I'm Caitlin - culinary hostess, wellness retreat curator, and homebody at heart. This blog is where I share seasonal recipes, intentional living tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from my kitchen, travels, and retreats.
Here to make healthy living feel thoughtful and approachable - one recipe, ritual, or gathering at a time.
Warm fall baking needs a dessert that is simple, inviting, and impressive. This cake feels like comfort and looks great on a holiday table. This Rustic Apple & Cornmeal Cake with Cinnamon Crème Fraîche & Cider Caramel combines tender baked apples and fragrant spices. Inside this post, you’ll find every tip you need to make this cake effortlessly from start to finish. It’s perfect served after a seasonal fall dinner, or as a treat with your morning cup of coffee.
Fall desserts often shine when they lean into simplicity, and this cornmeal apple cake does just that. Humble and simple ingredients, transformed into something truly memorable. The cornmeal gives a nice texture. The apples bake on top for a sweet layer. The cider caramel ties it all together for a warm, shiny finish. It’s a cake meant for sharing, passing around the table, and savoring with people you love.
INGREDIENT OVERVIEW
CAKE
Fine yellow cornmeal gives the crumb its signature rustic texture.
Gluten-Free 1:1 flour keeps the cake light and tender.
Honey or maple syrup adds natural sweetness without feeling heavy.
Buttermilk ensures moisture and lift.
Thinly sliced apples bake into the top for the perfect touch of tart and sweet.
Lemon olive oil or melted butter creates a glossy finish on the apples.
CINNAMON CRÈME FRAÎCHE
Crème fraîche adds a tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
Honey and cinnamon keep the flavor warm and balanced.
CIDER CARAMEL
Apple cider reduces into intense apple flavor.
Coconut or brown sugar deepens the color and richness.
Butter, cream, vanilla, and sea salt pull everything together into a silky sauce.
EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED
8-inch round cake pan or small cast iron skillet
Medium saucepan
Two mixing bowls
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Sharp knife for thin apple slices
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Make the Cider Caramel : Reduce apple cider until concentrated, then whisk in sugar and butter until melted. Slowly add cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Finish with vanilla and sea salt. Set aside to cool – it will thicken further as it rests.
Prepare the Cake Batter : Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch pan. Whisk dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Combine just until incorporated. The batter should be smooth but not over-mixed.
Add Apples : Pour batter into the prepared pan. Layer sliced apples on top in a circular pattern. Brush with lemon olive oil or melted butter for caramelized edges.
Bake : Bake 40–45 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes before slicing.
Cinnamon Crème Fraîche : Whisk crème fraîche with honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt until lightly whipped. Chill until ready to serve.
Serve : Slice warm or at room temperature. Top with a spoonful of cinnamon crème fraîche and a drizzle of cider caramel.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Slice apples very thinly so they soften evenly.
Don’t skip cooling time. The cake sets beautifully after resting.
Use a light hand when mixing; over-mixing can create a dense texture.
If your cider caramel thickens too much, warm gently to loosen.
MAKE-AHEAD & STORAGE TIPS
Cake can be baked 1 day ahead and gently rewarmed before serving.
Caramel keeps up to 1 week refrigerated (warm before using).
Crème fraîche topping can be made 1 day in advance.
Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes. Use coconut milk instead of cream in the caramel and sub butter with vegan butter. Replace buttermilk with a dairy-free milk + 1 teaspoon of vinegar. Please note these are standard swaps for dairy-free; however, I have not prepared this cake using these alternatives.
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?
Absolutely – a 1:1 swap works perfectly.
Can I bake this in a cast iron skillet?
Yes! A small cast iron skillet as close to an 8 inch round you have will work perfectly.
Which apples are best?
Honeycrisp and Pink Lady hold texture and won’t become mushy in the oven.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes – use a 9 x 13 pan and extend bake time by 5 – 10 minutes.
HOSTING TIPS
When you serve this cake at a dinner party, put each slice on a plate. Add a swirl of crème fraîche and drizzle the cider caramel right at the table. This adds a little ceremony and makes each guest feel like they’re at a chef’s table experience when you dress each slice individually at their place setting.
A tender, rustic cornmeal cake layered with Honeycrisp apples and finished with cinnamon crème fraîche and a homemade cider caramel. Cozy, simple, and perfect for fall entertaining.
Make the Cider Caramel : Reduce apple cider until concentrated, then whisk in sugar and butter until melted. Slowly add cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Finish with vanilla and sea salt. Set aside to cool – it will thicken further as it rests.
Prepare the Cake Batter : Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch pan. Whisk dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Combine just until incorporated. The batter should be smooth but not over-mixed.
Add Apples : Pour batter into the prepared pan. Layer sliced apples on top in a circular pattern. Brush with lemon olive oil or melted butter for caramelized edges.
Bake : Bake 40–45 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes before slicing.
Cinnamon Crème Fraîche : Whisk crème fraîche with honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt until lightly whipped. Chill until ready to serve.
Serve : Slice warm or at room temperature. Top with a spoonful of cinnamon crème fraîche and a drizzle of cider caramel.
Notes
Slice apples thinly for best texture.
Warm caramel before serving if it thickens.
Cake may be prepared one day ahead.
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American, Seasonal
Caitlin Lindsey
post author
Caitlin is the creative visionary behind Fit to Entertain, where food, wellness, and intentional living come together. She's passionate about helping others bring joy to the table and live beautifully - one meal at a time.
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