Spiced Apple Cake with Caramel Glaze

Name: Spiced Apple Cake with Caramel Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 12 slices
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and chopped); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

80 min 12 slices Medium

All Recipes

A comforting spiced apple cake topped with a rich caramel glaze. Perfect served warm with a scoop of ice cream for a cozy dessert.

Prep

20 min

Cook

45 min

Total

80 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

This spiced apple cake with caramel glaze is a perfect dessert for those who enjoy the warm, inviting flavours of autumn. Packed with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this cake brings a comforting aroma and taste that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of apples. The caramel glaze adds a rich, buttery finish that complements the spiced apple cake perfectly. This recipe is ideal for anyone looking to impress their guests with a delicious homemade dessert that's both comforting and elegant.

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 23 cm (9-inch) round cake pan.

Pro tip: Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.

Prepare the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

Pro tip: Sifting the dry ingredients helps avoid lumps.

Mix wet ingredients

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Pro tip: Room temperature eggs blend more easily with the batter.

Combine ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.

Pro tip: Do not overmix as it can make the cake dense.

Bake the cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Pro tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.

Prepare the caramel glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, and cream. Bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Pro tip: Be careful not to burn the sugar; keep stirring.

Cool and glaze

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Pour the warm caramel glaze over the cake before serving.

Pro tip: Let the glaze cool slightly to thicken before pouring.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavour balance.
Ensure the cake cools slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
You can make the caramel glaze ahead and reheat it gently before using.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is spiced apple cake?

Spiced apple cake is a dessert made with apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, often topped with a glaze or frosting.

How can I store spiced apple cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze spiced apple cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without the glaze. Wrap it tightly and store for up to 3 months.

What kind of apples are best for apple cake?

Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal as they balance the sweetness of the cake.

How many calories are in a slice of spiced apple cake?

A slice of this spiced apple cake contains approximately 320 calories.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this spiced apple cake warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. The contrast of the warm cake and cold ice cream creates a delightful experience for the senses. This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The caramel glaze can be prepared separately and reheated just before serving to ensure a fresh, glossy finish.