Ingredients :
For the Cake:
½ cup butter, room temperature
1 ⅔ cups sugar
2 eggs
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
1 ½ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
3 cups diced & peeled apples (about 2 large apples)
Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For the Caramel:
1 ⅓ cups brown sugar
2 tablespoons half & half
4 tablespoons butter
Directions :
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2️⃣ In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3️⃣ In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4️⃣ Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, then fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using).
5️⃣ Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6️⃣ Make the Caramel: While the cake is baking, combine the brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until smooth and combined (no need to bring to a boil).
7️⃣ Remove the cake from the oven and pour the caramel sauce over the top. Return the cake to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is slightly cracked and the cake is fully cooked through.
8️⃣ Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!