Apple Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe

Fresh Apple Cake with caramel icing is a true testament to the beauty of Autumn, capturing the essence of crisp October air, apple picking with family, and gathering for a get-together with loved ones.  

The rich, moist cake is delightfully full of soft and succulent apple morsels, and the glossy caramel drizzle cascades down the sides, transforming each slice into a work of art that's {almost} too pretty to eat. 

A Few Key Ingredients for Apple Cake with Caramel Icing

• Red Delicious Apples – These apples add a mildly sweet flavor to the cake.  

• Pecans – The use of pecans offers a flavorful, crunchy bite to the otherwise fluffy, rich cake.   

• Brown sugar – Brown sugar adds a sweet depth of flavor and a warm caramel undertone to the icing.  

Whether you're sharing it with loved ones around the table, or stealing quiet moments to savor its goodness alone, this Fresh Apple Cake with Caramel Icing is a go-to Autumn dessert in our homes.   

To serve, we recommend displaying your Fresh Apple Cake with Caramel Icing on a cake stand, like our Signature White Ruffle 14 Inch Cake Stand alongside small plates with matching or complementary utensils. You can also serve it on a serving board or serving platter.  

Fresh Apple Cake with Caramel Icing 

Serves 10 - 12 

Ingredients

FOR THE APPLE CAKE:  

• Non-stick baking spray with flour  
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil  
• 2 cups sugar  
• 3 eggs, beaten  
• 3 cups red delicious apples, peeled, cored, & coarsely chopped  
• 1 cup pecans, chopped  
• 3 cups all-purpose flour  
• 1 teaspoon salt  
• 1 teaspoon baking soda  
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract  

FOR THE ICING:  

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter  
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed  
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract  
• Pecans, for decoration  

Instructions

FOR THE APPLE CAKE: 

1. Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans using non-stick baking spray with flour.  
2. In a large bowl, combine by hand (do not use a mixer) oil, sugar, eggs, apples, and pecans; set aside.  
3. Sift flour, salt, and baking soda into a medium bowl. Repeat, sifting dry ingredients two additional times.  
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the apple mixture and stir by hand until combined.  
5. Add vanilla and stir.  
6. Pour an equal amount of batter into two 9-inch cake pans. 
7. Adjust rack to middle position and place both cake pans into cold oven.  
8. Set oven to 325 degrees. Bake for 45 minutes or until the middle is set. Remove from oven and place on rack to cool.  

Note: This is a two-layer cake recipe, but the recipe can easily be doubled. If making a four-layer cake, push a bamboo skewer through the bottom three layers to prevent sliding. 

Note: This recipe can be easily transformed into cupcakes!

FOR THE ICING: 

1. In a small saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar over medium heat.  
2. Stir until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved.  
3. Add evaporated milk and bring to a boil. Remove pan from heat and stir in vanilla.  
4. Allow icing and cake layers to cool completely before assembling the cake.   
5. Half of the icing goes between the layers and half on top of the cake. It is fine if some icing drips down the sides, in fact, it looks better!
6. Decorate the top of cake with chopped or whole pecans.  

Note: It is best to make the icing while cake is baking, or immediately after the cake is removed from oven. 

This Fresh Apple Cake with Caramel Icing is the perfect addition to any Autumn dinner party menu, or as a sweet pick-me-up on a relaxing, chilly day at home. So, sit down, cozy up, and grab a slice. And, if you want to grab a slice for a quick breakfast – we won’t judge. 

Serve It Up:  

Our Fundamental Wood Large Ruffle Bowl is a must-have for dining, décor, and more.
	The Signature White Ruffle 14in Cake Stand is an everyday piece designed for easy cutting and serving.
Our Signature White Ruffle Dipping Bowl is a versatile choice for any home.