Get the Best Miss Brown Apple Caramel Cake Recipe
This autumnal dessert is a comforting, layered confection featuring tender apple slices, rich caramel, and a moist, spiced cake. The combination offers a symphony of sweet and warm flavors, perfect for cooler days and cozy gatherings. It is a delightful alternative to traditional apple pie, providing a unique textural experience.
Equipment
- Oven – For baking the cake at 350°F (175°C)
- 9x13 inch baking pan – Standard rectangular pan for this cake
- Mixing bowls (2–3 sizes) – For dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and final batter
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurately measuring ingredients
- Whisk – For mixing dry ingredients and incorporating air
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – For creaming butter and sugar until fluffy
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon – For folding and scraping batter
- Knife and cutting board – For peeling, coring, and slicing apples
- Vegetable peeler – To peel apple skins
- Skewer or toothpick – To test cake doneness
- Cooling rack (optional) – To let the cake cool evenly after baking
- Spoon or drizzle bottle (optional) – For drizzling caramel sauce over the cake
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 medium apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup prepared caramel sauce plus extra for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. Ensuring even baking and easy release.
- Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These are essential for that warm spice note.
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake crumb.
- Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Ensuring each element fully incorporates into the mixture.
- Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 6: Arrange Apples: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange half of the apple slices evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the apples and arrange the remaining apple slices on top. This arrangement ensures an even distribution of apple throughout the cake.
- Step 7: Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking process turns simple ingredients into a wonderful delicacy.
- Step 8: Drizzle with Caramel: Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before drizzling with the prepared caramel sauce. The cake is now almost ready to serve and enjoy.
- Step 9: Serve: Cut into squares and serve warm. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce if desired.
- Optional Tips: For a nuttier flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter. If buttermilk is unavailable, substitute with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.
Notes
Variations
The core “miss brown apple caramel cake” recipe provides a flexible foundation for experimentation. Adaptations can cater to personal preferences, dietary needs, or regional influences.
- Ingredient Swaps:
- Pears may replace apples for a subtle flavor shift.
- Spelt or whole wheat flour can substitute for all-purpose flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
- Coconut sugar or maple syrup can replace granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index.
- Regional Twists:
- Adding a splash of bourbon or apple brandy to the caramel sauce enhances the depth of flavor, reminiscent of Southern baking traditions.
- Incorporating dried cranberries or cherries adds a New England-inspired touch.
- Substituting traditional warm spices with cardamom and ginger offers a Scandinavian variation.
- Dietary Adjustments:
- A gluten-free version can be achieved using a gluten-free flour blend.
- A dairy-free adaptation involves substituting butter with coconut oil and buttermilk with a plant-based alternative (almond or soy milk mixed with lemon juice).
- Reducing the amount of sugar or using a sugar substitute makes it suitable for those monitoring sugar intake.