Caramel Apple Spice Snack Cake: Your Perfect Fall Baking Companion

Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with our delightful Caramel Apple Spice Snack Cake! This vintage-inspired recipe delivers a remarkably moist, tender crumb packed with sweet apple bits and crowned with an irresistible salted caramel glaze. It’s the quintessential dessert for fall baking, incredibly easy to prepare, and guarantees to fill your home with the warm, comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon.

Whether you’re battling a sudden sweet tooth craving or simply yearning for a taste of nostalgic comfort, this apple spice snack cake is your ideal go-to treat. Each bite transports you back to simpler times, evoking cherished childhood memories with its rich, balanced flavors. It’s truly perfect for a casual snack, a heartwarming dessert after dinner, or a charming addition to any festive gathering during the harvest season.

Why You’ll Adore This Homemade Apple Spice Cake

There’s nothing quite like a classic, homemade spice cake brimming with fresh apples to usher in the autumn season. This recipe celebrates simplicity without compromising on flavor or texture. You can whip up this delectable cake in mere minutes, making it an excellent choice for impromptu baking sessions or when you need a quick, impressive dessert.

The magic truly happens with the salted caramel glaze. Crafted from just a few staple ingredients – butter, powdered sugar, and rich caramel sauce – it comes together effortlessly. This luscious topping adds a layer of sweet-and-salty sophistication that perfectly complements the spiced apple cake beneath. The moment it starts baking, your kitchen will be enveloped in the inviting scents of apple, cinnamon, and caramel, creating an ambiance that’s pure autumn bliss.

Gather Your Ingredients for This Irresistible Cake

Creating this magnificent Caramel Apple Spice Snack Cake begins with a selection of readily available ingredients. Freshness and proper measurement are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and that signature moist texture. Below you’ll find everything you need for both the spiced apple cake and its glorious caramel glaze.

Caramel Apple Spice Snack Cake Ingredients

All-purpose flour: Measured correctly for optimal cake structure and tenderness.
Baking soda: The essential leavening agent for a light and fluffy cake.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Provides that warm, classic autumnal spice.
Ground nutmeg: A subtle complement to the cinnamon, adding depth.
Unsalted butter: Softened to cream smoothly with the sugar, contributing to moisture and richness.
Granulated sugar: Or a suitable sugar-free alternative like Monkfruit Classic Sweetener, to sweeten the cake.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture.
Buttermilk: Contributes to the cake’s tender crumb and subtle tang. Easily homemade with milk and vinegar/lemon juice.
Walnuts (optional): Chopped, for a delightful nutty crunch and added texture.
Small apples: Two small apples, such as Granny Smiths, finely chopped (¼ – ⅓ inch thick) or grated, for sweet and tangy bursts throughout the cake.

Decadent Caramel Glaze Ingredients

Unsalted butter: Forms the rich base of our glaze.
Milk of choice or heavy cream: For desired consistency and creaminess.
Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze. Use Lakanto Powdered Monkfruit Sweetener for a sugar-free option.
Salted or regular caramel sauce: Homemade or store-bought, providing the signature caramel flavor. Opt for a sugar-free caramel sauce for a sugar-free version.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Caramel Apple Snack Cake

This recipe is designed for ease and enjoyment, making it accessible even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping dessert that will impress everyone.

Preparing the Apple Spice Snack Cake

Prepare the sour milk (buttermilk alternative): In a measuring cup, combine ½ cup of your preferred milk with 1 ½ teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice. Stir gently and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. This process will cause the milk to curdle slightly, mimicking the properties of buttermilk, which is essential for the cake’s texture and moistness.
Preheat and prepare your baking pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8×8 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. For effortless removal, you may choose to line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. If you desire a larger cake for more servings, simply double all recipe ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan.
Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly combined. This ensures even distribution of spices and leavening.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer set to medium speed, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar (or Monkfruit sweetener) together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air, contributing to the cake’s tender crumb. Beat in the large egg until fully incorporated.
Alternate wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture alternately with the prepared sour milk to the butter-sugar mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed with the electric mixer, beating well after each addition, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
Fold in apples and walnuts: Gently stir in the chopped apples and optional walnuts. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan.
Bake to perfection: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The exact baking time may vary based on your oven and pan size.
Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. You can glaze it while slightly warm for a meltier coating or wait until it’s completely cooled for a firmer set.

