This delectable caramel apple cake recipe is packed with a flavor duo that was meant to be. I’m convinced of it. Caramel and apples marry together so well it’s obvious they can’t get enough of each other. I’m more than happy to help them out whenever I can.
Sticky-sweet caramel bits dot the batter along with a mosaic of fresh, tart apples. It gives them a natural moistness that is two-fold with the addition of applesauce. They have a welcoming, warm spiciness to them that only cinnamon and nutmeg can bring. The caramel flavor is intensified with a brown sugar frosting followed by a sprinkling of walnuts over top.
I know these little caramel apple cakes may look completely harmless and unassuming. I think it’s only fair I should warn you – after a bite or two you will realize how wrong you are. And how you’ve been ensnared. By their addictive qualities. Don’t blame me if you can’t stop at one, eat more than you intended or are tempted to skip lunch or dinner. In lieu of cake. Not that I would know anything about that!
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 cup (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
1 + 1/4 cups brown sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup (4 ounces) applesauce, unsweetened
3 cups peeled, chopped apples (about 3 apples, 3/4 pound before peeling)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
3 tablespoons milk
1 + 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2. In a medium bowl whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and spices together. In a separate large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, scraping sides and bottom of the mixing bowl, then mix in the dry ingredients, vanilla and applesauce, stirring until evenly moistened. Fold in the apples and caramel bits or walnuts.
3. Divide the batter evenly to make 12 cakes, an ice cream scoop works well for this. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a cake tester/toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool the pan on a wire rack for ten minutes, turn out to wire racks, frost while still warm.
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| Warm spices + caramel + walnuts + apples = true love. |
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I made these today for our dinner guests. I used toffee bits instead of caramel bits and it worked great. People were very impressed. Realize that if you use toffee or caramel bits instead of walnuts in the cakes themselves, you're in for a really good hit of sugar!
i love caramel apples and this recipe sounds addictive. love the presentation too. thanks for sharing Reeni
OOOOOOOO….its a cute little package of goodness and love!
Reeni-I love your versatile creativity, that includes everything from soups, to desserts. Your apple cake is a yummy divine creation!
This looks awesome! Anything with caramel and apples has my vote 🙂
Mmmm, I agree, caramel and apple are just so perfect together! Love your cute little cakes!
Oh Reeni, apple desserts are my absolute favourite! Throw some caramel into the mix and I go weak at the knees. In fact, I might just have to skip breakfast, lunch *and* dinner for these 🙂
These are such sweet (pardon the pun 😉 ) little cakes, Reeni! Caramel and apple is a match I really can't resist!
I am totally seduced by this recipe! The combination of caramel and apples is very addictive 🙂
These cakes look awesome! And very addictive. And so cute with that ribbon.
OMG Reeni, love it, amazing !!!
Holy flour, that's a decadent mini cake! LOVE IT!!
This says ME on it and I have just printed the recipe. You always have what I need.
caramel and apples is just a perfect pairing…those little cakes would make anyone smile, they must have tasted so good!
this is delicious! i cannot wait to give this an apple go :)-meg@ http://www.clutzycooking.blogspot.com
So cute and pretty!
Oh, yes – caramel and apple were meant to be! These mini-cakes are just perfectly delectable. 😎
I completely agree – apples and caramel is a match made in heaven.
Your photos are amazing! Lovely mini cakes with excellent flavors. My kids (and husband… and ME!) would love these!!
Ohh yummy! Dessert, snack, or breakfast, I could eat one of these anytime! Love caramel and apples!
oooh, i'd give anything for one of these right now!
this makes me crave fall. LOVE 🙂
Tempted to skip lunch or dinner. Never! However you can convince me to have this instead for Lunch or Dinner. I know probably not the most sensible choice but just look at them they are so pretty.
yum, I love caramel and apples and cake 🙂 This sure does look and sound like a little piece of heaven
Looks beautiful and delicious…mmm
I agree, caramel and apples are meant to be! These cakes look delicious especially with the glaze and nuts.
This looks lovely! I agree that caramel and apples go so well together!
Reeni, these look & sound fantastic! King Arthur Flour also makes mini cinammon chips that make for an excellent variation. I hope to try these soon!
These mini cakes are just adorable and they sound super delicious, awesome!
Those cakes are SO cute and I love the bright background! Apple desserts are my favorite so these mini caramel apple cakes are calling my name. They look soooo good. 🙂
this are just adoreable! i am drooling over them already:) thanks for sharing this.
This is something the fiance would love. I'm keeping it in mind for apple picking in the fall!
Yummy little treat and so much easier to eat than a caramel apple on a stick.Mimi
by the way, did you know this picture of your cake is linked to on Eater NY? It goes to your flickr account. GO YOU!!!*kisses* HH
Absolutely delectable sounding! And how freaking cute are those little guys? Love this recipe and strongly believe that apple and caramel are made for each other :o)
I love food that's individually sized 🙂 These little cakes look delicious, and I can easily imagine wanting to eat more than one, haha.
I am drooling!
The sweetest presentation ever and perfect for winter when apples are still delicious and plentiful. Yes, apples and caramel were made for each other.
Yes! They are meant to be together. I could eat something baked with caramel and apples every day:)Just gorgeous, Reeni.:)
Can't go wrong with caramel and apple. So so good!The cake looks awesome. Love the presentation as well.
Love that cute baked cake! Like to bake with wholewheat.
I'd make this an all-day dessert: after lunch, for a snack, after dinner.. then I miiight just get my fill. But maybe another slice would be even better!
Clearly I am going to have to make these. My boyfriend loves any apple dessert, and these mini cakes are adorable!
Caramel and apples, you don't have to tell me more to convince me. i am sold. They look fantastic.
Oh wow, this kind of verges on magical! I want one.*kisses* HH
Reeni, these are just right. Love that flavor combination.
Even though my thighs are hitting me right now, I am SO bookmarking this. Who cares what they think anyway?
Those are adorable.
Those mini cakes are so cute! Next time I have people over for dinner I'll make them… after all, who doesn't like the apple and caramel combo?
OMG!!!!Reeni you kill me…i love everything that takes apple and this one is just drop dead gorgeous…it´s not fair…Kisses,Rita
These little cakes look so delectable! Apples and caramel are a match made in heaven, especially when laced with aromatic spices. Glad I stumbled upon your lovely blog!
Hi ReeniCaramel apple cake, such a lovely treat.Wishing you a lovely weekend ♥
These mini cakes are delectable. I love anything apple and caramel just puts it over the top. 😉
They look so sweet and yummy! I love apples and caramel, this really looks a wonderful recipe.Have a great weekend!
My dear, I love apple pies but I'd never seen any with caramel sauce. This cake is absolutely amazing, I must try it. Thanks for sharing. Bye, hope you have a great we
Delicious! Caramel and apple are awesome all year long! 😉
Beautiful cake! You are right, caramel and apples are meant for each other! This sounds really delicious and would be perfect with a cup of warm spiced tea!
these are just darling! love your presentation who couldnt love this one?!
Oh those do look very addicting Reeni! But since their mini's that means we can have mini more right? :)Purrs to Moon!
You know I love apples, and who doesn't love caramel? These look and sound delicious. I love the little red ribbon you placed on top too! What a great touch. Thanks for sharing, Reeni!
Wow.. another beautiful creation ! Makes me hungry for a slice now… 🙂
Reeni,awesome mini cakes. Love the caramel and apple in them.
These look delicious! If I could I'd grab one from a picture and eat it right now.
I'm already addicted just by their cuteness.
Reeni, another great recipe and blog post. I love caramel apples and this cake looks wonderful!