Applesauce Caramel Cake Recipe

Ingredients for Applesauce Caramel Cake

• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Baking Soda
• Cinnamon
• Ground Cloves
• Unsweetened Applesauce
• 1 cup raisins
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• Brown Sugar
• White Sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ¼ cup water
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Applesauce Caramel Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. Cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter and 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, and ½ teaspoon salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in 1 cup raisins and ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional).
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
9. **Caramel Frosting:** In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup light corn syrup, and ¼ cup water.
10. Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until the mixture turns a light amber color and reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage).
11. Carefully pour the hot caramel into a heatproof bowl containing 4 tablespoons (½ stick) of unsalted butter. Whisk constantly until smooth and glossy.
12. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
13. Pour the caramel frosting over the cooled cake and spread evenly.