This Apple Spice Cake, drenched in a luscious toffee sauce, offers a year-round treat that's perfect for any occasion. Featuring a robust combination of sweet apple flavors and rich spices, this cake captures the essence of traditional baking in a delightfully modern way. Paired with a homemade toffee sauce, every slice is moist, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, whether served during a chilly winter evening or as a sweet summer dessert.
Why You'll Love This
This cake is a fantastic choice for anyone who enjoys the classic flavor of spiced apples paired with the indulgent sweetness of toffee. The inclusion of apple cider reduction enhances the apple flavor, making it rich and pronounced, while the spices add a comforting warmth that is perfectly balanced by the creamy toffee sauce. The texture is wonderfully moist, ensuring that each forkful is as delightful as the last.
Perfect Occasion
Ideal for family dinners, celebratory events, or as a special weekend treat, this Apple Spice Cake with Toffee Sauce fits beautifully into any dining scenario. It's sophisticated enough for formal gatherings yet homely enough for a cozy family dessert. The versatility of this cake makes it a wonderful choice for both impromptu dessert cravings and planned festive meals.
Decoration Tips
For a touch of elegance, serve each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or some toasted nuts for added texture and flavor. If you're feeling extra decorative, a few thin slices of fresh apple arranged atop the cake can enhance its visual appeal and hint at the flavors within.
Ingredients:
- Apple Reduction:
- 1 cup apple cider or unsweetened apple juice
- Spiced Apples:
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp apple pie spice
- Cake Batter:
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp apple pie spice
- Toffee Sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare Apple Reduction:
- In a saucepan, simmer apple juice until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Cook Apples:
- In another saucepan, combine apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. Cook over medium heat until apples are tender, about 7-10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a skillet or baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and apple pie spice.
- Mix half of the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, followed by the reduced apple juice, then the remaining dry ingredients.
- Fold in the cooled, spiced apples. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Toffee Sauce:
- Combine butter, brown sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then whisk in cream. Continue to boil for 1-2 minutes.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before using.
- Finish and Serve:
- When the cake is done, poke holes throughout and drizzle with warm toffee sauce.
- Serve warm with additional toffee sauce and ice cream, if desired.
Enjoy this rich and delightful Apple Spice Cake, a versatile dessert that brings a slice of comfort and indulgence to any table, no matter the season.