Easy Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Frosting

Sliced apple cake topped with frosting, caramel sauce, and apple slices on a table

4.94 from 30 votes

Easy Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Frosting

This apple cake is so easy to make and the salted caramel frosting takes it to the next level. The applesauce and the fresh apples result in an intense apple flavor that perfectly complements the cinnamon-spiced cake. You can serve this for dessert or even for breakfast with a cup of coffee! And because the cake is so moist and soft, it can be served with or without caramel icing.

Prep Time30

Cook Time30

Total Time1

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 526kcal

Author: Also The Crumbs Please

Ingredients

Applesauce Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup vegetable or canola oil
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsweetened applesauce*
1 cup chopped peeled apples (about 1 large)

Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
¼ cup caramel sauce or syrup
pinch of salt (or to taste)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch (cm) square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and set aside.
In another large bowl, whisk the eggs and brown sugar for 1-2 minutes until combined. While whisking, gradually add the oil and whisk until everything is well mixed. Add the vanilla and applesauce and whisk to combine. Then, add the flour mixture and whisk just to combine, and no lumps remain. Fold in the apples.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 28-34 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.
In a large bowl, with an electric mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, add the butter, powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and salt, and beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until creamy and combined.
Spread the frosting on the cooled cake and serve with additional caramel sauce if you like. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Video

Notes

It is best to use applesauce, which is smooth like puree, with no apple pieces. If you're using chunky Bramley apple sauce, blitz it in the food processor until it's smooth. You will need all of the moisture in the sauce for the cake, and additional pieces of fresh apple are folded into the batter for maximum flavor.

Nutrition