This Easy Caramel Apple Toffee Cake is a warm dessert that combines soft cake, sweet apples, and a drizzle of rich caramel. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple treat at home!
Trust me, every bite feels like a hug! I love serving this cake warm with a scoop of ice cream on the side. It’s hard to share when it’s this good! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the cake. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or gluten-free flour if needed. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 blend for best results.
Apples: Granny Smith apples bring a lovely tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji also work great for sweetness. If you’re out of fresh apples, canned apple slices (drained well) can be used in a pinch.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both add moisture and tang. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use plain yogurt or even applesauce for a fruitier flavor.
Toffee Bits: If you can’t find toffee bits, you can chop up your favorite toffee candy, like Heath bars. Alternatively, use chocolate chips for a different, yet delicious flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Cake Is Moist and Fluffy?
Getting the cake’s texture just right is crucial! Here are some tips:
- Be sure to measure your flour correctly — too much can make the cake dry. Use the spoon and level method for accuracy.
- When creaming butter and sugar, mix until light and fluffy; this adds air for a tender texture.
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined for the best fluffiness!
- Keep an eye on bake time; overbaking leads to dryness. Start checking with a toothpick at the 40-minute mark.
Follow these tricks, and you’ll have a cake that’s both moist and decadent every time! Enjoy your baking adventure!
How to Make Easy Caramel Apple Toffee Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Add-ins:
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¾ cup toffee bits (or chopped toffee candy)
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- Optional: Sea salt flakes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cake takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll want to let it cool for about 15 minutes before digging in. Total time: around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square or round baking pan to make sure the cake comes out easily.
2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will be your dry mix for the cake.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—it should look pale and aerated!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Next, alternately add the dry mixture and the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the creamed butter mixture. Start with the dry ingredients and finish with them; mix just until everything is combined! You want to keep it fluffy!
6. Fold in Apples and Toffee:
Gently fold in the chopped apples and toffee bits. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cake light.
7. Pour and Drizzle:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Now, drizzle the ½ cup of caramel sauce over the batter, allowing it to sink slightly into the cake as it bakes.
8. Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check with a toothpick around the 40-minute mark. It’s done when the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Afterward, drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top for that delicious finish! If you like, sprinkle some sea salt flakes over the caramel to enhance the flavor.
10. Enjoy!
Your Easy Caramel Apple Toffee Cake is ready! Serve it warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Enjoy every delicious bite!
This cake is bursting with the sweet and tart flavors of apples, crunchy toffee bites, and rich caramel—all coming together in one delightful dessert! Enjoy your baking!
FAQ for Easy Caramel Apple Toffee Cake
Can I Use Different Apples for This Cake?
Yes, absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use any apple variety you prefer. Fuji and Gala apples will add a sweeter flavor, while Cortlands work well for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
How Do I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap before freezing!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best results. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Caramel Sauce?
If you don’t have caramel sauce on hand, you can substitute it with a homemade caramel or use a butterscotch sauce for a different twist. You could also opt for a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, though it will change the flavor profile a bit!
