Tuesday, September 17, 2024 · 136 Comments

Butterscotch Apple Cake

My butterscotch apple cake is light and airy, with fresh apple chunks and sweet butterscotch morsels baked into every bite. I top it off with caramel and whipped cream, which adds a layer of decadence that finishes the dessert perfectly.

Butterscotch Apple Cake

With my apple trees finally ready, I can’t think of a better way to enjoy apple season than with this butterscotch apple cake. Using fresh green apples straight from the tree, the tartness balances out the sweetness of the butterscotch perfectly, making each bite light but packed with flavor. It’s such a great way to make the most of those apples.

This cake is definitely for those moments when I want to indulge a little—perfect for a fall birthday or just because. And when I add that caramel drizzle and whipped cream, it really takes things up a notch.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how the butterscotch melts into sweet little pockets throughout the cake.
The light texture of the cake pairs so well with the chunky apple pieces.
It stays moist for days, so I can enjoy it longer.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients for making the best apple cake for fall!

Vegetable or canola oil – I prefer oil over butter in this cake to keep the texture light and moist without being too dense.
Granulated sugar
All-purpose flour
Baking powder and baking soda
Table salt
Ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with the apples.
Pure vanilla extract
Pecans – I like pecans for their buttery crunch, but walnuts are a great substitute if you prefer.
Butterscotch morsels – These melt into sweet little pockets that make each bite special.
Prepared caramel – Drizzled on top to add an extra layer of indulgence.
Eggs
Green apples – Their tartness balances out the sweetness, and they hold up well during baking without getting mushy.
Whipped cream – Store-bought works, but freshly whipped cream takes the cake to another level with its airy, homemade feel.

How I Make Butterscotch Apple Cake

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Step One: I start by preheating the oven to 350°F.
Step Two: In a large bowl, I mix together the oil and sugar. Then I add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Next, I stir in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until it’s all nicely combined. I toss in the vanilla, apples, and pecans, and just know the batter will be a bit thick.
Step Three: I spread the batter evenly in a greased 9 x 13 baking pan and sprinkle the butterscotch morsels over the top. Then I bake it for about 55 minutes.
Step Four: Once it’s baked, I let it cool completely in the pan. When it’s cool, I drizzle on some caramel sauce and top each serving with whipped cream.

Recipe Tips

Here’s a few more ideas to make you cake turn out even better.

Add a touch more cinnamon to enhance the flavor.
Use room temperature eggs for even mixing and better rise.
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel and whipped cream for a sweet-and-salty kick.
Top the cake with vanilla ice cream instead of ice cream if you prefer.

Storage and Freezing

Here’s how to store and freeze your butterscotch apple cake so it stays just as delicious.

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the cake fresh and moist for up to a week.
Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for easy grabbing and to keep them from drying out.
If you’re storing leftovers, add the caramel and whipped cream just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
Freeze individual slices in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months.
For best results, let the cake cool completely before freezing to avoid excess moisture.
Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying, and add fresh caramel and whipped cream just before serving.

More Apple Cake Recipes

If you’re craving more apple cake goodness, I’ve got some tasty recipes you’ll want to try.

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Print Recipe

5 from 8 votes

Butterscotch Apple Cake

This light and airy apple cake filled with chunks of fresh apples and butterscotch morsels is the ultimate fall season dessert. Each slice finished with a drizzle of caramel and a dollop of whipped cream is decadence you need to experience.

Prep Time20

Cook Time55

Total Time1 15

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Butterscotch Apple Cake

Servings: slices

Calories: 422kcal

Author: Cathy Pollak

Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 tsps baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp table salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups peeled and finely chopped green apples
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup butterscotch morsels
prepared caramel sauce
whipped cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together oil and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon; beat well. Stir in vanilla, apples and pecans. (Mixture will be thick).
1 cup vegetable oil, 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1-1/2 tsps baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp table salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 cups peeled and finely chopped green apples, 1 cup chopped pecans
Spread mixture evenly in a greased 9 x 13 baking pan. Sprinkle butterscotch morsels over top. Bake for 55 minutes.
1 cup butterscotch morsels
Cool completely in pan. Garnish with caramel sauce and whipped cream.
prepared caramel sauce , whipped cream

Video

Notes

For optimal outcomes when preparing these butterscotch apple cake, it's recommended to refer to the recipe details within the post. The recipe post commonly includes valuable notes, expert tips and frequently asked questions, that are not presented in the recipe card, often including how to make this recipe dairy-free, gluten free or vegan and ideas for healthy ingredient substitutions or variations

The provided nutrition information is merely an approximation, as variations can arise depending on the specific ingredients/brands you select.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Butterscotch Apple Cake

Amount Per Serving (155 g)

Calories 422 Calories from Fat 207

% Daily Value*

Fat 23g35%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Polyunsaturated Fat 18g

Monounsaturated Fat 3g

Cholesterol 38mg13%

Sodium 280mg12%

Potassium 10mg0%

Carbohydrates 49g16%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 26g29%

Protein 3g6%

Vitamin A 10IU0%

Calcium 31mg3%

Iron 0.2mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Comments

5 from 8 votes