Trendy Caramel Apple Snack Cake for Fall
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- Author: lana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (includes cooling time)
- Yield: 9-12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cake:
- Butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), unsalted and melted to create a rich, moist texture. Let it cool slightly before using.
- Light Brown Sugar – 1¾ cups, packed down firmly. This adds moisture and a wonderful caramel note.
- Eggs – 2 large whole eggs plus 1 egg yolk, brought to room temperature for better mixing. The extra yolk adds richness.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon; use real vanilla for the best flavour.
- All-Purpose Flour – 2½ cups, measured by spooning into measuring cups and levelling off.
- Cornstarch – 2 teaspoons. This is our secret ingredient for an extra tender crumb.
- Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon, ensure it’s fresh for proper rise.
- Kosher Salt – 1 teaspoon to enhance all the flavours.
- Apple Pie Spice – ½ teaspoon, or blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Granny Smith Apples – 2 medium (yields about 2¼ cups when diced), chosen for their tartness and ability to hold shape while baking.
For Topping:
- High-quality caramel sauce – enough for drizzling (about ½ cup)
Special Equipment:
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Apple peeler and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Preparation Steps (15 minutes):
- Position your oven rack in the centre and preheat to 350°F
- Line your 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal, or spray thoroughly with cooking spray
- Peel, core, and dice your apples into small ¼-inch pieces
- Gather all ingredients and let eggs come to room temperature
- Making the Batter (20 minutes):
- Start with Wet Ingredients:
- Pour melted butter into a large mixing bowl
- Add brown sugar and whisk until smooth and no lumps remain
- Beat in eggs and extra yolk one at a time, mixing for 30 seconds after each
- Stir in vanilla extract until well blended
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice
- This ensures even distribution of leavening agents
- Combine and Finish:
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in three portions, mixing gently until just combined
- Use a folding motion to avoid overmixing
- When just a few streaks of flour remain, add the diced apples
- Fold gently until apples are evenly distributed
- Baking Process (50-55 minutes):
- Scrape batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula
- Smooth the top gently
- Place in preheated oven
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through
- Test doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs
- Look for golden brown edges and a set centre that springs back when lightly touched
- Finishing Touches:
- Cool in a pan for 15 minutes on a wire rack
- If using parchment, lift the cake out to cool completely
- Once fully cooled (about 2 hours), drizzle generously with caramel sauce
- For clean slices, refrigerate for 30 minutes after adding caramel