Granny Smiths Golden Delight a Caramel Apple Cake

Granny Smiths Golden Delight apple cake with caramel sauce

By Emily CollinsSeptember 18, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever feel like baking something proper comforting? I do. What is more inviting than an apple cake with caramel sauce wafting through your kitchen? This recipe hits all the right notes.

It's a classic with a touch of homemade luxury.

Granny Smith Goodness

This apple cake with caramel sauce is like a warm hug. It's the perfect caramel apple dessert for the chilly season.

This is an easy apple cake recipe that takes a classic and makes it shine.

From Old World to Your Kitchen

The marriage of apple and caramel is timeless. It is transcending cultures and palates. This cake brings that tradition right to your table.

This Granny Smith apple cake is a great example of British comfort food. I would say it can be classified as fall dessert with apples.

It requires a bit of effort, but it's totally worth it. It yields about 8-10 servings.

Why This Recipe Rocks

This apple cake recipe caramel offers a delightful blend of sweet and tart. The apples give fibre and the caramel sauce creates a taste of pure indulgence.

Picture this: a slice of this cake, a cup of tea, and a roaring fire. This apple cake with salted caramel is also a perfect dessert for afternoon tea or a cosy family gathering.

I swear this is one of the best apple cake recipes .

Gather 'Round the Ingredients!

Now, let's chat about the stars of the show. The apple cake with brown sugar caramel starts with flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and the key ingredient: Granny Smith apples!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, ready to dive into making this epic apple cake with caramel sauce ? It's easier than you think, promise! Let's break down what you'll need.

Main Ingredients: Your Shopping List

Here's the lowdown on the stars of the show. Don't worry, it’s not rocket science!

All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (190g) .
Baking powder: 1 teaspoon .
Baking soda: ½ teaspoon .
Salt: ¼ teaspoon .
Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) , softened.
Granulated sugar: ¾ cup (150g) .
Large eggs: 2 .
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon .
Buttermilk: ½ cup (120ml) . Honestly, this gives a great texture.
Granny Smith apples: 3 medium (about 500g) , peeled, cored, and diced. Granny Smiths are the perfect Granny Smith apple cake for that tangy kick.
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon .
Pecans or walnuts (optional): 2 tablespoons , chopped.
Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100g) .
Water: ¼ cup (60ml) .
Heavy cream: ¼ cup (60ml) .
Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (28g) .
Salt: ¼ teaspoon .
Vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon .

About the apples, make sure they’re firm and not bruised. A little tartness is what we're after in this apple cake recipe caramel .

Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up

Let's talk flavor boosters for this Granny Smith apple cake .

For spices, cinnamon is your best friend. A dash goes a long way. Vanilla extract is essential . For a nutty depth, brown sugar can replace some of the granulated sugar in both the cake and the homemade caramel sauce for apple cake .

If you're feeling fancy, a pinch of sea salt in the apple cake with salted caramel sauce elevates everything. Trust me on this one.

If you love fall desserts with apples as much as I do, this one has earned a spot on your autumn baking recipes list.

Equipment Needed: The Bare Essentials

No fancy gadgets needed for this easy apple cake recipe .

9 inch springform pan.
Mixing bowls, various sizes.
Electric mixer (stand or hand held).
Rubber spatula.
Saucepan.
Whisk.
Paring knife.

If you don't have a springform pan, a regular cake pan works too. Just line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

A wooden spoon can stand in for a spatula. Remember always using the right equipment could elevate your best apple cake recipes .

Let's make some magic together with this apple cake with brown sugar caramel sauce.

Cooking Method: Baking Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce

This apple cake with caramel sauce is the ultimate fall desserts with apples . It's like Granny Smith apple cake meets a hug.

Honestly, it's one of the best apple cake recipes I've ever made! Let's dive into the method for this easy caramel apple dessert .

I'll share some tricks I've learned along the way. I was trying so hard to remember everything that I had to include.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Okay, first things first: the mise en place is key. It’s french for "everything in its place." Get all your ingredients measured out.

Peel and dice those three medium Granny Smith apples (about 500g). Toss them with a tablespoon of lemon juice. This stops them turning brown.

It looks so bad, you know? Grease and flour your 9 inch springform pan. And preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .

Don’t skip this! I swear it’s so annoying when you don’t and you have to wait longer.

step-by-step Baking Process

Whisk 1 ½ cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt together.
Cream ½ cup softened butter with ¾ cup sugar. It’ll take about 3 minutes until it's light and fluffy.
Beat in two eggs, one at a time. Add 1 tsp vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and ½ cup buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in your apples and 2 tablespoons chopped nuts, if you're using them.
Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 50- 60 minutes . Or until a skewer comes out clean.

