Apple Pie Layer Cake is the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts—apple pie and cake—into one indulgent masterpiece. This layered creation features moist brown sugar cake, spiced apple pie filling, and a fluffy caramel frosting that’s hard to resist. Topped off with a drizzle of apple caramel, this cake brings all the flavors of fall into every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting dessert, Apple Pie Layer Cake is a showstopper that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Layer Cake
This Apple Pie Layer Cake stands out for many reasons. First, the cake layers are incredibly spongy and moist, thanks to a blend of brown sugar, sour cream, and buttermilk. Second, the easy apple pie filling brings that perfect balance of sweet and tart, while also adding a lovely texture that contrasts beautifully with the cake. Lastly, the caramel frosting ties everything together with its rich, buttery flavor, and the optional apple caramel drip provides an extra burst of flavor and a stunning visual appeal. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this cake is straightforward to make and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients for the Apple Pie Layer Cake
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cake that provides structure.
- Baking soda & baking powder: These help the cake rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, reminiscent of classic apple pie flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the overall sweetness and balances flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, moist texture in the cake layers.
- Vegetable oil: Adds extra moisture and lightness to the cake.
- Brown sugar: Brings a caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the flavor and helps the cake rise.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a deep, sweet flavor to the cake.
- Sour cream & buttermilk: Keep the cake moist and tender with a slight tang.
Apple Pie Filling:
• Granny Smith apples: These apples hold their shape while baking and bring a perfect tartness.
• Brown sugar: Sweetens the apple filling with deep, molasses-like flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: Complements the apples with a warm spice that enhances the dessert’s overall flavor.
• Lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that helps balance the sweetness of the apples.
Caramel Frosting:
• Unsalted butter: Forms the base of the frosting, giving it a smooth texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds a caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting a light, airy texture.
• Caramel sauce: Deepens the caramel flavor in the frosting for extra richness.
Apple Caramel Drip (optional):
• Reserved apple filling liquid: Provides the perfect consistency for the drip.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the drizzle and gives it a smooth finish.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to adjust this recipe to suit dietary preferences, here are a few ideas:
- Swap the sour cream and buttermilk for a non-dairy version, like coconut yogurt and almond milk, to make this cake dairy-free.
- For a healthier alternative, replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- If you’re not a fan of caramel, consider using cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Pie Layer Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, oil, and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Alternate the wet and dry ingredients: Add ⅓ of the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, followed by the sour cream. Continue alternating with the dry ingredients and milk, finishing with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter.
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 5 minutes in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the apple pie filling: Cook the apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a skillet until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Strain the filling to separate the apples from the liquid. Set both aside to cool.
- Prepare the caramel frosting: Beat the butter and brown sugar together until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, salt, and caramel sauce. Whip until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, pipe a border to hold in the apple filling, and spoon half of the cooled apple pie filling onto the cake. Repeat with the second layer of cake, frosting, and apples. Top with the third layer and frost the entire cake.
- Make the apple caramel drip (optional): Whisk the reserved apple filling liquid and powdered sugar to form a smooth drizzle. Drizzle over the sides of the cake for a beautiful finish.
Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Apple Pie Layer Cake
- Don’t overmix the cake batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense and flat. Mix until just combined.
- Use the right apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for baking as they maintain their shape and have the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Strain the apple filling: This keeps the cake layers from becoming soggy and ensures the apples stay in place.
- Make ahead: This cake can be made in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate it until ready to serve.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Your Apple Pie Layer Cake
Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream for an extra indulgence. You could also top it with some candied nuts for crunch or even serve it with a dollop of whipped cream. For variations, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling or a splash of bourbon to the caramel frosting for a unique twist. This cake also makes a great holiday dessert or a showstopper for birthdays and special occasions.
Seasonal Touches and Health Benefits
The Apple Pie Layer Cake brings the essence of fall right to your plate. With the rich flavors of cinnamon, apple, and caramel, it’s the perfect dessert for any autumn gathering. Plus, apples provide a boost of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, making this dessert a little bit healthier than your average cake (if only just a little!).
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a weekend treat, this Apple Pie Layer Cake is bound to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Apple Pie Layer Cake Experience
This Apple Pie Layer Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Combining the comfort of apple pie with the indulgence of a layered cake, it offers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. The moist cake layers, warm apple filling, and rich caramel frosting come together to create a showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this cake will certainly impress. Serve it with love, enjoy the compliments, and savor each delicious bite!
FAQ About Apple Pie Layer Cake
Can I make this Apple Pie Layer Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this Apple Pie Layer Cake in advance. Simply prepare the cake layers, apple filling, and frosting, and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble, let the components come to room temperature before layering them together. This cake will stay fresh for about 5 days when stored in the fridge.
What type of apples are best for the apple pie filling?
For the best texture and flavor, use apples that hold their shape while baking. Granny Smith apples are a top choice, as they provide the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Other great options include Braeburn, Fuji, Golden Delicious, and Honey Crisp.
Can I substitute the caramel sauce in the frosting?
Yes, you can substitute the caramel sauce with homemade caramel if preferred. Just ensure it’s a thick, smooth caramel sauce, as caramel syrup is too thin for frosting. You can also adjust the sweetness with extra salt if you find the frosting too sweet.
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Apple Pie Layer Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Apple Pie Layer Cake combines the flavors of a classic apple pie with a deliciously moist cake. The cake is layered with a spiced apple filling and topped with a creamy caramel frosting, making it the perfect fall dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1½ cups unsalted butter
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for drip)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons reserved liquid from cooked apples
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, oil, and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Alternate mixing in the dry ingredients with the sour cream and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a skillet, melt the butter and cook the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until softened. Strain the apples and set aside.
- For the frosting, beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, salt, and caramel sauce. Whip until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a serving plate, frosting it, and adding half of the apple filling. Repeat with the second layer and remaining apple filling.
- Top with the third layer and frost the outside of the cake.
- For the optional caramel drip, whisk together the reserved apple filling liquid and powdered sugar to form a smooth drizzle. Drizzle over the cake.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure to strain the apple filling to prevent the cake layers from becoming soggy.
- If the frosting is too thick, add more caramel sauce or milk to thin it out.
- For cleaner slices, chill the cake in the fridge for 30-60 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
