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Moist Caramel Apple Cake with Brown Buttercream Frosting

Moist Caramel Apple Cake with Brown Buttercream Frosting
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Moist Caramel Apple Cake with Brown Buttercream Frosting is a rich and tender dessert that perfectly combines juicy apple pieces, warm spices, luscious caramel, and nutty browned butter. This cake delivers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, making it a perfect treat for fall gatherings, holidays, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (tart or sweet varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Caramel sauce (for adding to batter and drizzling on top)

Brown Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, browned
  • 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar (adjust sweetness to preference)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and finely dice the apples. Toss with a little cinnamon and sugar to enhance their sweetness. Set aside to keep the apples tender and flavorful without saturating the batter.
  2. Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until small brown specks form and the aroma turns nutty. Remove from heat promptly to avoid burning. This browned butter will be used both in the batter and for the frosting.
  3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to ensure even mixture and avoid clumps.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and the melted butter until smooth and well combined.
  5. Fold Ingredients Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Carefully fold in the spiced apples, ensuring even distribution without overmixing to maintain a light texture.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
  7. Make the Brown Buttercream Frosting: Beat the cooled browned butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and spreadable. Adjust the powdered sugar to your preferred sweetness.
  8. Frost and Finish: Spread a generous layer of the brown buttercream frosting over the cooled cake. Drizzle caramel sauce on top for an irresistible finish and optionally sprinkle flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.

Notes

  • Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji to hold shape and balance sweetness.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
  • Remove the butter from heat as soon as it browns to prevent bitterness.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a smooth batter.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
  • Substitute vegan butter and non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Add cloves or cardamom for a bolder spice profile.
  • Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
  • Swirl extra caramel sauce through the batter before baking for a caramel swirl effect.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze the cake without frosting for up to 3 months; frost after thawing.
  • Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven to revive texture and flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cake, brown buttercream frosting, moist apple cake, fall dessert, spiced apple cake, caramel dessert, gluten-free apple cake, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/moist-caramel-apple-cake-with-brown-buttercream-frosting/