Caramel Layer Cake with Apple Frosting
Indulge in the irresistible autumnal flavors of this Caramel Layer Cake with Apple Frosting, a showstopping dessert perfect for any festive occasion. This decadent cake features moist, buttery layers infused with rich caramel sauce, creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with the spiced sweetness of homemade apple frosting. Luxuriously creamy and flavored with apple butter and cinnamon, the frosting effortlessly captures the essence of fall. Each bite offers a delightful balance of caramelized sweetness and warm fruity undertones, making this cake a must-try for caramel and apple lovers alike. Easy-to-follow steps and a garnish of thin apple slices make this cake a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Whether it's for a holiday table or a cozy dessert craving, this recipe delivers the perfect combination of seasonal warmth and dessert decadence.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 0.5 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting, softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup apple butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup thin apple slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Fold in the caramel sauce until evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the apple frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy, about 2 minutes.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated. Increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy.
Mix in the apple butter and ground cinnamon, then add the heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Once the cakes are completely cool, level them if necessary. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
Spread a generous layer of apple frosting on top of the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top, and repeat the frosting process with the second and third layers.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it with a spatula.
Optional: Garnish the cake with thin apple slices arranged decoratively on top.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
8701 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 435.5 g | 558% | |
| Saturated Fat | 268.4 g | 1342% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1877 mg | 626% | |
| Sodium | 3398 mg | 148% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1164.7 g | 424% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.4 g | 66% | |
| Total Sugars | 903.2 g | ||
| Protein | 69.9 g | 140% | |
| Vitamin D | 13.5 mcg | 67% | |
| Calcium | 738 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 19.0 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 1527 mg | 32% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
