There’s something a little magical about baking a dessert where fruit and cake merge into a warm, gooey delight that practically invites everyone to gather ’round the table. Salted Caramel Apple Pudding Cake is exactly that kind of treat: tender apple slices nestled under a lightly spiced cake layer, all swimming in a self-made salted caramel sauce. It’s a cozy dessert that transforms your kitchen into a mini bakery, releasing comforting scents of cinnamon and sweet caramel while filling the house with bustling anticipation.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook looking for an easy fall recipe, this pudding cake offers a foolproof way to wow any crowd. With just 15 minutes of prep and a bake time of around 45 minutes, you’ll end up with nine generous servings of a warm dessert that clocks in at about 320 calories per slice. The interplay between the crisp apple texture and the soft, slightly cakey top is nothing short of irresistible. By the time you spoon out that first scoop topped with melting ice cream or whipped cream, you’ll be hooked—and your friends and family will be too.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SALTED CARAMEL APPLE PUDDING CAKE
Every great recipe starts with quality components that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. The magic in this salted caramel apple pudding cake lies in how each ingredient plays its part—from the crisp sweetness of the apples to the rich caramel sauce that forms at the bottom of the dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apples
Thinly sliced and gently baked, apples bring natural sweetness, subtle tartness, and a pleasant bite that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake layer.
- Granulated Sugar
This classic sweetener helps to tenderize the cake batter and balances the natural acidity of the apples.
- All-Purpose Flour
The backbone of the cake structure, all-purpose flour ensures a light crumb that soaks up the caramel sauce without becoming soggy.
- Baking Powder
A key leavening agent that lifts the cake batter, creating a fluffy, tender texture.
- Salt
Enhances overall flavor complexity, sharpening the sweet and spiced notes.
- Ground Cinnamon
A warming spice that harmonizes with the apples, adding a cozy, autumnal touch.
- Unsalted Butter
Melted butter enriches the batter with a creamy mouthfeel and deep flavor without introducing extra salt.
- Milk
Adds moisture and creates a smooth, pourable batter that bakes into a tender cake.
- Vanilla Extract
A simple flavor booster that rounds out the sweetness and deepens the aroma of the finished pudding cake.
- Brown Sugar
Combined with sea salt, brown sugar forms the base of the luscious caramel sauce that seeps into the cake as it bakes.
- Boiling Water
Poured over the assembled cake and apples to trigger the formation of the self-saucing caramel layer.
- Sea Salt
Sprinkled with brown sugar for a perfect salty-sweet balance that intensifies the caramel notes.
- Ice Cream or Whipped Cream (Optional)
Adds a cool, creamy contrast to each warm bite, elevating the dessert experience.
HOW TO MAKE SALTED CARAMEL APPLE PUDDING CAKE
Bringing this dessert to life is as simple as layering, pouring, and baking. In just a few easy steps, you’ll create a self-saucing pudding cake that yields both a soft, spiced topping and a caramel pool infused with juicy apple essence—all baked right in one dish.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking dish. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick and develops an even golden crust.
2. Spread the thinly sliced apples evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a flavorful fruit layer that will later infuse the cake.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until fully combined and free of any lumps.
4. Stir in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and homogenous, ensuring every bit of flour is incorporated.
5. Pour the batter over the apples, using a spatula to gently spread it into an even layer—this will bake into the light cake topping.
6. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and sea salt. Their coarse granules help form that signature salted caramel sauce.
7. Sprinkle the brown sugar and salt mixture evenly across the batter, distributing it so each slice will have the perfect caramel-to-cake ratio.
8. Carefully pour the boiling water over the entire mixture. The water sits on top at first—do not stir—and will create the self-saucing effect as it bubbles into caramel.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes or until the cake layer is set, golden on top, and the edges begin to pull away slightly from the dish.
10. Allow the pudding cake to cool in the baking dish for at least 15 minutes. As it cools, the caramel sauce will thicken, becoming irresistibly gooey.
11. Serve warm, scooping into bowls and topping with ice cream or whipped cream if desired, for a dreamy contrast between warm cake and cold cream.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SALTED CARAMEL APPLE PUDDING CAKE
This dessert truly shines when presented just right. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or bringing a treat to a holiday gathering, thoughtful plating and pairing can elevate both flavor and experience.
- Garnish with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream drizzled with extra caramel sauce for a classic, crowd-pleasing finish. The cold cream melting into warm pudding is pure bliss.
- Top with a dollop of Fluffy Whipped Cream and a light dusting of cinnamon. This adds an airy texture to balance the dense cake and a hint of spice on the palate.
- Sprinkle chopped Toasted Pecans or Walnuts over each serving for extra crunch and nutty depth, accentuating the fall flavors.
- Pair with a Warm Spiced Tea or Coffee served in rustic mugs. The beverage’s warmth and gentle bitterness will complement the cake’s sweetness and make each bite more memorable.
HOW TO STORE SALTED CARAMEL APPLE PUDDING CAKE
Proper storage is essential for preserving that tender cake texture and luscious caramel sauce. Whether you’re saving leftovers or prepping ahead for a gathering, these tips will help keep your pudding cake fabulously fresh.
- Room Temperature (Up to 2 Hours): Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to keep the cake warm and slightly moist if you plan to serve within a couple of hours.
- Refrigerator (Up to 4 Days): Once cooled, tightly wrap the dish in plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to an airtight container. The chill will firm up the caramel sauce into a firmer consistency, perfect for reheating.
- Freezer (Up to 3 Months): Flash-freeze individual squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
- Reheating Tips: Warm in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions on medium power for 30–45 seconds. Add a splash of milk or a pat of butter to revive moisture if needed.
CONCLUSION
Salted Caramel Apple Pudding Cake is an absolute winner for anyone who loves a fuss-free dessert that feels indulgent. From the moment you assemble crisp apple slices and pour a simple batter over them, you know something special is in the works. The real magic happens when boiling water meets brown sugar and sea salt to create that luscious caramel sauce, all while the oven works its transformative power on the cake layer. With just a 15-minute prep, 45-minute bake, and 15-minute cooling period, even beginners can pull off a dessert that tastes like it came from a professional bakery.
Whether this is your go-to fall treat or the dessert you bring to holiday tables, you can print this article and save it for later—every piece of guidance, from ingredient roles to storage tips, is here for you. You’ll also find a helpful FAQ below if any questions pop up about variations, apple choices, or technique tweaks. Feel free to leave comments, share your feedback, and ask for any clarifications as you give this recipe a whirl. I can’t wait to hear how your salted caramel apple pudding cake turns out!
Salted Caramel Apple Pudding Cake
Description
This salted caramel apple pudding cake combines tender apple slices with a luscious cake and rich caramel sauce. Perfectly spiced and delightfully warm, it's the ultimate fall dessert!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
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Spread the thinly sliced apples evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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In a medium bowl, mix the granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
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Stir in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
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Pour the batter over the apples in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
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In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and sea salt.
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Sprinkle the brown sugar and salt mixture over the batter in the baking dish.
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Carefully pour the boiling water over the entire mixture in the baking dish. Do not stir.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is set and golden on top.
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Allow the cake to cool in the baking dish for at least 15 minutes before serving. The pudding will thicken as it cools.
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Serve warm, topped with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Note
- The magic of this cake lies in the way it creates its own caramel sauce as it bakes.
- You can use any variety of baking apples for this recipe; Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well.
- For an extra touch of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the batter.
- This dessert is perfect for fall gatherings and holiday tables.