Pro Tips for Cake Perfection

Don't overmix the batter. Seriously. It'll make your cake tough. I have a friend who’s done this a lot and she always complains, like, "Oh my gosh! I just want a soft cake!.

" For an apple cake recipe caramel , make sure to use room temperature ingredients. It helps the batter come together.

If you're looking for an easy apple cake recipe , this is a great starting point! I once tried to rush the cooling process.

It was a disaster. Let the cake cool completely.

Caramel Sauce Simplified

Making a homemade caramel sauce for apple cake can seem intimidating. Don't sweat it. Combine ½ cup sugar with ¼ cup water.

Cook it until it's a golden amber colour. Watch it like a hawk. It burns easily. Carefully whisk in ¼ cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons butter.

Simmer on low for 1- 2 minutes . Add ¼ tsp salt and ½ tsp vanilla extract. Drizzle that delicious apple cake with brown sugar caramel (or salted caramel if you like!).

You will have the best cake!

Recipe Notes for Your Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce

Okay, so you're ready to tackle this Granny Smith apple cake ? Brilliant! Before you dive in, let's cover a few things.

Honestly, these notes are the difference between a good apple cake recipe caramel and a showstopper . I've baked this apple cake with caramel sauce so many times, I've learned a thing or two.

Serving Suggestions That'll Wow!

First impressions matter, right? For plating, think rustic charm. Dust the caramel apple dessert with a little icing sugar. A sprig of mint adds a pop of colour! Serve warm.

Vanilla ice cream? A must . Complementary drinks? A cozy cup of chai or a crisp apple cider. Oh my gosh, it's so good!

Storage Secrets: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, so you’ve got leftovers of this amazing easy apple cake recipe ? Store it properly! In the fridge, this apple cake with salted caramel will last for about 3 days.

Use an airtight container. Freezing it? Absolutely! Wrap it well, and it’ll keep for up to 2 months. For reheating, a gentle oven warm-up is best.

Avoid the microwave for the best texture. No one wants a soggy cake!

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

Got dietary needs? No worries! To make this apple cake with caramel sauce gluten-free, swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend.

dairy-free? Use vegan butter and almond milk. Feel free to experiment! For seasonal swaps, try pears instead of apples in the autumn.

Spiced Granny Smith apple cake with cinnamon during the fall desserts with apples ? Now you're talking!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Fun!

Okay, let’s get real about the nutrition. I am not a doctor, nor I play one on the internet! This homemade caramel sauce for apple cake is delicious, but it does contains sugar.

Apples offer fiber and vitamins, but it's still cake. The benefit? Pure, unadulterated happiness. I think eating apple cake with brown sugar caramel will bring smile in your face.

. So, everything in moderation, yeah?

I think this apple cake with caramel sauce will become one of your best apple cake recipes , perfect for any occasion.

Embrace the joy of autumn baking recipes and go make the best apple cake recipe caramel you can! Go for it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this apple cake with caramel sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The apple cake itself can be baked a day or two in advance. Just wrap it tightly in cling film to prevent it from drying out. You can also make the caramel sauce ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and gently reheat it before serving.

Just like prepping for the Bake Off, doing it in advance can save you time!

What's the best way to store leftover apple cake with caramel sauce?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The caramel sauce can make the cake a little sticky, so it's best to keep it chilled. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Fancy a warm slice? Just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked feeling.

My caramel sauce is too thick or too thin, what did I do wrong?

Caramel can be a bit temperamental, innit? If it's too thick, you likely cooked it for too long. Add a tablespoon of water at a time while gently heating it and stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.

If it's too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens, keeping a close eye so it doesn't burn!

Can I substitute ingredients in this apple cake with caramel sauce recipe?

Of course! Baking is all about getting creative. For a dairy-free version, try using plant based butter, almond milk with a splash of lemon for buttermilk, and coconut cream for the caramel sauce. You can also swap out the Granny Smith apples for other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji, depending on your preference.

Just like jazz, baking accepts improvisation.

Is this apple cake with caramel sauce healthy?

Let's be honest, it's cake! While this apple cake with caramel sauce contains fruit and some fiber, it's also a treat that's higher in sugar and fat. Moderation is key. Consider using less sugar in the cake and caramel sauce, or serving smaller slices to balance enjoyment with healthier eating habits.

I don't have a springform pan, can I still make this apple cake with caramel sauce?

Absolutely! While a springform pan makes it easier to remove the cake, you can use a regular 9 inch cake pan. Just be sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly, and line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance.

Once cooled, you may need to carefully invert the cake onto a plate and then flip it back over before drizzling with that glorious caramel sauce.