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Caramel Apple Cake (applesauce cake) with caramel frosting

Few cakes can compare to the taste and nostalgia of an old-fashioned applesauce cake with a rich caramel frosting, topped with chopped nuts. Whether you call it an applesauce cake or a caramel apple cake, you’ll be delighted by how easy it is to prepare this 9x13 size dessert for your family or friends.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 385 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups cinnamon applesauce heated (35-45 seconds on high)
  • 1/2 cup plant butter
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar firmly packed
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk canned, full fat
  • 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
  • Optional topping: 3/4 cup roasted peanuts chopped

Disclaimer:

Nutritional Information is provided as a courtesy only and should be viewed as an estimate. Ingredients can vary with brands and size and Inspiration Apron makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉/ 176℃ and grease and lightly flour a 9x13 sheet cake pan.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves until thoroughly blended. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine eggs, oil, and sugar. Next, slowly add the heated applesauce to mixture, stirring in as you pour. Mix until thoroughly combined.
  • Add dry ingredients to large bowl and mix on medium speed just until no dry ingredients remain and blended well, do not overmix.
  • Pour cake batter into prepared 9x13 pan and bake in center of preheated oven for 30-34 minutes. Ovens vary, so start checking with toothpick after 29 minutes, ready when dry or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Let cake cool in pan completely before frosting, see frosting instructions below.
  • To make frosting: In a large sauce pot, melt butter over low heat. Stir in dark brown sugar and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil hard 2 minutes while constantly stirring. Remove from heat and stir in milk. Return pan to heat and bring to a full boil. Remove from heat and cool to lukewarm (mine took about 10-13 minutes.)
  • Next, add confectioner’s sugar and beat with mixture until smooth. If frosting is too thick, beat in a touch of milk, a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  • Spread frosting on cooled cake, then sprinkle with chopped peanuts, if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 5.75gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 270mgFiber: 2.5gSugar: 37g
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