Dublin'S Finest Caramel Apple Cake
A decadent caramel apple cake featuring moist apple-infused bread and rich caramel pecan topping, perfect for fall gatherings or indulgent dessert moments.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 8 oz heavy whipping cream ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 package Pillsbury apple cinnamon quick bread mix ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped peeled apple ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons Irish whiskey or water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup oil ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- cinnamon (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine brown sugar, butter, and 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream.
- Cook and stir until the butter is melted and mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9-inch round or square cake pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the Pillsbury apple cinnamon quick bread mix, chopped peeled apple, water, oil, and egg.
- Stir by hand 50 to 75 strokes until the batter is moistened.
- Carefully spoon the batter over the caramel mixture, ensuring the caramel is completely covered.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for 1 minute, then invert onto a serving plate and cool completely.
- Optional: drizzle with powdered sugar and vanilla, and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter or caramel. If you don't have Irish whiskey, you can substitute with water or even apple juice for a different twist. Ensure your apples are firm to maintain their texture during baking. A hand mixer can be used to ensure a smooth batter, but avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
Serving Suggestions
This caramel apple cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with Herbed Roasted Potatoes for a savory side dish. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. A warm cup of coffee or spiced tea complements the flavors perfectly, making it a great choice for brunch or a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dublin'S Finest Caramel Apple Cake contains roughly 692 calories, with 4g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any firm apple variety, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for added tartness or sweetness. Just make sure to peel and chop them into small pieces for even baking.
Is there a gluten-free alternative for the quick bread mix?
You can substitute the Pillsbury apple cinnamon quick bread mix with a gluten-free baking mix. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you use are also gluten-free, and adjust the liquid if necessary.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even more delicious when served.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).