Apple cake a la mode is an easy, seasonal sundae: warm apple cake topped with creamy vanilla ice cream and finished with caramel.
When the air turns crisp, I crave desserts that feel indulgent and cozy. Apples are the season’s best gift, and while pies are a classic, this recipe swaps a pie shell for a tender, crumbly apple cake served a la mode.
This apple cake sundae is indulgent but straightforward. The cake bakes up quickly, the ice cream is simple and the caramel brings everything together.
I originally tested this recipe over Labor Day weekend and had a small mishap while making caramel, which sent me back to the kitchen to refine the approach. I tried store-bought caramel but couldn’t find a suitable option, so I carefully made a homemade caramel sauce. If you make caramel yourself, let it cool before using; caramel retains a lot of heat. Store-bought caramel should be at room temperature before drizzling.
Apple Cake a la Mode
This apple cake a la mode is a relaxed mix of warm apple cake, vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle. It’s rustic rather than perfect, and that’s what makes it so satisfying.
The cake is simple to make and doesn’t require a stand mixer. Because the butter is melted, the dry and wet ingredients combine easily by hand—just a bowl and a spoon are enough.
I recommend preparing the caramel before baking so it has time to cool to a safe temperature. If using store-bought caramel, keep it at room temperature so it pours smoothly.
When the cake comes out of the oven, let it rest about 10 minutes, then scoop into bowls, add vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel. Serve immediately for the best contrast between warm cake and cold ice cream.
We made one large sundae for photos and a relaxed Sunday treat, but most people will prefer a smaller portion. For a single serving, spoon two large portions of apple cake into a bowl, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel. Enjoy right away.
Leftovers freeze well. We saved the remainder and are enjoying it slowly straight from the freezer.
Apple Cake a la Mode
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Ingredients
- 2 cups roughly chopped apples peeled and cored, about 2 apples
- 1 cup flour
- 1 large egg beaten
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- pinch cardamom
- vanilla ice cream
- caramel
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375℉ and grease an 8×11 inch baking dish.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. Set aside.
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In a mixing bowl, stir the brown sugar, white sugar and melted butter until combined. Add the beaten egg and vanilla and mix until the mixture is moist. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the apples.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden. Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes.
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To assemble a sundae, place two spoonfuls of apple cake in a bowl, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 43g
| Protein: 2g
| Fat: 7g
| Sugar: 29g