Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Frosting Recipe
Introduction
This Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Frosting is a delightful treat perfect for fall or any time you crave warm, comforting flavors. Moist spice cake is made even better with sweet apple filling and topped with a rich, creamy caramel frosting. It’s an easy dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 package 2-layer-size spice cake mix
- 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling or caramel apple pie filling
- 3 large eggs
- For the caramel frosting:
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened (1 cup)
- ½ cup caramel sauce or dulce de leche
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream or milk of choice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, apple pie filling, and eggs. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Step 3: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 4: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Step 5: To make the caramel frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl with a mixer until soft and fluffy.
- Step 6: Add the caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter and beat until combined.
- Step 7: Gradually add powdered sugar, starting on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase speed and beat until smooth.
- Step 8: If the frosting is too thick, add the cream or milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency. Adjust by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
- Step 9: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a homemade twist, substitute the cake mix with an equal amount of your favorite homemade spice cake batter.
- Use caramel apple pie filling for extra caramel flavor and texture.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch.
- If you prefer, swap milk for cream in the frosting for a richer texture.
Storage
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture. The cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months; wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?
Yes, homemade apple pie filling works well and adds a fresh flavor. Just ensure it’s thick and not too watery to avoid soggy batter.
How do I prevent the caramel frosting from becoming too runny?
Beat in powdered sugar gradually and add milk or cream sparingly. If it becomes too soft, add more powdered sugar to thicken it.
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Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Frosting is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for fall or any special occasion. Made with a spice cake mix combined with apple pie filling for natural sweetness and warm spices, then topped with a rich and creamy caramel frosting, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will please any crowd.
Ingredients
Apple Spice Cake
- 1 package 2-layer-size spice cake mix
- 1 (21-ounce) can Lucky Leaf apple pie filling or Lucky Leaf caramel apple pie filling
- 3 large eggs
Caramel Frosting
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup caramel sauce or dulce de leche
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream, or milk of choice
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly and set it aside to be ready for the batter.
- Mix the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, the 21-ounce can of apple pie filling, and 3 large eggs. Stir together gently until just combined, making sure not to overmix in order to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the cake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling fully is essential before applying the frosting to prevent melting.
- Make the caramel frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a mixer until it is soft and fluffy. Add in the ½ cup of caramel sauce or dulce de leche, vanilla extract, and salt, beating well to combine.
- Incorporate powdered sugar: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar to the butter mixture, starting on low mixer speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Continue adding and mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust frosting consistency: If the frosting is too thick, beat in the milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until the desired spreading consistency is reached. Alternatively, add more powdered sugar if it becomes too thin.
- Frost the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the caramel frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or knife.
Notes
- Use either regular apple pie filling or caramel apple pie filling for a caramel-enhanced apple flavor in the cake.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting and dripping.
- The frosting consistency can be customized by adjusting the amount of milk/cream or powdered sugar.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple spice cake, caramel frosting, apple pie filling, autumn desserts, easy cake recipe, spice cake
