Caramel Apple Cake with Caramel Drizzle
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This caramel apple cake with caramel drizzle is pure comfort in every bite. It is soft, warmly spiced, and topped with a generous layer of sweet caramel. Best of all, it makes a cozy dessert for family and friends without asking you to spend the afternoon in the kitchen.
The recipe brings together a box of yellow cake mix, or spice cake mix, a 21-ounce can of apple pie filling, two beaten eggs, two teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and a 12-ounce jar of caramel ice cream topping. A little caramel goes into the batter, while the rest coats the warm cake. As a result, you get tender cake, sweet apple pieces, and a rich caramel finish.
To make it, simply stir the ingredients together, spread the thick batter in a prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, and bake at 350°F for about 30 to 35 minutes. Then pour the remaining caramel over the cake while it is still warm. Let it cool for about 30 minutes so the topping can settle in, then slice and serve.
This caramel apple cake is right at home on a chilly evening, at a fall gathering, or on a potluck dessert table. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an especially cozy treat. And since the recipe serves 12, it is easy to share.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cake with Caramel Drizzle
- It is quick to prepare. The hands-on prep takes about 10 minutes. Then the oven does most of the work.
- It uses simple ingredients. Cake mix, canned apple pie filling, eggs, cinnamon, and caramel make a dessert with very little fuss.
- It tastes like fall. Cinnamon, soft apples, and caramel bring classic autumn flavors to every slice.
- It is easy to share. Bake it in a 9×13-inch pan, then cut it into 12 servings for a family dinner or potluck.
- It is easy to make ahead. Bake the cake in advance, store it covered, and serve it later. You can also freeze portions for another day.
Apple Tips
The apple pie filling brings both the fruit and much of the moisture to this cake. Choose a 21-ounce can with apple slices that look intact, and check the label if you prefer a particular level of sweetness or spice. Before adding it, give the filling a gentle stir so the apples and syrup are evenly distributed. If you want larger pieces in the finished cake, mix the batter on low and stop as soon as everything is combined.
Options for Substitutions
- Use spice cake mix: Swap the yellow cake mix for spice cake mix for a deeper, warmer flavor. Since the filling and cinnamon already add spice, the result will be especially fragrant.
- Use another fruit filling: Cherry or peach pie filling can work in place of apple pie filling. The flavor will change, and the texture may vary with the fruit.
- Try homemade apple filling: Use a similar amount of prepared apple filling if you have some on hand. Make sure it is not overly watery, since extra liquid can affect how the cake bakes.
- Change the spice: Replace some or all of the cinnamon with apple pie spice. Start with a smaller amount if your spice blend contains strong flavors such as cloves or nutmeg.
- Choose a different caramel topping: A thick caramel dessert sauce can stand in for the ice cream topping. Use a pourable sauce so it spreads easily over the warm cake.
- Add a crunchy finish: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel after baking. This is an optional addition that gives the soft cake a little crunch.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
Do not overmix the batter. The apple pie filling contains soft pieces of fruit, and too much mixing can break them down. Instead, mix on low for just 1 to 2 minutes, or stop when the ingredients are combined.
The batter will be thick, so spread it evenly into the prepared pan before baking. If one side is much thicker than the other, the cake may bake unevenly. Also, coat the pan with nonstick cooking spray so slices are easier to serve.
Check the cake near the 30-minute mark. Ovens vary, so baking may take up to 35 minutes. Look for a golden top that springs back when lightly touched, and test the center with a toothpick or knife. It should come out clean and dry.
Finally, add the remaining caramel while the cake is warm, not after it has fully cooled. The warm surface helps the topping spread and settle into the cake. Then allow about 30 minutes for cooling before slicing, so the caramel has time to absorb.
What to Serve With Caramel Apple Cake with Caramel Drizzle?
This cake pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt if you want a tangier contrast. For a cozy dessert spread, serve it with hot coffee, black tea, or warm apple cider. Since the cake is sweet and rich, simple sides and drinks help balance each slice.
Storage Instructions
Store: Once the cake has cooled, cover the baking dish or transfer slices to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. For the best texture, let a slice sit at room temperature briefly before serving.
Freeze: Freeze individual slices or larger portions for up to 3 months. Wrap each portion tightly, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or thaw a slice in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: For the microwave, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and warm it in short bursts until heated through. For the stovetop, place a slice in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a teaspoon of water to the pan if needed, and warm gently until the cake is hot. Avoid high heat, which can make the caramel overly runny or scorch the cake.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes, plus 30 minutes cooling
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 12
- Calories: 265 kcal per serving
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
These are approximate per-serving ranges and may vary by cake mix, apple pie filling, and caramel topping brand.
- Calories: 240 to 290 kcal
- Protein: 3 to 5 g
- Fat: 7 to 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 to 50 g
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix)
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 jar (12 oz) caramel ice cream topping, divided (1/4 cup in the batter, the rest poured over the baked cake)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Heat the oven to 350°F. Then coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set the pan aside while you mix the batter.
Step 2: Combine the Batter Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the dry cake mix, apple pie filling, beaten eggs, 1/4 cup of the caramel topping, and cinnamon. Mix on low with an electric or stand mixer for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep the mixing gentle if you want larger apple pieces. The batter will be thick.
Step 3: Spread the Batter and Bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is ready when the top is golden, the center springs back when lightly touched, and a toothpick or knife inserted in the middle comes out clean and dry.
Step 4: Add the Caramel and Cool
While the cake is still warm, pour the remaining caramel topping over the top and spread it evenly. Some caramel may run over the sides. Let the cake cool for about 30 minutes so it can absorb much of the topping. Then slice and serve, with vanilla ice cream if you like.
Step 5: Store Leftovers
After the cake cools, wrap the leftovers or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. For a warm serving, reheat a slice gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat.
Conclusion
This caramel apple cake is an easy dessert made with cake mix, apple pie filling, cinnamon, and plenty of caramel. It bakes in one pan, serves 12, and needs only a short time to cool before serving. Make it for your next family meal or gathering, then come back and share how it turned out. If you enjoy simple fruit desserts, explore more easy cake recipes for your next cozy occasion.
Caramel Apple Cake with Caramel Drizzle
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, add the dry cake mix, apple pie filling, beaten eggs, 1/4 cup of the caramel topping, and cinnamon. Mix on low with an electric mixer for 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to overmix.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Pour the remaining caramel topping over the warm cake and spread it evenly. Allow the cake to cool for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Once cooled, cover the baking dish or transfer slices to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
