Description

Apple Spice Cake with Caramelized Apples and Whipped Cream is a moist and flavorful dessert bursting with warm autumn spices, tender apples, and topped with luscious caramelized apples and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for cozy family gatherings or special occasions, this easy-to-make cake blends classic fall flavors with a beautiful presentation and comforting texture.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh apples, chopped (firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Caramelized Apples

2 fresh apples, thinly sliced (firm varieties recommended)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
Optional: 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pan. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with brown sugar and vegetable oil until smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then gently mix in the chopped fresh apples to evenly distribute without breaking them.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding.
Caramelize the Apples: Slice additional fresh apples thinly. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sprinkle in the sugar, stirring occasionally until it melts and begins to bubble. Add the sliced apples and cook until tender and golden brown, allowing the natural sugars to caramelize beautifully.
Whip the Cream: Using chilled heavy whipping cream, whip it to soft peaks with an electric mixer. Optionally, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract for extra flavor. Keep the whipped cream chilled until ready to assemble.
Assemble the Cake: Place the cooled cake on a serving plate. Generously spread or pipe the whipped cream on top, then arrange the caramelized apples over the cream, creating a stunning layered effect that ensures delicious bites in every forkful.

Notes

Choose crunchy, firm apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to retain texture during baking and caramelizing.
Do not overmix the batter; combine wet and dry ingredients just until blended to avoid a dense cake.
Chill bowls and beaters before whipping cream to achieve faster and fluffier peaks.
Adjust the sugar when caramelizing apples to balance tartness, depending on apple sweetness.
Check cake doneness with a toothpick starting at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out.
For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum.
For a vegan version, use flax eggs and coconut oil, and replace whipped cream with coconut cream.
Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freeze without whipped cream for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of cake)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg