If you’re craving the nostalgic flavors of a classic dessert with an exciting twist, this Apple Pie Layer Cake is your new go-to showstopper. Imagine layers of tender, cinnamon-spiced cake hugging a luscious apple filling, all enveloped in rich caramel buttercream frosting. Every bite captures the heartwarming essence of apple pie but elevated to a stunning, sliceable cake that’s perfect for celebrations or cozy afternoons. Trust me, once you try making this Apple Pie Layer Cake, it’ll be the centerpiece of your dessert table and a new favorite to share with friends and family.

Apple Pie Layer Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking perfection. Each component plays a vital role: from the flour that gives structure, to the apples that bring freshness and texture, and the caramel that adds that indulgent finish. Simple yet essential, these ingredients combine to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in the Apple Pie Layer Cake.

All-purpose flour (3 cups): The base for a tender, sturdy cake structure that holds up beautifully to the layers and filling.
Baking soda and baking powder: Provide the necessary lift for light, fluffy cake layers.
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Infuses the cake with warm, comforting spice that’s iconic to apple desserts.
Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons for cake, 6 tablespoons for filling): Adds richness and helps achieve a moist crumb and flavorful filling.
Vegetable oil (½ cup): Enhances moisture without weighing the cake down, keeping it perfectly tender.
Brown sugar (varied amounts): Provides depth and caramel-like notes that enrich both cake and frosting.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances sweetness and works with brown sugar to create the perfect texture.
Eggs (3 large): Bind the ingredients together and add richness and structure.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Lifts flavors, adding a subtle sweetness and fragrance.
Sour cream (1 cup): Brings moisture and a slight tanginess that offsets the sweetness and keeps cake layers tender.
Milk (½ cup): Ensures the batter is smooth and easy to work with.
Granny Smith apples (5 cups, peeled and diced): Tart and firm apples perfect for cooking without turning mushy, delivering that authentic apple pie bite.
Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the apple filling with a touch of acidity.
Powdered sugar (6 cups for frosting, 1 cup for drip): Sweetens and smooths the frosting and optional drizzle to perfection.
Caramel sauce (¼ cup): The star ingredient in the frosting, giving it that luscious, buttery finish you’ll swoon over.
Salt (½ teaspoon in cake, 1 teaspoon in frosting): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

How to Make Apple Pie Layer Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping your pans properly: butter the sides and bottoms, then line with parchment rounds. This prevents any sticking and ensures perfect, clean layers. Whisk together your dry ingredients — flour, baking soda, powder, cinnamon, and salt — so the flavors blend evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Oil, and Sugars

In a large bowl, mix softened butter, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light in color and combined well. This step is crucial to build a tender, moist crumb — don’t rush it! Once done, add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each, then stir in the vanilla for that inviting aroma.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Alternately

Carefully fold your dry mixture alternately with sour cream and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This technique gently combines everything without overworking the batter, ensuring the cake stays light and tender.

Step 4: Bake Your Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly into your three prepared pans and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool briefly in the pans before cooling completely on a rack — this makes layering a breeze.

Step 5: Make the Apple Filling for Layering

Simmer diced Granny Smith apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Strain the mixture carefully to separate the apples from the liquid; both will play an important role in your cake and optional drip later.

Step 6: Whip Up the Caramel Buttercream Frosting

Cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy before gradually adding sifted powdered sugar, salt, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract. The result is a rich, smooth frosting that captures the essence of caramel without being overly sweet — perfect for complementing the apple layers.

Step 7: Assemble Your Apple Pie Layer Cake

Start layering by spreading a thin coat of frosting on the first cake layer. Pipe a frosting border around the edge to keep the luscious apple filling contained. Add half the apple mixture, then repeat with the second layer. Finally, place the last cake layer on top and coat the entire cake with the remaining frosting for a polished finish.

Step 8: Optional Apple Caramel Drip

Mix powdered sugar with some of the reserved apple cooking liquid until you reach a smooth icing consistency. Drizzle this over the cake edges for extra charm and a hint of tangy sweetness that ties the layers together beautifully.

How to Serve Apple Pie Layer Cake

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation, fresh apple slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few crushed pecans make lovely garnishes. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce right before serving to wow your guests.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of warm spiced tea. The creaminess of the ice cream contrasts perfectly with the dense layers, while tea enhances the cozy spice notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Apple Pie Layer Cake as mini individual cakes by baking in smaller pans or even as cupcakes with a swirl of caramel frosting and a small apple slice on top. For festive occasions, dust some cinnamon sugar over the top to catch the light and add sparkle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple Pie Layer Cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully without compromising texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover cake layers or the fully assembled cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain the moist, tender texture.

Reheating

If you’d like your slices slightly warmed, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This makes the caramel frosting wonderfully melty and enhances the cozy apple aroma without melting the frosting completely.