Crafting the Luscious Caramel Glaze

Melt butter and milk: In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the unsalted butter and milk of choice until the butter is completely melted. This should only take about 30-60 seconds.
Combine with powdered sugar and caramel: Gradually stir in the powdered sugar (or Lakanto Powdered Monkfruit Sweetener) until a smooth, thick consistency is achieved. Then, stir in the salted or regular caramel sauce until well combined. If using regular caramel sauce and desiring a sweet and salty contrast, add a pinch of sea salt to the glaze.
Glaze and set: Pour the caramel glaze evenly over the warm or cooled cake. You might not need to use all of it, depending on your preferred glaze thickness. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Optional toppings: For an extra touch, you can drizzle additional caramel sauce on top, dust with extra powdered sugar, or for a classic touch, consider a rich cream cheese frosting!

Essential Baking Tips for Your Caramel Apple Spice Cake

Achieving a perfect Caramel Apple Spice Snack Cake every time is easy with a few simple tips. These insights will help you customize your cake, ensure optimal texture, and enhance its flavor profile.

Pan Size and Servings: This recipe is initially designed for an 8×8 inch pan, yielding approximately 9 generously sized snack cake bars. For larger gatherings or more servings, simply double all the ingredient measurements and bake in a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you desire a thicker 8×8 inch cake, adjust the ingredient quantities to reflect 12 servings from a typical recipe card calculator, which will increase the batter volume for a loftier cake.
The Secret to Moistness: Homemade Buttermilk: These types of tender, flavorful cakes are sometimes referred to as “sour milk cakes” due to the buttermilk’s role. If you don’t have store-bought buttermilk on hand, don’t worry! You can easily make your own. For ½ cup of buttermilk, measure out ½ cup of your preferred milk (dairy or non-dairy) and stir in 1 ½ teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it visibly curdles. This acidity reacts with the baking soda, creating a light, airy crumb and contributing significantly to the cake’s moistness and delicate tang.
Choosing Your Apples: The type of apple you use can influence the cake’s flavor and texture. Tart apples like Granny Smiths are excellent choices as they hold their shape well during baking and provide a lovely contrast to the sweet cake and glaze. Braeburn, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples also work wonderfully. Ensure your apples are finely chopped (¼ to ⅓ inch thick) or grated so they distribute evenly throughout the batter and cook thoroughly, becoming tender and fragrant within the cake.
Optional Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to customize your cake! Besides walnuts, consider stirring in a handful of golden raisins or dried cranberries for added chewiness and sweetness. A pinch of ground cloves or allspice can also be added alongside the cinnamon and nutmeg for a more complex spice profile, though the existing spices are perfectly balanced.
Glaze and Topping Variations: While our salted caramel glaze is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment with other toppings. A simple dusting of powdered sugar offers a classic, elegant finish. For a truly retro and comforting experience, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake. You can also drizzle extra caramel sauce or sprinkle a light layer of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze for added texture and visual appeal. For a gourmet touch, consider adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel glaze; it intensifies the sweet and salty dynamic, especially if you didn’t use a pre-salted caramel sauce.
Serving Suggestions: This cake is phenomenal served at room temperature, but a short warm-up in the microwave (15-20 seconds) truly elevates the experience, especially if it’s been refrigerated. Enjoy it on its own with a cup of coffee or tea, or for an indulgent treat, serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage Tips: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors often deepen beautifully overnight.

How to Make This Apple Snack Cake Sugar-Free

For those mindful of sugar intake or following specific dietary plans, this apple cake recipe can be easily adapted to be completely sugar-free without sacrificing flavor! It’s incredibly delicious, and the results are truly impressive.

Sugar Substitutes: We highly recommend using Monkfruit sweeteners for exceptional sugar-free baking. Brands like Lakanto offer both granulated and powdered forms, which can directly substitute regular sugar and powdered sugar in this recipe. Using these alternatives allows you to enjoy a guilt-free dessert that tastes remarkably similar to its traditional counterpart.
Sugar-Free Caramel Sauce: When making the caramel glaze, ensure you use a sugar-free caramel sauce. Many brands offer excellent sugar-free options that maintain the rich, buttery flavor without added sugars. If you’re making your own sugar-free caramel, ensure all ingredients, including any milk or cream, are also sugar-free where applicable.
Benefits of Sugar-Free Options: Adopting a sugar-free approach can make this delicious snack cake suitable for those with diabetes, following a low-carb, or ketogenic diet. It allows everyone to indulge in the comforting flavors of fall baking.

