Apple Pie Layer Cake Recipe

If you adore the warm, cozy flavors of traditional apple pie but want to elevate it to something truly spectacular, the Apple Pie Layer Cake is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine layers of moist cake infused with cinnamon and tender chunks of Granny Smith apples, all sandwiched together with luscious caramel frosting that perfectly balances sweet and buttery notes. This cake is the ultimate showstopper for any gathering or a delightful treat to brighten up your day with every bite bursting with the nostalgic magic of apple pie transformed into an irresistible cake form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Apple Pie Layer Cake lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients—each one playing a vital role in creating that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and eye-catching appearance. From the blend of flours and spices to the rich caramel frosting and apple filling, every component adds a unique layer to this unforgettable dessert.

• All-purpose flour (3 cups / 360g): The foundation of our cake layers, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Baking soda & baking powder (1 tsp & 2 tsp): These leavening agents ensure the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): The signature spice that brings that classic apple pie warmth into the cake.
• Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (6 tbsp for cake + 1½ cups for frosting): Adds richness and a silky texture throughout the cake and frosting.
• Vegetable oil (½ cup / 120mL): Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Brown sugar (1 cup for cake + ½ cup for filling + ¾ cup for frosting): Adds deep caramel notes and moistness.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances the sweetness and adds a light texture.
• Large eggs (3): Bind the batter and contribute to the cake’s fluffy texture.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 tsp): Amplifies the warm flavors and adds a fragrant sweetness.
• Sour cream (1 cup): Keeps the cake tender and adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
• Milk (½ cup): Adds moisture and helps achieve the perfect cake consistency.
• Granny Smith apples (5 cups diced): Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the cake’s sweetness and adds texture.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 tsp): Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning.
• Caramel sauce (¼ cup for frosting): The crown jewel that transforms the frosting into pure decadence.
• Powdered sugar (6 cups for frosting + 1 cup for optional drip): Provides a smooth, sweet base for the frosting and drip.
• Salt (1 tsp for frosting): Balances the caramel’s sweetness perfectly.

How to Make Apple Pie Layer Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping your cake pans with butter, parchment, and a light dusting of flour to ensure those lovely layers come out clean and flawless. Mixing dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, powder, cinnamon, and salt first allows the spices to evenly distribute, which is key for that warm, comforting flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugars

Next, blend softened butter, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This mixture may look grainy but trust me, it’s the perfect base for a tender cake. Creaming these together traps air, which will help create a light crumb that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate eggs one by one, whisking well after each to ensure a smooth batter. The addition of vanilla extract with the last egg adds a fragrant, sweet warmth that’s indispensable in bringing all the flavors to life.

Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients, Sour Cream, and Milk

Gently fold in the dry ingredients along with sour cream and milk in sections. This careful layering keeps the batter moist and silky without overworking the gluten, which guarantees each layer bakes up tender and soft.

Step 5: Bake the Layers

Divide that divine batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a skewer to check for doneness — it should come out clean. After baking, cool the cakes briefly in the pans before transferring to a rack where they finish cooling completely. Patience here rewards you with cakes that hold their shape perfectly when layered.

Step 6: Make the Apple Filling

While your layers are baking, cook down diced Granny Smith apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. This filling gives you those delightful, tender bites of apple that make this cake a star. The lemon juice brightens the flavor and prevents the apples from turning dull.

Step 7: Whip Up the Caramel Frosting

The frosting is where this recipe truly shines. Beat softened butter with brown sugar and salt, then sift in powdered sugar before blending in caramel sauce and vanilla. The resulting frosting is irresistibly creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced with caramel sweetness and just a hint of salt to make your taste buds sing.

Step 8: Assemble Your Apple Pie Layer Cake

Now for the fun part—layering. Spread frosting on each cooled cake layer, adding generous dollops of apple filling between layers for bursts of fruitiness. Once stacked, cover the entire cake with a smooth coat of frosting. If you want, add a pretty apple caramel drizzle made from powdered sugar and apple cooking liquid for a stunning finish.

How to Serve Apple Pie Layer Cake

Garnishes

A few simple garnishes can make your Apple Pie Layer Cake look like a masterpiece. Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for crunch, or add thin apple slices that have been lightly brushed with lemon juice for freshness and beauty. A delicate dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce elevates the presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced cider, chai tea, or a bold coffee. For a decadent twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement the cake’s sweetness and add cooling contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving individual slices dusted with edible gold flakes or layered mini-cakes using the same recipe. You could also make cupcakes from the batter topped with a swirl of caramel frosting and a small apple slice to delight guests with personal-sized portions of the Apple Pie Layer Cake experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, keep your Apple Pie Layer Cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to savor every last crumb.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual cake layers or the whole assembled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Store for up to 3 months, and when you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cake slightly warmed, slice and microwave individual pieces for about 15 seconds or serve at room temperature to maintain the soft frosting and tender apple filling. Avoid reheating the whole cake to prevent melting the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, but you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala if you like a sweeter, less tangy filling. Just be mindful those apples may soften faster during cooking.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with structure.

Can I prepare the apple filling in advance?

Yes, the apple filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just warm it slightly before layering to soften if it thickened too much in the fridge.

What makes this Apple Pie Layer Cake different from a typical apple pie?

The cake’s layers offer a moist, tender crumb with cinnamon spice, and the luscious caramel frosting adds richness and creaminess. This combination creates a multi-textured dessert that packs the familiar apple pie flavors but feels indulgent and new.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Using both butter and oil ensures moisture, and adding sour cream adds tenderness and helps maintain softness. Also, make sure not to overbake! Monitor the cake close to the end of baking for the perfect moist texture.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a dessert that combines the comfort of classic apple pie with the indulgence of a layered cake, the Apple Pie Layer Cake is an absolute must-try. It’s a heartfelt recipe that will fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas and leave everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you make this cake, it will become one of your all-time favorites to bake and share!

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