FAQs

Can I use different apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firmness, Braeburn, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious are all great alternatives that hold up well when cooked.

Is it okay to substitute the caramel sauce?

Using caramel sauce, not caramel syrup, is important here. Caramel sauce has the right thickness and flavor intensity to make the frosting smooth and rich, whereas syrup is too thin and overly sweet.

How do I make sure my cake layers don’t dry out?

Be sure not to overbake the layers and cool them properly before frosting. Also, the oil and sour cream in this recipe help keep the layers wonderfully moist and tender.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with suitable alternatives like vegan butter and plant-based sour cream, but keep in mind the flavor and texture might vary slightly from the original.

How long does it take to assemble the cake?

With all components ready, the assembly usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Taking your time to layer carefully makes slicing easier and the final presentation flawless.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about an Apple Pie Layer Cake that captures both the nostalgia of a classic dessert and the elegance of a layered cake. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a comforting treat, this recipe brings warmth, flavor, and joy to every bite. I encourage you to dive in and experience the charm of this cake — your taste buds and guests will thank you!

Apple Pie Layer Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

5.1 from 26 reviews

This Apple Pie Layer Cake is a delightful fusion of classic apple pie flavors with a moist cinnamon-spiced cake and luscious caramel buttercream frosting. Layers of tender cake are filled with a soft, spiced apple filling, then frosted with a creamy caramel buttercream and optionally drizzled with a homemade apple caramel drip for an extra touch of sweetness. Perfect for celebrations or cozy get-togethers, this cake captures the essence of apple pie in a stunning layered dessert.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Cakes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Layers:

3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
½ cup (120mL) vegetable oil
1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240g) sour cream, at room temperature
½ cup (120mL) milk, at room temperature

For the Apple Filling:

6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter
5 cups (590g) peeled, cored, and diced Granny Smith apples
½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the Caramel Frosting:

1 & ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
1 teaspoon salt
6 cups (780g) powdered sugar, sifted
¼ cup (60mL) caramel sauce (store bought or homemade)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Apple Caramel Drip (Optional):

1 cup (130g) powdered sugar, sifted
3 to 4 tablespoons reserved liquid from cooked apples (or more to reach desired consistency)

Instructions

Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Butter three 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds. Lightly dust the sides with flour and tap out any excess. Set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
Cream Fats and Sugars: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together softened butter, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is well combined and light in color, about 1 minute. The texture will be grainy but without large butter clumps.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract with the last egg to incorporate.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately fold in the dry flour mixture and the sour cream and milk. Begin by folding in about one-third of the dry mix, followed by all the sour cream, then another third of dry ingredients, all of the milk, and finally the remaining dry ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overmixing, ensuring a tender cake crumb.
Bake the Cake Layers: Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake in the center rack of the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Remove parchment paper and let cool completely to room temperature.
Make Apple Pie Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and combine with diced Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring often, until butter and sugar are melted. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until apples soften but remain intact. Avoid overcooking to maintain their shape. Strain mixture, reserving apples and liquid separately, then let cool to room temperature.
Prepare Caramel Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add salt and powdered sugar, mix on low until powdered sugar dissolves. Add caramel sauce and vanilla extract, then whip for an additional 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. If frosting is too thick, thin with a bit more caramel sauce or milk.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thin, even layer of frosting on top, then pipe a frosting border around the edges to contain the apple filling. Spoon half of the apple filling into the center, spreading evenly to the frosting border. Repeat with the second layer—adding cake, frosting border, and remaining apple filling. Top with the third cake layer.
Frost the Cake: Apply the remaining caramel buttercream frosting evenly over the top and sides of the assembled cake, smoothing it out for a clean finish.
Optional Apple Caramel Drip: In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons of the reserved apple cooking liquid. Adjust liquid quantity to achieve a smooth icing consistency. Drizzle over the cake edges for a decorative drip effect. Garnish with an apple on top if desired.
Chill and Serve: The cake can be served immediately, but chilling in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes helps firm the frosting for clean slices. Serve and enjoy this deliciously cozy apple pie-inspired layer cake.

Notes

For apples, choose varieties that hold their shape when cooked and have a balanced tartness and sweetness. Granny Smith apples are ideal, but Braeburn, Fuji, Golden Delicious, or Honey Crisp can also be used.
Use caramel sauce instead of caramel syrup for the frosting, as caramel syrup is thinner and sweeter, which affects the texture and flavor of the buttercream negatively.
You can prepare the apple filling and cake layers ahead of time to save time on the baking day.
Make sure all dairy ingredients and eggs are at room temperature to ensure proper mixing and texture of the batter and frosting.
For best results, use an electric mixer with a paddle attachment to cream the butter and sugars effectively.