This Caramel Apple Spice Snack Cake is a truly wonderful dessert for a wide array of occasions. Its warm, comforting flavors make it an ideal centerpiece for Thanksgiving gatherings, a cozy treat during Christmas holidays, or simply anytime you’re craving that perfect blend of caramel and apple. Don’t miss out on this delightful creation!

Discover More Apple Desserts You’ll Love!

If you’re an apple enthusiast, you’re in for a treat! Explore these other fantastic apple-inspired recipes that promise to tantalize your taste buds and expand your baking repertoire:

Apple Cinnamon Bread: A fragrant and tender bread perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ultimate Soft Caramel Apple Drop Cookies: Chewy cookies bursting with apple and caramel goodness.
25 Apple-icious Desserts That’ll Tempt You: A collection of our most tempting apple creations.
Heavenly Baked Apple Dumplings: Tender apples wrapped in pastry, baked to golden perfection.
German Spiced Apple Cake: A rich and aromatic cake with classic spice notes.
10 Tempting Comfort Snack Cakes: More delightful snack cake ideas for any craving.

This tasty Apple Spice Snack Cake truly shines when warmed up slightly. A quick 15-20 seconds in the microwave, especially if it’s been stored in the fridge, brings out all its lovely flavors and makes the glaze wonderfully soft. You absolutely have to try it!

Even More Apple Delights!

Still craving more apple-infused treats? We’ve got you covered with these additional recipes:

Easy Applesauce Bars: Simple, flavorful bars perfect for a quick snack.
Awesome Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe: A comforting bread combining the best of apple fritters.
Salted Caramel Chip Apple Blondies: Chewy blondies loaded with apple chunks and salted caramel chips.
25 Apple-icious Desserts That’ll Tempt You: Another curated list to satisfy all your apple dessert desires.

Apple Spice Snack Cake – Sugar Free Option

Authored by Kim Lange

Caramel and apple flavors truly sing together! This classic, incredibly moist spice cake is generously studded with mini apple pieces and adorned with a delightful salted caramel glaze, making it perfect for the autumn season. It’s incredibly easy to bake and ideal for satisfying a sweet craving or enjoying a nostalgic treat!

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Course: Dessert

Servings: 9 Servings

Ingredients

Apple Spice Snack Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour, measured correctly
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar or Monkfruit Classic Sweetener
1 large egg
½ cup sour milk/buttermilk (1 ½ teaspoons vinegar or lemon juice + ½ cup milk of choice)
⅓ cup walnuts, optional, chopped
2 small apples, chopped small ¼ – ⅓ inch thick or grated

Caramel Glaze

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons milk of choice
1 ¼ cup powdered sugar or Lakanto Powdered Monkfruit Sweetener for sugar-free
3 tablespoons salted or regular caramel sauce, homemade or store-bought (use a sugar-free caramel sauce for sugar-free)

Instructions

Apple Spice Snack Cake

To start, make the sour milk. Measure out ½ cup milk and add 1 ½ teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice and stir. Let milk sit for 5 minutes so it can curdle and sour.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line with parchment paper for easy removal if desired. Double recipe ingredients for a 9×13 pan.
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy using an electric mixer set at medium speed. Beat in the egg.
Add the dry ingredients alternately with the sour milk, beating well after each addition, using an electric mixer set at low speed.
Stir in the walnuts and apples. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes until done.
Cool cake in the pan on a wire rack, unless you want to add glaze while warm.

Caramel Glaze

Microwave the butter and milk until the butter is melted. Gradually stir in the powdered sugar until combined. Stir in the caramel and combine. Add some salt or sea salt if you want a sweet and salty vibe, especially if you don’t have salted caramel sauce. Pour evenly over the warm or cooled cake. Let set for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. You may not use all of it, depending on how thick you want your glaze!
Can also top with additional caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar. Cream cheese frosting is always a delicious option too!

Notes

If you want a thicker cake, consider increasing the serving size to 12 in the ingredient measurements for an 8×8 inch pan.

Keyword: apple, cake, caramel, cinnamon, glaze, salted caramel, snack cake, spice, walnut