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.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Caramel Apple Layer Cake

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Cooling 2

Total Time 3

Servings slices

Calories 759kcal

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.

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Nutrition