If you’re anything like me, you’ll absolutely swoon over this Caramel Apple Cake Recipe. It’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug on a plate—combining soft, tender cake with tart, cinnamon-spiced apples and a luscious caramel drizzle that takes everything to the next level. I discovered this recipe a few falls ago when I wanted something cozy but not too fussy to make for my family, and it quickly became a go-to for chilly weekends and holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll see why it’s a fan-freaking-tastic treat worth baking again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of flavors: Tart apples mixed with cinnamon and the rich caramel drizzle make every bite a delightful contrast.
Super moist and tender: Thanks to the yogurt and brown sugar, this cake stays soft and never dries out.
Easy to bake: No complicated steps—just straightforward mixing and baking that even beginners can master.
Great for seasonal and casual occasions: Whether it’s a simple family dessert or a fall get-together, this cake fits the bill perfectly.

The image shows four thick square pieces of apple cake stacked on each other on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a light brown, porous texture with visible chunks of apple inside and apple slices on top. The top layer is covered in a shiny, caramel brown sauce that drips down the sides of the cake pieces. In the background, there are red apples and a glass jar filled with caramel sauce, slightly blurred. The lighting highlights the moist texture of the cake and the glossy caramel sauce photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caramel Apple Cake,Apple Cake with Caramel,Autumn Dessert Recipes,Easy Apple Cake,Fall Baking Ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here work harmoniously to create that nostalgic caramel apple flavor we all crave, with a little cake twist. When shopping, make sure to get tart apples like Granny Smith or any firm, tangy variety to contrast with the sweetness beautifully.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small pile of baking powder and baking soda sprinkled neatly nearby on the same plate, a square of softened unsalted butter placed on a white dish, a small white bowl filled with packed dark brown sugar, a tiny white bowl with pure vanilla extract, two large whole uncracked brown eggs sitting side by side, a small white bowl holding creamy full fat plain yogurt, three peeled and cored medium tart apples cut into small half-inch cubes arranged symmetrically on a white plate, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, and a small white bowl containing granulated sugar, all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Caramel Apple Cake,Apple Cake with Caramel,Autumn Dessert Recipes,Easy Apple Cake,Fall Baking Ideas

All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake; make sure to measure it properly for lightness.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise just right without puffing up too much.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip it!
Unsalted butter: Using softened butter will make it easier to cream for an airy texture.
Dark brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that’s key to this recipe.
Pure vanilla extract: Boosts the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and help with texture.
Full fat plain yogurt: Makes the cake incredibly moist and adds a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with the apples.
Chopped tart apples: Fresh and diced into small cubes – these provide bursts of juicy flavor and a bit of texture.
Ground cinnamon: Woven into the apples and sprinkled on top for that warm spice note everyone loves.
Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon to create a sweet crunchy topping.
Caramel sauce: The crowning glory—drizzled over the apples both before and after baking for gooey, rich indulgence.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Caramel Apple Cake Recipe based on the season or what’s in my pantry. It’s super flexible, so you might try a few of these ideas to make it truly your own.

Swap apples for pears: Pears add a softer, mellower sweetness and work wonderfully in fall or winter versions.
Use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt: It’ll give the cake a slightly tangier flavor and add protein if you want a heartier bite.
Add chopped nuts: I once sprinkled some toasted pecans on top before baking—my family went crazy for the extra crunch!
Try a streusel topping: For an extra decadent twist, mix butter, brown sugar, flour, and nuts to sprinkle over before baking.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep your pan and dry ingredients

I always start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leaving a 2-inch overhang on each side makes it so much easier to lift the cake out once baked. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl—this ensures an even distribution of leavening agents for a perfect rise.

Step 2: Cream butter and sugar

Using an electric hand mixer, beat the softened butter with dark brown sugar and vanilla extract for about 2 minutes on medium-high speed until fluffy and smooth. This step is key because it incorporates air, which gives the cake a tender crumb. I like to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to make sure everything blends perfectly.

