Print

Apple Pie Layer Cake Recipe

Apple Pie Layer Cake Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 19 reviews

This Apple Pie Layer Cake combines the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with the elegance of a layered cake. Moist cinnamon-spiced cake layers are filled with tender, caramelized Granny Smith apples, then frosted with a rich caramel buttercream. A delicate apple caramel drip adds a stunning finishing touch, making this dessert perfect for special occasions or cozy fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the cake layers:

  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, spoon and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup (120mL) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240g) sour cream, at room temperature
  • ½ cup (120mL) milk, at room temperature

For the apple filling:

  • 6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter
  • 5 cups (590g) peeled, cored, and diced Granny Smith apples
  • ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the caramel frosting:

  • 1 & ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 cups (780g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • ¼ cup (60mL) caramel sauce (store bought is fine!)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the apple caramel drip (optional):

  • 1 cup (130g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons reserved liquid from cooked apples (or more to reach desired consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare cake pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter three 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds. Lightly dust the sides with flour and tap out the excess. Set aside.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, combine softened butter, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or whisk by hand, cream together until the mixture is well combined, light in color, and mostly smooth, about 1 minute with a mixer or 2 minutes by hand. The mixture will still have a slightly grainy texture but no large butter clumps.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract with the last egg and mix to combine.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately fold in the dry ingredient mixture and the sour cream and milk. Begin with about one-third of the dry ingredients folded in, then add all the sour cream. Follow with another one-third of the dry mix, then all the milk, and finish by folding in the remaining dry ingredients. Take care not to overmix to keep the batter tender and light.
  6. Bake the cake layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks, peel off the parchment paper, and allow them to cool completely to room temperature before assembling the cake.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor and firm texture that holds well during cooking.
  • Store-bought caramel sauce for the frosting is perfectly fine, but homemade caramel can be substituted for deeper flavor.
  • The apple caramel drip is optional but adds a beautiful and delicious finishing touch.
  • Make sure all your dairy ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for a smooth batter.
  • To keep the cake moist, avoid overbaking and check doneness with a toothpick starting at 25 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pie cake, layered apple cake, caramel frosting, fall dessert, apple cake recipe, cinnamon cake

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/apple-pie-layer-cake-recipe/