Caramelized Apple Spice Cake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or line it with parchment paper).
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
• In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients in 2-3 parts, alternating with the buttermilk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – do not overmix.

3. Assemble the Cake:

• Gently fold the caramelized apples (with any syrup) into the cake batter.
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. Prepare the Caramel Drizzle (Optional):

• While the cake is baking, make the caramel drizzle (optional). In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

5. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top of the cake before serving.
• Optional: Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter or as a garnish on top.
• If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar slightly in the cake batter and skip the caramel drizzle.
• The cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.

This Caramelized Apple Spice Cake is a perfect combination of moist cake, warm spices, and gooey caramelized apples. Enjoy it as a dessert for any fall gathering or holiday celebration!