Caramelized Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake: A Delicious Fall Treat

Introduction

Fall is here, and there’s nothing more comforting than a slice of Caramelized Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake. The rich cinnamon flavor of the cake combined with the soft, caramelized apples and luscious caramel sauce creates the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a holiday gathering, this cake is sure to impress your family and guests. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe for a warm, melt-in-your-mouth treat that you won’t want to miss!

Ingredients

For the Loaf Cake:

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

For the Caramelized Apple Topping:

• 1 large apple (peeled, cored, and chopped)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground 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
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Loaf Cake

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour 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 powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with sour cream. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Topping

1. Caramelize the Apples: In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir occasionally and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the apples are tender and caramelized. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. Cook Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves. Once the mixture begins to bubble, pour in the heavy cream and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Top with Caramelized Apples: Once the cake has cooled, spoon the caramelized apples evenly over the top of the cake.
2. Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Pour the homemade caramel sauce generously over the apples, allowing it to seep into the cake for added sweetness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve: Slice and serve this caramel apple delight on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors with every bite.
2. Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Pro Tips:

• Apple Varieties: For a sweet and tart combination, use Granny Smith apples, or choose Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter option.
• Add Some Nuts: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple topping.
• Vegan Variation: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and the eggs with flax eggs to make the recipe vegan-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Cake:

• A Fall Favorite: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and caramel is the epitome of autumn flavors, making it perfect for the season.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an after-dinner treat or a special holiday dessert.
• Easy to Make: Despite its rich and indulgent flavors, this loaf cake is incredibly easy to prepare and bake.

Conclusion

This Caramelized Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake is the ultimate fall dessert, combining tender cake, sweet caramelized apples, and smooth caramel sauce. It’s the perfect treat for cozy gatherings or a sweet end to any meal. Try making this cake today and watch it become a family favorite!