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Autumn Apple Cake with Lavender and Caramel Glaze

This apple cake features a moist crumb dotted with tender, sliced apples, infused with subtle hints of lavender. It is finished with a glossy caramel glaze that crackles slightly upon biting, creating a layered combination of textures and flavors. The final appearance is a rustic, golden-brown cake with a shiny caramel topping and delicate floral notes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lavender buds dried and ground
  • 3 medium apples peeled, cored, sliced thinly
  • 1 cup brown sugar for caramel
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for caramel

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cake pan
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pan and set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat with a mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and ground lavender buds.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  5. Gently fold in the sliced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. While the cake bakes, prepare the caramel glaze. Combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, until thickened slightly and caramel-colored, about 5 minutes.
  8. Once the cake is done, remove from oven and let cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Drizzle the warm caramel evenly over the cake's surface, allowing it to set and crack slightly as it cools.
  9. Transfer the cake to a serving plate once fully cooled and the caramel glaze has set. Slice and enjoy the moist, fragrant apple cake with its crunchy caramel top.