Caramel Apple Eclair Cake

First of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart for swinging by the blog today! I’ve got something truly special for you that’s bound to sweeten your day and make your taste buds dance with joy. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! Combining the cozy flavors of autumn with the elegant touch of a French pâtisserie, this Caramel Apple Eclair Cake is a dessert that’s bound to impress at any gathering. I’m kicking myself for not having shared this gem with you sooner!

Introduction

The smell when this is in the oven is incredible!! If you adore the rich, sweet notes of caramel and the tangy kick of apple, this recipe is for you. This Caramel Apple Éclair Cake isn’t just a treat—it’s an experience. Perfect for those who love a good twist on classic flavors, it’s a recipe that brings smiles all around the table.

Ingredients

To make this delightful cake, you’ll need:

For the Eclair Dough:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

The Apple Filling:

• 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter

For the Caramel Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• Whipped cream
• Thinly sliced apples for garnish
• Caramel drizzle

How to Make

Making this cake is as fun as it is rewarding! Here’s how to bring it all together:

1. Prepare the Éclair Dough:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter and water and bring to a boil.
• Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• Beat in eggs one at a time until the dough becomes smooth.
• Spread the dough into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and puffed. Let it cool completely.

2. Make the Apple Filling:

• In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Cook until apples are soft and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Let cool.

3. Prepare the Caramel Cream:

• In a bowl, whip the heavy cream, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

4. Assemble the Cake:

• Spread the cooled apple filling over the baked éclair dough.
• Top with a generous layer of caramel cream.
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Just before serving, top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, and fresh apple slices.

Helpful Tips

• Ensure the éclair dough cools slightly before adding eggs to prevent them from cooking prematurely.
• For an even more indulgent treat, add a layer of crushed graham crackers over the apple filling before topping with caramel cream.

Substitutions/Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the éclair dough.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based butter and whipping cream.
• Spice it up: Mix in a pinch of clove or allspice to the apple filling for extra warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! The éclair cake can be assembled up to one day ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.

What kind of apples are best for the filling?

Granny Smith apples are perfect as they hold up well during cooking and offer a nice balance of tartness.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The éclair base might soften a bit, but it will still be delicious!

More Relevant Recipes

If you loved this, explore these delightful treats next:

• Toffee Cookies Recipe
• Creamsicle Cake Recipe

That’s everything for our Caramel Apple Éclair Cake adventure! Dive in, give it a try, and let your autumn be as sweet as ever. Happy baking, and remember, anything but boring!!

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