When it comes to soul-warming desserts, nothing quite matches the nostalgic comfort of a homemade apple cake topped with silky caramel sauce—and it all starts with 1 cup butter, room temperature. This recipe weaves together warming spices, freshly grated apples, and a luxurious homemade caramel, resulting in a moist, aromatic cake that feels like a cozy autumn afternoon in every bite. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or just want to treat yourself, this dessert is the definition of simple ingredients coming together in spectacular fashion.

1 cup butter, room temperature Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This apple cake recipe proves that you don’t need a long shopping list for magic to happen in your kitchen. Each ingredient has a starring role—adding depth, moisture, or crunch—so use the best you can find to really let those flavors shine.

1 cup butter, room temperature: The backbone of a soft, flavorful crumb and an absolute must for smooth creaming and superior texture.
2 large eggs: Essential for structure, eggs help bind everything together and add a tender richness.
6 small/medium apples, grated with peel on: Fresh apples add moisture, sweetness, and a lovely rustic bite—keep the peels for extra color and nutrients!
2 teaspoons baking soda: This gets the cake beautifully fluffy and ensures that the batter rises properly.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing just the right sturdiness without making it dense.
½ teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors and balances the sweetness.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: No fall-spiced apple cake is complete without a generous hit of fragrant cinnamon.
1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves: Adds depth and just the right touch of warmth—don’t skip this one!
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional): For those who love a bit of crunch and nutty richness with their apples.
1 cup heavy whipping cream (for caramel): The secret to a luscious, pourable caramel sauce.
½ cup light brown sugar (for caramel): Brings a toasty, deep sweetness to balance the sharpness of the apples.
½ cup granulated sugar (for caramel): Adds classic caramel flavor and helps with the sauce’s thick silkiness.

How to Make 1 cup butter, room temperature

Step 1: Make the Caramel Sauce

Start things off by preparing the irresistible caramel sauce. Combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large glass bowl. Set this over a simmering pot of water (think homemade double-boiler situation), and let it gently bubble away for an hour, stirring occasionally. What you’ll end up with is a golden, glossy sauce that will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks—if it lasts that long!

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

While the caramel does its thing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan so your cake releases easily, keeping all those lovely apples where they belong: in every bite.

Step 3: Cream 1 cup butter, room temperature with Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, take 1 cup butter, room temperature, and cream it together with the sugars until light and fluffy. This step isn’t just about combining ingredients—it’s about aeration, which leads to a tender, lofty crumb in your finished cake.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Apples

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, gently fold in the grated apples (peels and all). The apples will make the batter lusciously moist and speckle the cake with surprise bursts of fruit in every slice.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ground cloves. If you’re adding walnuts, toss them in now. Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is incorporated—don’t overmix or the cake could get tough.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes—have patience, it’s worth it!

How to Serve 1 cup butter, room temperature

Garnishes

This apple cake begs for a drizzle of warm caramel sauce, but don’t stop there! A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will take things completely over the top. For a sprinkle of sparkle, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chopped walnuts.

Side Dishes

Although this cake is a showstopper by itself, it pairs beautifully with a mug of hot cider, coffee, or spiced chai. For a fall-themed dessert spread, serve alongside poached pears or cinnamon-roasted nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the cake warm in individual ramekins for a cozy, rustic feel, or cut it into small squares and arrange on a platter with tiny bowls of caramel for dipping. For special gatherings, stack thin layers with cream and caramel in between, showing off just how far 1 cup butter, room temperature can take a classic treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apple cake keeps beautifully if covered tightly and stored at room temperature for up to two days. Alternatively, store in the refrigerator for up to five days; just make sure the cake is cooled completely before wrapping to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This cake freezes well! Slice into portions, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and then place in a zip-top bag. The caramel sauce can also be frozen separately—simply reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.

Reheating

Want that “fresh out of the oven” experience? Warm individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds, or reheat larger portions in a low oven, covered with foil. The caramel sauce will loosen up beautifully as it heats, thanks to the richness of the 1 cup butter, room temperature used in the batter.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! Tart varieties like Granny Smith give a tangy contrast to the sweet cake, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp will yield a milder flavor and softer texture. Just be sure to grate them with the skins on for that extra dimension.

Does the cake work without nuts?

Definitely. The walnuts are completely optional—they add a pleasant crunch, but if you’re nut-free, the cake is just as delicious and moist with only the apple and spice combination shining through.

Can I substitute margarine for 1 cup butter, room temperature?

While margarine will technically work, nothing matches the creamy flavor and luscious crumb created by 1 cup butter, room temperature. It’s really worth using the real thing here for the best possible texture.

How do I know when the cake is baked through?

The classic toothpick test works perfectly! Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. Overbaking can dry it out, so keep an eye on it toward the end.

Is the caramel sauce tricky to make?

Not at all! Using a double-boiler method ensures you’ll have a luscious sauce without burning the sugars. Just stir occasionally and let time work its magic—plus, it keeps in the fridge for two weeks, ready to crown your next slice of cake.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly wonderful about gathering loved ones and sharing a dessert as homey and comforting as this apple cake with caramel sauce. Grab your apples and that all-important 1 cup butter, room temperature, and let’s make a little magic—because simple ingredients, handled with care, really are the heart of the very best bakes.

1 cup butter, room temperature Recipe