Step 3: Add eggs and alternate flour and yogurt

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. After that, add half the dry ingredient mixture, mixing on low speed so you don’t overwork the batter. Then mix in the full-fat plain yogurt, which keeps the cake moist and tender. Finally, fold in the remaining flour mixture gently—there should still be some streaks of flour left, and that’s okay.

Step 4: Fold in the apples

Toss 2 cups of the chopped apples with ½ teaspoon cinnamon to evenly coat them, then fold them into the batter. This distributes juicy apple pieces throughout the cake, giving every bite a burst of flavor. Trust me, mixing them in gently prevents the batter from getting too dense.

Step 5: Assemble and bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Scatter the remaining 1 cup of cinnamon-coated apples over the top, then drizzle about 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce over these apples—this helps create pockets of caramel-y goodness during baking. For a finishing touch, blend granulated sugar with a little cinnamon and sprinkle it over the top for a light crunchy crust. Bake for 35-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before the final caramel drizzle.

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Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cake Recipe

Softened Butter is Your Friend: Take the butter out of the fridge ahead of time to get that perfect fluffy cream needed to lighten the batter.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Folding in the flour until just combined keeps your cake moist and tender instead of dense.
Choose Your Apples Wisely: I’ve found that tart apples hold their shape better and give just the right bite, so avoid super sweet or mushy varieties.
Caramel Sauce Timing: Adding caramel before and after baking layers flavors deeply without making the cake soggy.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cake Recipe

A thick square slice of apple cake shows two visible layers: the bottom is a light brown soft cake base with apple chunks inside, and the top layer is covered with thin apple slices partially lengthened by a messy layer of glossy caramel sauce dripping down the sides. The cake sits on white marbled surface sprinkled with crumbs, small apple chunks, and thin apple slices nearby. The background shows more similar cake slices out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caramel Apple Cake,Apple Cake with Caramel,Autumn Dessert Recipes,Easy Apple Cake,Fall Baking Ideas

Garnishes

I love finishing this cake with a generous drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce just before serving. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top, which really amps up the flavor and balances the sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the cherry on top for an extra indulgent treat.

Side Dishes

For a cozy dessert spread, this cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced apple cider or chai tea. If you’re serving it as part of a brunch, consider light sides like fresh fruit or yogurt parfaits to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present this caramel apple cake for special occasions is to cut it into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a rustic wooden board with some caramel sauce in a small bowl for dipping. It makes a lovely, interactive dessert perfect for parties and family gatherings. Adding some edible flowers or a sprinkle of powdered sugar also makes it look extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully at room temperature for about 2 days, but if your kitchen is warm, storing it in the fridge helps maintain freshness.

Freezing

Freezing this cake works like a charm! I recommend wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and then placing them in a zipper bag or airtight container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, and it almost tastes as fresh as the day you baked it.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just long enough to warm it without drying it out. If you prefer a slightly crispier edge, warming it in a toaster oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this cake?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for their firm texture and bright flavor, you can also use Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer a sweeter cake. Just be sure to dice them uniformly so the texture stays consistent throughout.
Is it necessary to use yogurt in the recipe?

The yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang that enhances the cake’s flavor and texture, but if you don’t have it on hand, sour cream or buttermilk can be great substitutes. Plain yogurt keeps it simple and accessible.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, preferably one that contains xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but it will still taste delicious!
How do I make homemade caramel sauce for drizzling?

Making your own caramel sauce is surprisingly easy! Melt sugar in a saucepan until amber, then whisk in butter and heavy cream until smooth. Let it cool before drizzling. I recommend making it a day ahead for best consistency and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Cake Recipe has a special place in my baking repertoire because it’s simple, soulful, and just downright comforting. I love how the apples stay tender yet still provide texture, and the caramel drizzle feels like a little luxury in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, this cake is a winner every time. Give it a try—I promise you’ll be sending me a thank-you note after the first slice!