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To make the salted caramel apple cake, gather these key items: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 3 large eggs - 1 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups peeled and diced apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Additional caramel sauce for drizzling - Sea salt for sprinkling You can swap ingredients to fit your needs or pantry. - Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. - Sugars: Coconut sugar works well if you want a lower glycemic index. - Applesauce: Replace with mashed bananas for a different flavor. - Oil: Use melted coconut oil for a subtle hint of coconut. - Eggs: Try flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan version. Selecting the best ingredients makes a big impact. - Apples: Choose firm apples that are crisp and fresh. This adds great texture. - Spices: Purchase whole spices and grind them yourself for richer flavor. - Sugars: Look for organic sugars to avoid additives. - Caramel Sauce: If using store-bought, check for natural ingredients without preservatives. - Eggs: Buy free-range eggs for better taste and ethical sourcing. This attention to detail will elevate your cake. You’ll notice the difference in taste and texture. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. First, gather all your ingredients. You will need flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, applesauce, oil, vanilla, apples, and salted caramel sauce. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mix forms the dry base of your cake. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Add the applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix these until everything combines well. Pour your wet mixture into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Now, fold in the diced apples and 1/4 cup of salted caramel sauce. This adds sweetness and flavor to the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before adding any toppings. Once your cake has cooled, drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the top. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt to enhance the flavors. For a delicious treat, slice and serve it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoying this salted caramel apple cake is a true delight. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. To get the right texture for your salted caramel apple cake, mix the dry and wet ingredients carefully. Overmixing can make the cake tough. Use a gentle hand when folding in the apples and caramel. This keeps the cake light and fluffy. Make sure to use room temperature eggs. They mix better and help the cake rise. When it comes to decoration, keep it simple. Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce on top for a sweet touch. A light sprinkle of sea salt adds depth to the flavor. If you want to impress, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It makes each bite more delightful. Fresh apple slices or a dusting of powdered sugar can also dress it up nicely. One big mistake is not greasing the pan properly. This can cause your cake to stick. Always check your oven temperature. An oven that’s too hot can dry out the cake. Also, avoid using too many apples. Stick to the recipe for the best balance of flavors. Lastly, let the cake cool completely before slicing. This helps it set and keeps it from falling apart. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section above. {{image_2}} You can change the cake's taste by using different frostings. A cream cheese frosting adds a tangy kick. This balances the sweetness of the cake. You can also try a whipped cream topping for a lighter touch. Both choices work well with salted caramel too. For a fun twist, add cocoa powder to your frosting for a chocolate flavor. Don’t be shy to mix flavors. Each frosting brings a new charm to the cake! While apples shine in this cake, other fruits can work too. Pears are a great option. They add a soft, sweet flavor that pairs well with caramel. You could also try diced peaches or even berries. Each fruit will change the cake's texture and taste. Experiment with whatever fruits you love. Just keep the amount the same, and you’ll enjoy a new twist on this classic recipe. You can make this cake fit your dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Check for a mix that includes xanthan gum. If you want a vegan cake, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use a plant-based oil, and choose a vegan caramel sauce. These changes keep the cake moist and delicious. Enjoy the cake, no matter your dietary choice! Check the Full Recipe for more tips. To keep your salted caramel apple cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This stops moisture from ruining its texture. If you plan to eat it within a few days, leave it at room temperature. For longer storage, put it in the fridge. Just remember to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. You can freeze this cake for later enjoyment. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method keeps the cake fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your cake warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a slice on a baking sheet and heat it for about 10 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in 10-second bursts until warm. Drizzle with extra salted caramel before serving for added flavor. For the full recipe, check out the delicious details. Salted caramel has sea salt added to it, which gives it a unique flavor. This salt helps cut through the sweetness. Unsalted caramel does not have salt, making it very sweet. I often use salted caramel in my recipes to balance flavors. The salt enhances the caramel's rich taste. When you add it to desserts, it creates a lovely contrast. Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. It tastes great for a few days. Just store it in an airtight container. If you plan to serve it later, wait to add the caramel drizzle. The cake stays fresh and moist. You can even freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving. To reduce the sweetness, cut back on the sugar. You can use less granulated sugar or brown sugar. Another option is to add more applesauce. This gives moisture without extra sweetness. You can also use unsweetened apples instead of sweet ones. If you prefer, you can skip the additional caramel drizzle. This will help balance the overall sweetness of the cake. For a detailed guide on baking this delicious cake, check the Full Recipe. You now know the main ingredients for your cake, plus tips on picking the best ones. We covered the preparation steps, baking process, and how to serve it right. I shared key tricks for a great texture and popular frosting options. You learned about storing leftovers and reheating them, too. Remember, baking is a fun experiment. With these tips, you can create a cake that stands out. Keep trying new ideas with flavors and styles. Happy baking!

Salted Caramel Apple Cake

Indulge in the deliciousness of Salted Caramel Apple Cake! This easy recipe combines tender apples, warm spices, and a rich salted caramel sauce for a dessert that will wow your family and friends. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Wondering how to whip up this delightful treat? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 large eggs

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Additional caramel sauce for drizzling

Sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

      In another bowl, beat the eggs. Add the applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

        Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

          Gently fold in the diced apples and 1/4 cup of salted caramel sauce until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

            Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Once cooled, drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the top of the cake and sprinkle lightly with sea salt to enhance the flavors.

                    Slice and serve either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 12