Caramel Apple Cake: A Great Dessert Option to Serve at Christmas Dinner
There’s something magical about the combination of sweet caramel and crisp apples—a flavor pairing that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly winter night. This year, why not bring that comfort and warmth to your Christmas table with a Caramel Apple Cake?
Rich, moist, and filled with festive flavors, this dessert is a delicious twist on traditional holiday treats. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or enjoying a small, intimate celebration, this cake is sure to impress every guest with its rustic charm and irresistible taste.
Why Caramel Apple Cake Is Perfect for Christmas
Christmas desserts often celebrate nostalgia—those comforting, homey flavors that bring everyone together. Caramel Apple Cake fits that theme beautifully.
Here’s why it deserves a place on your holiday menu:
🍎 Seasonal flavors: Apples and caramel capture the essence of fall and winter.
🎄 Comforting aroma: The scent of baked apples, cinnamon, and caramel fills your home with holiday cheer.
🍰 Beautiful presentation: Drizzled with glossy caramel sauce and topped with apple slices or nuts, it looks stunning on any dessert table.
💛 Crowd-pleaser: It’s sweet but not overly heavy—perfect after a hearty Christmas meal.
Caramel Apple Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
2 cups peeled, diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Caramel Glaze:
½ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in apples and nuts.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly.
Make the caramel glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cream; bring to a gentle boil for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat, add vanilla and salt, and let cool slightly until it thickens.
Drizzle and serve: Pour the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake. Garnish with thin apple slices or extra nuts for a festive touch.
Serving Tips
