Indulge your senses with a slice of heaven: the Caramel Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream! This delightful dessert combines the warm, comforting flavors of fresh apples and rich caramel, all enveloped in a moist, fluffy cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Dive into our recipe and discover the secrets to creating this show-stopping dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to create a uniform dry mixture.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Remove cakes from oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For buttercream, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and sea salt, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
- Once cakes are completely cool, drizzle caramel sauce between layers while assembling.
- Frost cake with salted caramel buttercream, creating smooth, even layers.
- Garnish top with additional caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt if desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to set buttercream.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination will give your cake a delicious depth of flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a lighter cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle!
- Cool Completely: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the buttercream from melting and ensures a beautifully layered cake.
- Drizzle with Caramel: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle additional caramel sauce between the layers and on top of the frosted cake. It adds a delightful sweetness and a gorgeous presentation.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the cake for at least 30 minutes after frosting helps the buttercream set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of sea salt on top not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful finishing touch to your dessert!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 75g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 125mg
