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    Home » Recipes » Cake Recipes

    Caramel Apple Torte with a Dark Caramel Sauce

    Published: Apr 29, 2021 · Modified: Sep 9, 2021 by Chef Dennis Littley

    459 shares
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    4.98 from 48 votes
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    pinterest image for caramel apple torte

    My Caramel Apple Torte is composed of tart-sweet apples coated with a dark caramel sauce layered between a light buttery crust creating an apple cake that will wow your family and friends. And the dark caramel drizzle makes it even more delicious!

    This easy-to-make Apple Torte will soon become a family favorite, I mean who doesn’t love apples?

    slice of caramel apple torte on a white plate with a white pitcher of caramel and the rest of the cake behind it

    The only thing missing on my Caramel Apple Torte is the vanilla ice cream. Wouldn’t your family love to sit down to this deliciousness for dessert?

    What ingredients do I need to make a Caramel Apple Torte and Dark Caramel Sauce?

    overheaqd view of ingredients to make a caramel apple torte and dark caramel sauce

    Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make a Caramel Apple Torte with a Dark Caramel Sauce. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.

    Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the up cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

    How do I make a Caramel Apple Torte?

    overhead view of slicing apples for cake

    Peel the apples and cut into small slices or chunks, then set aside.

    Once the apples are prepped, it’s time to make the dark caramel sauce.

    How do I make a Dark Caramel Sauce?

    four images showing how to make dark caramel sauce

    In a sauté pan heat the sugar until it starts to brown, don’t stir the sugar, but try to keep it moving by rolling the pan around. As the sugar melts and browns add the butter and mix it in using a wooden spoon.

    Add in the heavy cream, just be careful it doesn’t splash up on you, mixing in the cold cream can be a bit tricky. Stir until smooth.

    two images showing how to make caramel apples

    Add in the apples and allow to simmer for a bit, to get in some of the caramel flavors

    Remove the apples from the caramel letting them drain a bit so they are not too wet, and allow to cool a bit.

    After removing the apples from the caramel, it’s time to make the cake batter.

    four images showing how to make cake dough

    In a large bowl mix all of the ingredients for the crust together, except the butter

    Cut the butter into very thin slices and add it to the mixture working it in gently, you don’t want the butter to blend in, the mixture should be chunky.

    *Use a pastry fork, or two kitchen forks to cut in the butter.

    Chef Dennis Tip:

    Put the butter in the freezer for 20 or 30 minutes before slicing it.

    four images showing how to assemble cake in springform pan

    Press half of the mixture gently into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan that has been greased with butter and dusted with flour. (do not mash it down!)

    Add the apples to the bottom layer and spread evenly. Spread the remaining crust mixture evenly on top of the apples. Making sure it covers the apple layer completely. Don’t mash it down!

    overhead view of baked caramel apple torte in a springform pan

    *Bake in a preheated oven for 45 – 50 minutes at 350° or until a toothpick stuck in comes out clean

    finished caramel sauce in pan with a wooden spoon leaving a mark in the center

    While the Caramel Apple Torte is baking, finish preparing the Dark Caramel Sauce.

    The remaining caramel sauce will have thinned out from the juice in the apples, allow it to simmer and reduce until it has re-thickened.

    *The Caramel Sauce is thick enough when the wooden spoon run through the pan leaves a line that doesn’t immediately fill in.

    caramel apple torte with caramel sauce drizzled over top

    Drizzle the torte with your caramel sauce and enjoy!

    *The Caramel Apple Torte is best served warm or at room temperature.

    side view of caramel apple torte with dark caramel syrup

    This dessert is a show stopper and it’s not difficult to make. Why not try it this weekend and surprise your friends and family!

    Kitchen tools I use for my cakes

    This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    • 9 -inch Springform Pan
    • offset spatula (essential for bakers)
    • 9-inch parchment cake circles
    • silicone spatulas
    • wire whisk
    • mixing bowls

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    Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

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    side view of caramel apple torte with dark caramel syrup
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    4.98 from 48 votes

    Caramel Apple Torte

    You'll love this buttery rich caramel apple torte, drizzled with a dark caramel sauce. It's perfect for dessert or even breakfast!  
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Cook Time50 minutes mins
    Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 362kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    Ingredients

    Cake aka crust

    • 3 ½ cups flour
    • ¾ cup sugar
    • 12 tbsp very cold butter sliced thinly
    • 2 ¼ tsp baking powder
    • 2 large eggs
    • 3 tbsp greek yogurt plain or vanilla

