Buttery Apple Cake made with fresh apples & warm spices in a rich, buttery batter, then baked & topped with a simple caramel sauce! Perfect apple cake for Fall!
This recipe for an apple cake is simple and straightforward, the key to a successful treat is using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh apples, unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract. The warm spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg and a homemade caramel glaze, add a cozy and comforting flavor that is perfect for fall and winter months.
What is Buttery Apple Cake?
Buttery Apple Cake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It is believed to have originated in Europe, where apples have been a staple fruit for centuries. The cake is known for its rich and buttery flavor, combined with the sweetness of the apples. The exact origin of Buttery Apple Cake is unclear, but it is thought to have been created in the 18th or 19th century. It was likely a dessert that was enjoyed by the wealthy, as it was made with expensive ingredients such as butter and sugar.
Today, Buttery Apple Cake is enjoyed all over the world and is a popular dessert during the fall season. It is often served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Overall, the origin of Buttery Apple Cake may be a mystery, but its delicious taste and popularity are undeniable.
Variations of Buttery Apple Cake
Buttery apple cake is a classic dessert that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are a few variations to try:
- Apple Crumble Cake: Add a layer of crumble topping made from flour, butter, and sugar to the top of the cake before baking for a crunchy, sweet finish.
- Maple Apple Cake: Substitute maple syrup for the sugar in the recipe for a rich, autumnal flavor that compliments the apples perfectly.
- Apple and Pear Cake: Mix chopped pears into the batter along with the apples for a fruit-filled cake that is both sweet and tangy.
No matter which variation you choose, be sure to use fresh, crisp apples for the best flavor. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert that is sure to please.
Butter Apple Cake Ingredients
Butter: To make the cake rich in flavor, use ½ cup of butter, softened.
Sugar: You need 2 cups of sugar to help lock in the moisture for a delightful treat.
Vanilla extract: Add in ½ tsp. of vanilla extract to enhance all the wonderful flavors in this sweet cake.
Eggs: Using 2 eggs will help bind all the ingredients together well and create a great texture too.
Flour: The structural base of this cake recipe is 2 cups of flour.
Cinnamon: Adding 1 ½ tsp. of ground cinnamon gives the cake a lovely spiced taste.
Nutmeg: You will also need 1 tsp. of ground nutmeg to add a warm nutty flavor that tastes incredible.
Salt: To balance all the sweetness in this cake, add in ½ tsp. of salt.
Baking soda: Use ½ tsp. of baking soda to help the cake rise properly as it bakes.
Apples: For more amazing flavor and added texture, add in 6 cups of chopped, peeled apples to this cake batter.
Caramel Glaze
Brown sugar: You will need ½ cup of brown sugar to make this cake glaze wonderful sweet with an incredible depth of flavor.
Butter: Adding ½ cup of butter, cut into cubes, creates a warm, rich tasting glaze.
Whipping cream: For a perfectly creamy and smooth glaze, use ½ cup of heavy whipping cream.
How to make Easy Apple Cake
Prep
Get started by spraying a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Also, get the oven preheating to 350°.
Next, prepare the apples for baking. They need to be peeled, then chopped into small ½” size chunks.
Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Then add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda; proceed to gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix well.
After that, stir in the apple chunks until well combined.
Bake
Continue to spread the batter into the prepared baking dish sprayed with non-stick spray. Then place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and springs back when lightly touched.
Be sure to let the cake cool for 30 minutes before adding the glaze and serving.
Caramel Glaze
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and butter. Cook over medium heat until the butter has melted fully. Then gradually add in the heavy whipping cream. Proceed to bring this mixture to a slow boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes.
Then spread the glaze on top of the cake to cover the entire surface. Slice, serve and enjoy!
How to serve Buttery Apple Cake
When serving Buttery Apple Cake, there are several ways to enhance the dessert experience. Here are a few suggestions:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of the cake can add a creamy texture and balance out the sweetness of the cake.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream can complement the warm, buttery flavors of the cake and create a delightful contrast in temperatures.
- Fresh Fruit: Sliced apples or pears can be served alongside the cake to add a refreshing, fruity element to the dessert.
- Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, the cake can be cut into smaller pieces and served on a decorative platter. Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon on top of the cake can also enhance its visual appeal.
It is important to note that Buttery Apple Cake is delicious on its own and does not necessarily require any additional toppings or accompaniments. Ultimately, the serving suggestions depend on personal preference and the occasion.
Buttery Apple Cake
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter softened
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- 6 cups apples peeled & chopped
Caramel Glaze
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter cut into cubes
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Prep: Get started by spraying a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Also, get the oven preheating to 350°. Next, prepare the apples for baking. They need to be peeled, then chopped into small ½" size chunks.
- Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition. Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
- Stir in apples until well combined.
- Bake: Spread into a 9×13 baking dish sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until top is lightly browned and springs back when lightly touched.
- Cool for 30 minutes before adding glaze and serving.
- Caramel glaze: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter. Cook over medium heat until butter is melted. Gradually add cream. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Top cake before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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Storing and Reheating Apple Butter Cake
Once the Buttery Apple Cake has cooled down to room temperature, it can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. The cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you plan to store the cake for longer than 5 days, it is recommended to freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
The cake can be reheated in the microwave. Cut a slice of cake and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat the cake on high for 15-20 seconds, or until heated through.
It is important to note that reheating the cake multiple times can cause it to become dry and lose its texture. Therefore, it is recommended to only reheat the cake once and consume it within a few days of reheating.
What are some popular variations of apple cake recipes?
There are many variations of apple cake recipes, including German apple cake, French apple cake, and Jewish apple cake. Some recipes call for adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices to the batter, while others incorporate raisins, nuts, or caramel.
How can I make a moist apple cake without it becoming soggy?
To make a moist apple cake without it becoming soggy, it is important to use the right type of apples. Apples that are too watery, like Red Delicious, can make the cake soggy. Instead, use firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. It is also important to drain any excess liquid from the apples before adding them to the batter. Avoid using Red Delicious or other watery varieties. It is also important to choose apples that are in season for the best flavor.
What are some mistakes to avoid when making apple cake?
Common mistakes when making apple cake include using the wrong type of apples, not draining excess liquid from the apples, overmixing the batter, and overbaking the cake. It is also important to let the cake cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy even more delicious apple recipes here:
- Dutch Apple Bread
- Best Ever Apple Recipes to make ASAP!
- Apple Bread Pudding
- Fried Cinnamon Apples
- Caramel Apple Nachos
- Caramel Apple Bread
- Easy Apple Dumplings recipe
- Maple Pecan Apple Crisp
- Snickerdoodle Apple Cobbler
- Apple Crisp with Oatmeal
Buttery Apple Cake is made with sweet apples, comforting spices, and a lovely buttery cake batter, that everyone is sure to enjoy! Serve this dessert for family after dinner or with friends for a casual get together, either way, apple caramel cake never disappoints.
Rosemary Brown says
I made this with my apples 🍎 I canned last year, it was absolutely delicious 😋, thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe 😋
Jessica says
So glad you liked it!
Rosemary Brown says
I made it with the apples I canned last year.
Jessica says
Love it Rosemary!
Terry says
OMG! This one reads, & looks like a keeper…if the fact that I just drooled all over my phone screen means anything! 😁
I did see a little error, though, in the recipe card header. It lists the total time as 1 minute, instead of 1 hour. Too bad it WASN’T 1 minute. I could already be inhaling some of this delectable looking cake! Thanks – from a 45°F (real feel 39°) Alberta, Canada 🇨🇦, afternoon!
Jessica says
Thanks Terry- fixed it! 😉