From The Novice Chef
Caramel Apple Dream Cake: three big layers of super moist apple spiced cake, made completely from scratch, frosted with sweet caramel frosting!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 25 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Active Time: 25 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients
Apple Spice Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 1/8 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 oz applesauce
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup peeled and shredded apples
Caramel Frosting
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 to 5 cups powdered sugar
Optional Toppings
- caramel sauce
- chopped pecans
- caramel apples
Instructions
Apple Spice Cake
- Preheat oven to 300°F (135°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, apple pie spice, baking soda and salt, set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla, sour cream and applesauce.
- Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk. Fold in the shredded apples.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cake cool completely before frosting.
Caramel Frosting
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add brown sugar and heavy cream. Whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved. Add salt.
- Allow to bubble for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Remove from heat immediately, stir in vanilla extract and allow to cool completely.
- Transfer the brown sugar mixture into the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. With the mixer on low, add 3 cups powdered sugar, beat until well combined.
- Slowly add 1/2 cup more powdered sugar at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If your frosting gets too thick, you can add an additonal tablespoon or two of heavy cream, if needed.
- Turn the mixer speed up to medium and continue mixing until creamy and combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Frost cake and decorate as desired.
