Caramel Apple Layer Cake

If you’re craving a taste of fall, my caramel apple layer cake is just the thing. It’s got moist, spiced apple layers paired with a rich caramel frosting – perfect for any autumn gathering.

Caramel Apple Layer Cake

You’re probably going to love baking this caramel apple layer cake as much as I do! This is one of my delicious twists on the classic apple cake, featuring spiced apple layers generously frosted and drizzled with rich frosting. This cake has become a staple at many gatherings —Thanksgiving included.

The combination of tender apple cake and luscious maple frosting is both comforting and indulgent. I enjoy sharing it during the cooler months, and it never fails to get rave reviews.

Why I Love This Recipe

• The spiced apple and caramel combo is just so good.
• It’s a showstopper at Thanksgiving or any fall gathering.
• Looks fancy but is super easy to make.

Ingredients 

Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients needed to create this delicious caramel apple layer cake.

• All-purpose flour: The heart of the cake, giving it structure and that perfect fluffy texture.
• Baking soda and salt: A little lift from the soda, and the salt keeps the sweetness balanced.
• Apple pie spice: Brings that fall flavor everyone loves in an apple dessert.
• Unsalted butter: For rich flavor in both the cake and frosting – it’s doing double duty here.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens up the cake layers just right.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and a subtle apple flavor without extra sugar.
• Heavy cream: Makes the frosting smooth and extra creamy.
• Whole milk: Helps the batter come together while keeping it tender.
• Maple extract: Adds a hint of warm maple flavor to the frosting – so good with apples.
• Apples: Shredded for the cake and bursting with fresh flavor.
• Greek yogurt: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang for balance.
• Brown sugar: Gives the frosting a caramel-like depth.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Fluffs up the frosting and makes it perfectly sweet.
• Apple slices and walnuts: The optional garnish for a little crunch and a pretty finishing touch.

Storage and Freezing Tips

To keep your caramel apple layer cake fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store under a cake dome or in an airtight container for up to 2 days on the counter.
• Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap unfrosted layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting. For a frosted cake, freeze it uncovered until the frosting hardens, then wrap and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.

Always cool the cake completely before wrapping to prevent condensation, and label with the date before freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different frosting?
  While the maple frosting complements the apple flavor, you can substitute it with a traditional buttercream or cream cheese frosting if preferred.
• Can I add nuts to the cake?
  Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans will provide a nice crunch. Sprinkle them between the layers and on top as a garnish.
• Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the frosting in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and re-whip to restore its consistency.

More Caramel Apple Desserts

If you love the caramel apple flavor, here’s a few more recipes to try.

• Apple Cheesecake Bars – Creamy, caramel, and finished with a buttery streusel.
• Caramel Apple Bread Pudding – Brioche, tart apples and spiced custard.
• Butterscotch Apple Crisp – Tender apples under a brown sugar crumb topping.
• Butterscotch Apple Cake – light and airy cake and butterscotch morsels.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Caramel Apple Layer Cake

A moist and flavorful caramel apple layer cake featuring spiced apple layers generously frosted and drizzled with rich caramel, perfect for autumn gatherings.

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Cooling2 hours hrs

Total Time3 hours hrs

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Caramel Apple Layer Cake

Servings: 12 slices

Calories: 759kcal

Author: Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• measuring cups and spoons
• mixing bowls
• 3 cake pans 8"
• Stand Mixer or hand mixer
• Saucepan
• whisk

Ingredients

Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1-1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1-1/2 tsp apple pie spice
• 1/2 tsp table salt
• 1-1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs room temperature
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (full fat), room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tsp maple extract
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• 1 cup grated apples

Maple Frosting:

• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1-1/4 cups packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. apple pie spice
• 1/2 tsp table salt
• 1 tsp maple extract
• 5 cups confectioners' sugar

Other Additions:

• 3/4 cup purchased or homemade caramel sauce
• sea salt
• apple slices (optional garnish)
• walnuts (optional garnish)

Instructions

Cake:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease three 8-inch cake pans. Set them aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
  3 cups all-purpose flour , 1-1/2 tsp baking soda, 1-1/2 tsp apple pie spice, 1/2 tsp table salt
• Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the yogurt, applesauce, and maple extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
  1-1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, 2 cups granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt , 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 tsp maple extract
• Alternate between adding the flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with the flour (three additions of flour and two of milk). Mix until just combined after each addition, being careful not to overmix.
  1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• Gently fold in shredded apples.
  1 cup grated apples
• Divide the batter evenly among the three cake pans. Bake on the middle rack until the centers spring back when lightly pressed, about 30 minutes.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Maple Frosting:

• For the frosting, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the heavy cream, brown sugar, apple pie spice and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, whisking frequently. Transfer to a large heatproof bowl and let cool slightly for about 10 minutes. Stir in the maple extract.
  2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, 1/3 cup heavy cream, 1-1/4 cups packed dark brown sugar, 1/2 tsp table salt, 1 tsp maple extract, 1/2 tsp. apple pie spice
• Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until the frosting is fluffy.
  5 cups confectioners' sugar
• Mix for 2–3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the confectioners' sugar is fully incorporated. Add milk to thin the frosting or more confectioners' sugar to thicken, if needed.

Frosting the Cake:

• Ensure the cake layers are level by trimming any domed tops. Use a large knife to slice evenly across the top of each layer.
• Place a small spoonful of frosting in the center of a cake stand to secure the cake, then set one cake layer on top.
• Spread about 2/3 cup of frosting over the first layer, pushing it out to the edges. Spoon 1/4 cup of caramel sauce on top, spreading it evenly, and sprinkle with sea salt. Repeat the process with the second layer.
  3/4 cup purchased or homemade caramel sauce , sea salt
• Frost the top layer with the remaining frosting, drizzle caramel over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Optional: Garnish with sliced apples and walnuts for an extra touch.
  apple slices (optional garnish), walnuts (optional garnish)

Notes

For optimal outcomes when preparing this caramel apple layer 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.

©noblepig.com. All content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing this recipe is encouraged and appreciated, but copying and/or pasting the full recipe to social media or other platforms is strictly prohibited.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Caramel Apple Layer Cake

Amount Per Serving (268 g)

Calories 759 Calories from Fat 288

% Daily Value*

Fat 32g49%

Saturated Fat 19g119%

Trans Fat 1.2g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g

Monounsaturated Fat 9.2g

Cholesterol 130mg43%

Sodium 457mg20%

Potassium 157mg4%

Carbohydrates 66g22%

Fiber 1.3g5%

Sugar 47g52%

Protein 8g16%

Vitamin A 286IU6%

Vitamin C 0.6mg1%

Calcium 91.1mg9%

Iron 1.9mg11%

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

Have you tried this Caramel Apple Layer Cake? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know how it turned out.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.