Apple Honey Cake

Apple Honey Cake

10 servings
Make this apple honey cake for your family this season! Subtly spiced apple cake is layered with cream cheese frosting and drizzled with a honey caramel.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
    1 c
  • cake flour
    ⅝ c
  • ground cinnamon
    1 tsp
  • baking powder
    1 tsp
  • baking soda
    ½ tsp
  • kosher salt
    ½ tsp
  • light brown sugar
    ½ c
  • honey
    ¼ c
  • oil
    ⅓ c
  • apple cider
    ⅓ c
  • eggs
    2
  • vanilla extract
    1 ½ tsp
  • lemon zest

    zest of 1 lemon

    1 tbsp
  • apple
    1 ½ c
  • cream cheese

    1 1/2 blocks

    12 oz
  • powdered sugar
    1 ½ c
  • heavy whipping cream

    cold

    ¾
  • vanilla extract
    1 ½ tsp
  • heavy whipping cream
    ½ c
  • unsalted butter
    2 ½ tbsp
  • kosher salt

    scant

    1 tsp
  • granulated sugar
    ½ c
  • honey
    ¼ c
  • water
    1 tbsp
  • thin slices of fresh apple

    * cut horizontally

    3

Directions

To make the apple cake:

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F, mist three 6-inch diameter cake pans** with non-stick spray, and line with circles cut from parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Place the flours, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine.

  3. 3

    Place the brown sugar, honey, oil, apple cider, eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest in a large liquid measuring cup, and whisk to combine.

  4. 4

    Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry, and mix together on medium speed for about 1 minute.

  5. 5

    Fold in the shredded apple.

  6. 6

    Divide the batter equally between the 3 prepared pans.

  7. 7

    Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the thickest part of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

  8. 8

    Cool completely, then fill and frost with cream cheese frosting, drizzle with honey caramel, and garnish with apple slices.*

To make the cream cheese frosting:

  1. 1

    Place the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and beat (with the whisk attachment) on medium speed until smooth.

  2. 2

    Add the powdered sugar, and stir in until well-combined.

  3. 3

    In a slow, steady stream, add the cream while continuing to whip on medium speed.

  4. 4

    When all the cream has been added, turn the mixer up to high and whip until the frosting can hold stiff peaks.***

  5. 5

    Stir in the vanilla.

To make the honey caramel:

  1. 1

    In a small pot, gently heat the cream, butter, and salt until the butter has melted and the salt has completely dissolved.

  2. 2

    Place the sugar, honey, and water in a larger pot, and heat over a medium high flame, swirling the pot occasionally to distribute the heat evenly.

  3. 3

    Continue to boil the sugar mixture until the bubbles begin to get smaller and it becomes amber-colored.

  4. 4

    Reduce the heat to low, and pour in the warm cream mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps or crystals.

  5. 5

    Immediately transfer the hot mixture to a heat-safe vessel and cool completely.

Apple Honey Cake

Apple Honey Cake

90 min10 servings557 cal

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About this Recipe

The Ultimate Apple Honey Cake: A Seasonal Delight

Indulge in a slice of pure comfort with our exquisite Apple Honey Cake, a dessert that perfectly captures the cozy essence of any season. This isn't just any apple cake; it's a meticulously crafted experience featuring subtly spiced apple cake layers, generously slathered with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, and crowned with a luscious honey caramel drizzle. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of tender cake, creamy frosting, and sticky-sweet caramel, making it an irresistible treat for family gatherings, special occasions, or simply a delightful weekend bake.

What makes this apple honey cake truly stand out is the thoughtful combination of flavors and textures. The cake itself is infused with fragrant cinnamon and the natural sweetness of shredded apples and honey, providing a moist and tender crumb. We then elevate it further with a dreamy cream cheese frosting – a classic pairing that adds a delightful tang and smoothness. The final touch, a homemade honey caramel, doesn't just look stunning; it adds a depth of complex sweetness that takes this dessert from delicious to absolutely unforgettable.

Tips for Baking Perfection

Achieving the perfect Apple Honey Cake is easier than you think with a few key tips:

  • Shredded Apples: Using freshly shredded apples ensures maximum moisture and distributes the apple flavor evenly throughout the cake. Opt for a slightly tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting. Don't overmix once the powdered sugar is added to prevent it from becoming too runny.
  • Honey Caramel: Watch your caramel carefully! It can go from perfect to burnt quickly. A candy thermometer is your best friend here, ensuring you hit that golden-brown, rich caramel stage.

Delightful Variations & Serving Ideas

While our apple honey cake is perfect as is, feel you can personalize it:

  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the cake batter for an even deeper spice profile.
  • Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for added texture.
  • Serving Suggestions: This cake is fantastic on its own, but a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream makes it an even more decadent dessert. It's truly a showstopper for any table.

Frequently Asked Questions