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Caramel Apple Cake

Course Dessert

Ingredients

Spiced Apple Cake:

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
  • ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 1 cup plant-based milk almond, soy, or oat
  • 1 cup dairy-free yogurt soy or coconut
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated apples about 2 large apples

Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • ½ cup dairy-free butter
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk full-fat
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp sea salt

Caramel Buttercream:

  • 1 cup dairy-free butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup caramel sauce from above
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-4 tbsp plant-based milk

Instructions

Prepare the Spiced Apple Cake:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice.
  • In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, plant-based milk, dairy-free yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Fold in the grated apples.
  • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the light brown sugar, dairy-free butter, and canned coconut milk.
  • Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
  • Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Caramel Buttercream:

  • In a large bowl, beat the dairy-free butter until creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
  • Add the caramel sauce and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  • Add plant-based milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.

Assemble the Cake:

  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
  • Spread a layer of caramel sauce over the cake layer.
  • Spread a layer of caramel buttercream over the caramel sauce.
  • Repeat with the second cake layer.
  • Place the third cake layer on top.

Frost the Cake:

  • Spread the remaining caramel buttercream evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
  • Drizzle the top with more caramel sauce, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.

Serve:

  • Allow the cake to set for a bit before slicing and serving.
  • Enjoy this rich, spiced, and indulgent Caramel Apple Cake!

Notes

  • Grated Apples: Use fresh, crisp apples for the best texture and flavor.
  • Caramel Sauce: Ensure the sauce cools to room temperature before using it in the buttercream to avoid melting the frosting.
  • Serving: This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature for the ultimate creamy and moist texture.