    Filling and Caramel Sauce

    • 6 medium apples I used gala
    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • 2 oz butter
    • 2 oz heavy cream
    US Customary – Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Peel the apples and cut into small slices or chunks, then set aside
    • In a sauté pan heat the sugar until it starts to brown, don’t stir the sugar, but try to keep it moving by rolling the pan around.
    • As the sugar melts and browns add the butter and mix it in using a wooden spoon. Add in the heavy cream, just be careful it doesn’t splash up on you, mixing in the cold cream can be a bit tricky. Stir until smooth.
    • Add in the apples and allow to simmer for a bit, to get in some of the caramel flavors
    • Remove the apples from the caramel letting them drain a bit so they are not too wet, and allow to cool a bit.
    • In a large bowl mix all of the ingredients for the crust together, except the butter
    • Cut the butter into very thin slices and add it to the mixture working it in gently, you don’t want the butter to blend in, the mixture should be chunky.*
    • Press half of the mixture gently into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan that has been greased with butter and dusted with flour. (do not mash it down!)
    • Add the apples to the bottom layer and spread evenly.
    • spread the remaining crust mixture evenly on top of the apples
    • Bake in a preheated oven for 45 – 50 minutes at 350° or until a toothpick stuck in comes out clean
    • The remaining caramel sauce will have thinned out from the juice in the apples, allow it to simmer and reduce until it has re-thickened.
    • Drizzle the torte with your caramel sauce and enjoy!
    • The Caramel Apple Torta is best served warm or at room temperature.

    Video

    Notes

    * put the butter in the freezer for 20 or 30 minutes before slicing it. *you can press down the crust on top of the filling but be very gentle, the crust forms as the butter melts, giving the cake that rustic look.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 247mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 401IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!

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    About Chef Dennis

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    Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience working in the food service industry. In his second career as a food blogger he has made it his mission to demistify cooking by sharing his time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen. Let Chef Dennis help you bring the joy of cooking into your home. For more details, check out his About page.

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    1. Mama Maggie's Kitchen

      May 09, 2021 at 7:56 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so so good. My husband will love this dish.

      Reply
      • Violeta

        July 21, 2022 at 3:48 pm

        5 stars
        Thanks so much. !

        Reply
    2. Swathi

      May 09, 2021 at 3:53 pm

      5 stars
      Carmel apple torte was delicious and gthe perfect treat.

      Reply
    3. Kristen Greazel

      May 08, 2021 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      We made this over the weekend and it was a hit!

      Reply
    4. Kim Guzman

      May 08, 2021 at 12:35 am

      5 stars
      Yum! My mouth is watering already. I love apples and caramel.

      Reply
    5. Addie

      May 07, 2021 at 9:41 pm

      5 stars
      This torte is stunning and came out perfectly!

      Reply
    6. Jere Cassidy

      May 07, 2021 at 4:09 pm

      5 stars
      Caramel and apples are the best combo ever. Making this for my birthday instead of a cake. I love all these layers.

      Reply
    7. Alexandra

      May 06, 2021 at 11:21 pm

      5 stars
      The apple cake was the hit of my party! thanks for such an easy to make recipe

      Reply
    8. Bri

      May 06, 2021 at 7:33 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! Everyone went back for seconds. Thanks for sharing the reicpe

      Reply
    9. Angela

      January 23, 2012 at 10:00 pm

      No kidding–how do we get on that birthday treat list?? That looks amazing, chef.

      Reply
    10. RavieNomNoms

      January 23, 2012 at 2:35 pm

      Happy Birthday Kim!!!

      Reply
    11. jeanne

      January 23, 2012 at 1:35 pm

      where is the recipe?

      Reply
      • Chef D

        January 23, 2012 at 4:04 pm

        hi Jeanne

        the recipe is over at my friend Kims, it’s was a guest post for her birthday. Just click on the link inside my post for Cravings of a Lunatic, and it will take you to Kim’s page where my recipe is.

        Reply
        • jeanne

          January 23, 2012 at 5:49 pm

          thank you Chef

        • Chef D

          January 23, 2012 at 5:56 pm

          your welcome! Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the recipe

    12. Cheryl and Adam @ pictureperfectmeals.com

      January 22, 2012 at 4:52 pm

      5 stars
      Congrats Chef for another delicious Top 9! We’ve enjoyed Kim’s blog from the first time we heard the name” Cravings of a Lunatic”. Nice to see two greats together! Off to Kim’s..

      Reply
    13. Emily @ Life on Food

      January 22, 2012 at 3:08 pm

      This looks delicious! What a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday!

      Reply
    14. FreeSpiritEater

      January 22, 2012 at 12:40 pm

      Congratulations on Top 9 Chef! Off to check out your guest post on Kim’s site! Have a lovely weekend! =]

      Reply
    « Older Comments

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    My name is Dennis Littley or “Chef Dennis” as I’m known both at work and across the blogosphere. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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