Caramel Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake: A Sweet and Cozy Delight

Introduction

If you love the combination of warm spices and sweet apples, this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake is your new go-to recipe! This cake is moist, tender, and topped with caramelized apples, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. With its perfect blend of cinnamon-spiced apples and a rich caramel sauce, it’s an ideal dessert for fall, but honestly, it can be enjoyed year-round. Read on to make your own delicious loaf cake with caramel apple goodness!

Ingredients

For the Loaf Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

For the Apple Topping:

• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Loaf Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until creamy and light in texture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate with Sour Cream and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Topping

1. Cook the Apples: While the cake is baking, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

1. Melt Butter and Brown Sugar: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is bubbling.
2. Add Heavy Cream and Vanilla: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Top with Caramelized Apples: Once the cake has cooled, spread the caramelized apples evenly on top of the loaf.
2. Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Pour the caramel sauce over the apples, letting it drizzle down the sides of the cake. Feel free to use as much or as little sauce as you like.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve: Slice the cake into thick pieces and serve immediately for a comforting treat, or chill it and enjoy later.
2. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Pro Tips:

• Apple Variety: Different apples create different textures and flavors in the cake. If you prefer a tart contrast to the sweet caramel, go for Granny Smith apples. For sweeter options, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work beautifully.
• Add Nuts: If you love crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the caramelized apples before baking or mixing into the batter.
• Vegan Alternative: To make the cake vegan-friendly, substitute the eggs with a flax egg and use plant-based sour cream and butter alternatives.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy: The warm cinnamon and soft apples combine with the sweet caramel for a perfect fall-inspired flavor.
• Rich Caramel Sauce: The caramel sauce brings an indulgent richness to the cake, making every bite a little bit more special.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, this recipe is easy enough for beginner bakers to enjoy without any hassle.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. With its soft, moist texture, sweet apple topping, and irresistible caramel drizzle, it’s perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or enjoying a cozy treat, this loaf cake brings comfort and warmth to the table.