If you are looking for a dessert that brings the cozy flavors of fall and the sweet indulgence of caramel together in one simple dish, this Easy Caramel Apple Cake Recipe will become your new go-to favorite. It captures tender pieces of apple baked right into a moist cake, all elevated by warm cinnamon and a luscious caramel topping that seeps into every bite. Whether you want a comforting treat after dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this cake offers an irresistible combination of sweetness and spice that feels lovingly homemade without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward with pantry staples and a few special touches that make all the difference. Each ingredient plays its part to create a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between fruity and sweet notes.
- Yellow cake mix: A quick base that saves time and gives you a reliably tender crumb.
- Apple pie filling (21 ounce can): Brings juicy, cinnamon-spiced apple chunks that burst with flavor in every bite.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Bind the ingredients together and help create that lovely cake texture.
- Caramel ice cream topping (12 ounce jar, divided use): Adds gooey sweetness that melts into the cake, making it decadently moist.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Warms up the flavor profile with a cozy spice perfect for apple desserts.
- Nonstick cooking spray (with flour): Essential for preventing the cake from sticking and giving you clean slices every time.
How to Make Easy Caramel Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking. Then, generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with a nonstick cooking spray that includes flour. This simple step ensures your cake will release easily after baking without any sticking or crumbling, which makes serving a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Cake Batter Ingredients
Grab a medium-sized bowl and add the yellow cake mix, apple pie filling, beaten eggs, a quarter cup of the caramel topping, and the cinnamon. This mixture brings together a cake batter that is thick and packed with small chunks of tender apples, accented beautifully by cinnamon’s subtle spice and the early hint of caramel sweetness. If possible, use an electric or stand mixer on low speed to gently combine for one to two minutes. Mixing carefully allows the apple chunks to stay nice and chunky instead of breaking up too much.
Step 3: Transfer and Bake
Pour the thick batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on it; you will know it’s done when the top turns a lovely golden brown and springs back lightly to the touch. The aroma at this stage is downright irresistible—a beautiful blend of baked apples, cinnamon, and caramel.
Step 4: Add the Final Caramel Touch
Right after you take the cake out of the oven, pour the remaining caramel topping over the warm cake while it’s still steaming. As you spread it out, some caramel might drip over the sides—don’t worry at all! This just adds another layer of delightful moistness and flavor. The cake will soak up the caramel as it cools, making it wonderfully rich and sticky in all the right places.
Step 5: Serving It Up
This cake is best enjoyed warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream creates a dessert experience that’s just plain magical.
How to Serve Easy Caramel Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a pleasant crunch and nutty aroma, which pairs beautifully with the soft, moist cake. For a touch of elegance, dust a little powdered sugar on top before serving or drizzle a bit of extra caramel sauce for caramel lovers.
Side Dishes
This cake shines as a dessert, but pairing it with fresh fruit like sliced pears or a tangy berry compote can add brightness and refresh the palate. Also, a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or apple cider complements the warm spices and caramel flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, cut the cake into small squares and serve them on dessert platters with mini spoons and napkins. You can also layer slices between whipped cream and caramel drizzle in clear glasses to create individual parfaits. These presentation styles make it fun and inviting for guests to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain its softness. For longer storage, refrigerate to keep the cake fresh, but expect it to firm up slightly.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, heat individual slices in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Warming the cake enhances the caramel’s softness and revives the moist texture beautifully. Serve immediately after reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix?
Absolutely! Using a spice cake mix will add even more depth to the flavors by incorporating spices like nutmeg and cloves, complementing the apples and caramel nicely for a more autumnal twist.
Do I have to use canned apple pie filling?
Canned apple pie filling keeps the process super easy and consistent, but you can use fresh peeled and sliced apples tossed with sugar and cinnamon if you prefer. Just bake a few minutes longer to ensure the apples are tender.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a vegan egg replacer and use a dairy-free caramel sauce and cake mix. Just make sure your ingredients are labeled dairy-free, and the texture should still turn out beautifully.
Can I add nuts inside the cake?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans mix wonderfully into the batter for extra texture and flavor. Just fold them in before pouring the batter into the pan.
How long does this cake last at room temperature?
Since the cake contains moist ingredients and caramel topping, it’s best eaten within two days when stored covered at room temperature to keep it fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Caramel Apple Cake Recipe makes baking a joyful and stress-free experience that rewards you with a dessert bursting with comforting flavors and luscious caramel goodness. Whether it’s a midweek treat or a special occasion sweet, this cake is sure to spread smiles and warm hearts with every bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this absolute delight.
Print
Easy Caramel Apple Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This Easy Caramel Apple Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining the sweetness of apple pie filling with the rich taste of caramel and warm cinnamon spices. Perfect for a cozy gathering, it’s simple to prepare using a boxed cake mix and finished with a luscious caramel topping.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix)
- 21 ounce can apple pie filling
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping (from the jar)
Caramel Topping
- 12 ounce jar caramel ice cream topping (divided use)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with a nonstick cooking spray that contains flour to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, apple pie filling, beaten eggs, 1/4 cup caramel topping, and ground cinnamon until just mixed.
- Mix Batter: Using an electric or stand mixer on low speed, mix the ingredients for 1 to 2 minutes. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the apple pieces too much, resulting in a thick batter.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the thick batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the cake turns golden and springs back to the touch, indicating doneness.
- Add Caramel Topping: Remove the cake from the oven and immediately pour the remaining caramel topping over the warm cake, spreading it gently even if some drips over the sides.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly so it can absorb the caramel sauce. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
Notes
- Use yellow cake mix for a classic flavor or spice cake mix for a warmer, fall-inspired twist.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain chunky apple pieces in the cake.
- The caramel topping adds extra moisture and richness, so don’t skip it.
- Oven times may vary, so start checking at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Serving the cake warm enhances the caramel flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
