If you’re craving something cozy, sweet, and irresistibly comforting, this Caramel Apple Cake Recipe is just the ticket. I absolutely love how the tender brown sugar cake pairs with tart cinnamon-spiced apples—then add that luscious caramel drizzle and you’ve got a slice of heaven every time. When I first tried this, I was hooked, and I can’t wait for you to make it and see why it quickly became a family favorite around here!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Fall Flavors: Tart apples, warm cinnamon, and rich caramel come together for a comforting treat.
Easy-to-Follow Steps: The recipe is straightforward, great for home bakers of all levels.
Moist and Tender Texture: The yogurt keeps the cake incredibly soft and keeps it from drying out.
Customizable: You can swap apples or tweak toppings to make it your own masterpiece.

The image shows four thick square pieces of apple cake stacked on each other on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a light brown, porous texture with visible chunks of apple inside and apple slices on top. The top layer is covered in a shiny, caramel brown sauce that drips down the sides of the cake pieces. In the background, there are red apples and a glass jar filled with caramel sauce, slightly blurred. The lighting highlights the moist texture of the cake and the glossy caramel sauce photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caramel Apple Cake, caramel apple cake recipe, apple cake with caramel, fall apple cake, easy apple cake recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients create a beautifully balanced cake where every element shines. When selecting apples, I recommend tart varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn—they hold their shape and add a nice zing to cut through the sweetness.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small pile of baking powder and baking soda sprinkled neatly nearby on the same plate, a square of softened unsalted butter placed on a white dish, a small white bowl filled with packed dark brown sugar, a tiny white bowl with pure vanilla extract, two large whole uncracked brown eggs sitting side by side, a small white bowl holding creamy full fat plain yogurt, three peeled and cored medium tart apples cut into small half-inch cubes arranged symmetrically on a white plate, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, and a small white bowl containing granulated sugar, all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Caramel Apple Cake, caramel apple cake recipe, apple cake with caramel, fall apple cake, easy apple cake recipe

All-purpose flour: The cake’s foundation; be sure to measure carefully by spooning into your cup and leveling off to avoid a dense cake.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise for a delicate crumb.
Baking soda: Works with yogurt acid to lighten and fluff the cake.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture—make sure it’s not melted!
Dark brown sugar: Gives a deep molasses flavor that complements the apples.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and roundness to the cake batter.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
Full fat plain yogurt: Keeps the cake moist and tender; Greek-style works great too.
Chopped tart apples: About 3 medium apples, peeled and cut into small cubes—this keeps a nice juicy texture.
Ground cinnamon: For warming spice in the batter and topping.
Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for that irresistible crunchy topping.
Caramel sauce: Drizzled over the top to crown each bite with buttery sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Caramel Apple Cake Recipe is! Over the years, I’ve experimented with a few tweaks—feel free to play around and make this cake your own go-to treat.

Use Different Apples: I’ve swapped in Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter bite, which my family adored.
Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts mixed into the batter add a wonderful crunch and depth.
Make it Gluten-Free: I’ve replaced the flour with a blend of gluten-free flour, just be sure to check the baking powder doesn’t contain gluten.
Spice it Up: Throw in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with cinnamon to warm it up even more.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Apples

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a 2-inch overhang on two sides—this helps you lift the cake out easily later. Next, peel, core, and chop your apples into small half-inch cubes. Toss them with ground cinnamon—this simple step wakes up their flavor and creates a cozy spice note that fills the kitchen!

Step 2: Whip Up the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to blend evenly. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—about 2 minutes. You’ll notice it lightens in color and smells amazing.

Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the bowl sides to keep everything well combined. Now, add half of your flour mixture on low speed, then mix in the yogurt until smooth. Follow with the remaining flour mixture, folding gently until you still see a few streaks of flour—overmixing can make the cake tough.

Step 3: Fold Apples Into the Batter

Toss 2 cups of the cinnamon-coated apples into the batter and fold them in carefully, so the apples are evenly distributed without breaking apart. Then, pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top gently with a spatula. Scatter the remaining 1 cup of apples across the top—it adds a beautiful fresh texture once baked.

Step 4: Add the Sweet Topping and Bake

Mix granulated sugar with a little cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the apples on top. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce across the apples—you don’t want to overdo it but just enough to get that perfect gooey finish. Bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times vary slightly with ovens, so start checking around 35 minutes.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

Once baked, transfer the cake to a wire rack and let it cool for at least an hour. Cooling lets the flavors develop and the cake firm up a bit for easier slicing. Just before serving, drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the top—you’ll love the shiny, sticky touch this adds!

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Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cake Recipe

Use Tart Apples: They hold their shape well and provide a lovely balance to the sweet cake and caramel.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Fold in the flour until just combined to keep the cake light and tender.
Use Parchment Paper Overhang: This simple trick makes removing the cake from the pan a breeze, avoiding any breakage.
Test for Doneness Early: Insert a toothpick starting at 35 minutes since ovens vary; you want a moist crumb without underbaking.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake Recipe

A thick square slice of apple cake shows two visible layers: the bottom is a light brown soft cake base with apple chunks inside, and the top layer is covered with thin apple slices partially lengthened by a messy layer of glossy caramel sauce dripping down the sides. The cake sits on white marbled surface sprinkled with crumbs, small apple chunks, and thin apple slices nearby. The background shows more similar cake slices out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caramel Apple Cake, caramel apple cake recipe, apple cake with caramel, fall apple cake, easy apple cake recipe

Garnishes

I often top my slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—the cool creaminess pairs perfectly with the warm apple and caramel. For a fancy touch, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds both texture and a nutty contrast.

Side Dishes

This cake is such a complete treat on its own, but if I’m sharing it for brunch or with coffee, I like to serve it alongside a warm spiced chai latte or a simple cup of black tea. A small fresh fruit salad on the side keeps the spread light and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried layering this as a trifle with whipped cream and caramel sauce in clear glasses—guests loved seeing all those layers. Another fun idea is to turn it into mini cupcakes, perfect for sharing or portion control. Either way, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the cake moist but not soggy. If it’s warmer where you are, refrigerating is fine—just bring slices back to room temp before serving.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, I wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in a freezer bag. It’s best eaten within 2 months for peak flavor. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To refresh leftovers, I pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds—just enough to warm without melting the caramel completely. This little touch brings back that freshly baked feel and makes it taste like new!

FAQs

Can I use pre-made caramel sauce for this Caramel Apple Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Using store-bought caramel sauce is a real time-saver and works wonderfully. Just be sure to use a high-quality sauce for the best flavor—homemade or store-bought, the caramel drizzle really elevates the cake.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?

I recommend tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet cake and caramel. Softer or sweeter apples can become mushy and overly sugary.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

With some swaps, yes! Use dairy-free yogurt and vegan butter alternatives. Replace eggs with flax eggs or another binder. Keep in mind that caramel sauce may need a dairy-free version too. The texture might vary slightly but it’s still delicious.
How do I know when the cake is done?

The best way is to insert a toothpick in the center of the cake—it should come out mostly clean with maybe a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Begin checking at 35 minutes since oven temperatures vary.

Final Thoughts

Making this Caramel Apple Cake Recipe always feels like a little celebration of fall and comfort food magic rolled into one. The best part? It’s both straightforward enough for a weeknight bake and special enough for company. I hope this recipe becomes one you reach for again and again, not just because it’s delicious, but because it brings that warm, cozy feeling to your kitchen and table like it does for me. Go ahead, bake a slice of this goodness—you’ll be so glad you did!