be creamy, rich, and just sweet enough with that caramel magic.

Step 5: Assemble and Frost

Place your cooled cake on a serving plate and spread the caramel buttercream evenly on top. Then, drizzle any leftover caramel over the buttercream and use a spoon or offset spatula to swirl it in—this swirl of shiny caramel not only looks stunning but adds bursts of extra flavor with every bite. If you have any caramel left, keep it stored in a sealed container in the fridge (it lasts up to a month) for later indulgences or your next bake.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Cake with Caramel Buttercream Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this cake with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the caramel swirl—it intensifies the salted caramel flavor and adds a subtle crunch. Sometimes I add a few thin apple slices or toasted pecans on top for that extra festive touch, especially when serving for special occasions. Plus, a dusting of cinnamon powder can never hurt if you want to amp up the spice.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. I’ve also served it alongside a warm chai latte or a comforting cup of spiced apple cider, which really plays up those autumnal flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or birthdays, I like slicing the cake into mini squares and serving them on a rustic wooden board with extra caramel drizzled in small bowls. You could also make layered mini cakes in cupcake tins and frost each with the caramel buttercream, making them perfect party bites. Sharing this cake plated with fresh fruit like figs or pomegranate seeds elevates the presentation and adds bursts of juicy freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh. I make sure to cover the cake well to prevent the buttercream from absorbing fridge odors. It stays moist and tasty for about 3-4 days, which is great for slicing off a quick treat after dinner.

Freezing

Freezing slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag works perfectly if you want to save some cake for a later day. You might want to freeze without the buttercream on top and add the frosting fresh after thawing for the best texture. When I’ve frozen the whole cake (unfrosted), it defrosted beautifully overnight in the fridge with no loss in flavor.

Reheating

If you want a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds; it really revives the softness and makes the caramel extra melty. Just avoid heating too long or the buttercream can start to separate.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Apple Cake with Caramel Buttercream Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen and for my friends too—nothing beats the cozy warmth it brings to the table. I hope you’ll fall in love with it just like I have. It’s got that perfect mix of moist cake, tender spices, and luscious caramel sweetness that’s simply unforgettable. So go on, gather your ingredients, and make this gorgeous cake your next baking adventure—you won’t regret a single delicious bite!

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