Warm Spiced Apple Cake with Caramel Glaze and Greek Yogurt
There’s something magical about the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and caramel wafting through the kitchen. On cozy fall days, nothing feels more comforting than baking a cake from scratch that warms the home with sweet and spiced goodness. This warm spiced apple cake is moist, tender, and infused with the perfect blend of fall spices. The addition of Greek yogurt lends a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and keeps the crumb irresistibly soft, while a luscious caramel glaze drizzled on top turns this humble cake into a true showstopper.
If you’re looking for a homemade treat that embodies the best of fall baking, this cake delivers in every bite. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee by the window as the leaves fall outside.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and tender thanks to the Greek yogurt and fresh apples
- Full of fall flavors from cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm spices
- Topped with homemade caramel glaze that soaks into the cake
- Perfect for gatherings yet easy enough for everyday baking
- Versatile recipe that can be made as a bundt cake, loaf, or sheet cake
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apple Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for extra spice)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples, peeled and finely chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
For the Caramel Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Grease and flour a bundt pan, loaf pan, or 9×13-inch baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Yogurt
Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by Greek yogurt and vanilla extract. The batter will look creamy and slightly tangy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the chopped apples. The batter will be thick and filled with apple pieces.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–50 minutes (bundt or 9×13) or 55–65 minutes (loaf), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Step 9: Make the Caramel Glaze
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and milk. Bring to a gentle boil and stir constantly for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 10: Glaze the Cake
Pour the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides. Allow the glaze to set before slicing.
Tips for Success
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp so they hold their shape during baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter or the cake will become dense.
- Cool the cake completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Sift powdered sugar for a smooth caramel glaze.
Variations to Try
- Apple-Pecan Cake – Fold in 1 cup chopped pecans for a nutty crunch.
- Apple-Cranberry Cake – Add 1 cup dried cranberries for a festive holiday twist.
- Apple-Cinnamon Swirl Cake – Layer half the batter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, then add remaining batter.
- Cupcake Version – Bake in muffin tins for 18–20 minutes.
- Gluten-Free Apple Cake – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Pair with hot apple cider or chai tea for a cozy fall treat.
- Top with whipped cream for extra richness.
- Dust with powdered sugar if you want a lighter topping instead of glaze.
Storage and Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information (per slice, approx.)
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
(Nutrition values will vary based on portion size and ingredients used.)
FAQs
Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, sour cream works well and adds a similar tangy flavor and moisture.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, vegetable oil can be substituted for a slightly denser but still moist cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely — bake the cake a day in advance and glaze it just before serving.
What apples work best for baking?
Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. A mix of the two is ideal.
Final Thoughts
This warm spiced apple cake with caramel glaze and Greek yogurt is the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen feel like home. It’s fragrant, moist, and bursting with cozy flavors that celebrate the best of fall. Whether you’re sharing it with family at a holiday dinner, gifting it to a neighbor, or enjoying a slice all to yourself, this cake is pure comfort in every bite.
Bake it once, and it will become a tradition you’ll want to revisit every autumn.
