Intro:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with this scrumptious Candy Apple Cake recipe. With a moist and fluffy cake base, crisp apple slices, and a sweet caramel glaze, this dessert captures the essence of the autumn season in every bite. Perfect for cozy gatherings or as a special treat for your family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your fall baking repertoire.
Candy Apple Cake
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
For the Caramel Glaze:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the chopped nuts with a spatula until evenly distributed in the batter.
7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth it out with a spatula.
8. Arrange a layer of apple slices over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and apple slices, finishing with a layer of apples on top.
9. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel glaze by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
11. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt to the melted butter, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
12. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate.
13. Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
14. Serve the Candy Apple Cake warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the comforting flavors of apple and caramel in every slice.
Capture the essence of autumn with this delightful Candy Apple Cake. The combination of tender cake, juicy apples, crunchy nuts, and luscious caramel glaze creates a dessert that is both warm and comforting. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring alone, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to embrace the flavors of the season.
