Ample Caramel Apple Crumb Cake 2 Ways 6

Caramel Apple Crumb Cake has always been my ultimate comfort dessert, especially when the air gets crisp. I remember my mom making this for the first time one October afternoon; the smell of cinnamon and sweet apples baking filled our whole house, and I couldn’t wait to dig into that warm, gooey cake with its crunchy topping. It’s truly the best caramel apple crumb cake, a perfect embodiment of autumn flavors. This easy caramel apple crumb cake recipe brings that cozy feeling right to your kitchen. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Crumb Cake

This isn’t just any cake; it’s an experience! Get ready to fall in love with this caramel apple crumb cake for so many reasons:

• It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginners.
• The texture is divine – a truly moist caramel apple crumb cake experience.
• The combination of tender apples, sweet caramel, and crunchy streusel is pure bliss.
• It smells absolutely amazing while baking, filling your home with cozy autumn aromas.
• This easy caramel apple crumb cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
• It’s versatile and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
• The flavors of cinnamon, apple, and caramel are perfectly balanced.
• It’s the ultimate comfort dessert for those chilly fall days.

Ingredients for the Best Caramel Apple Crumb Cake

Gathering these ingredients is the first step in creating your perfect autumn treat. This apple caramel crumb cake recipe calls for simple pantry staples and fresh apples, ensuring a delicious outcome.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base of our tender cake
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – for sweetness in the cake batter
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the cake rise beautifully
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – works with acidic ingredients for lift
• ½ teaspoon salt – enhances all the sweet flavors
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – essential for that warm, cozy flavor
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – for a rich cake texture
• 2 large eggs – bind everything together
• 1 cup sour cream – this is my secret for a super moist caramel apple crumb cake
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully for that tart-sweet balance
• 1 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling) – choose your favorite store-bought or homemade kind
• 1 cup brown sugar – for the sweet, crunchy crumb topping
• 1 cup rolled oats – adds fantastic texture to the streusel
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg – complements the cinnamon perfectly
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed – crucial for achieving that perfect crumbly topping

How to Make Caramel Apple Crumb Cake

Ready to create an autumnal masterpiece? Follow these simple steps to bring this delicious dessert to life. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to achieve that perfect balance of tender cake, sweet apples, and crunchy topping.

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This dry mixture forms the base of your cake.
3. Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, cream together the ½ cup softened unsalted butter and the remaining granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. The aroma starting to build is wonderful!
4. Step 4: Beat in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, blend in the 1 cup sour cream until the batter is smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 2 into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the 2 cups peeled and diced apples. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter for consistent apple flavor in every bite of your caramel apple crumble cake.
7. Step 7: Now, let’s make that irresistible crumb topping! In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup rolled oats, and 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Add the ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This streusel is key to a fantastic caramel apple cake with streusel.
8. Step 8: Pour the apple-filled batter into your prepared baking pan. Evenly spread the crumb topping over the surface of the batter. This is the final touch before baking caramel apple crumb cake.
9. Step 9: Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The topping should be golden brown and fragrant.
10. Step 10: Remove the cake from the oven. Allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes. This is a crucial part of how to make caramel apple crumb cake as it lets the cake set. Drizzle generously with 1 cup caramel sauce before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips for a Gourmet Caramel Apple Crumb Cake

Want to elevate your cake from delicious to truly gourmet? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These tips will help you achieve that perfect texture and flavor every single time.

• For the crumb topping, always use cold butter. This is essential for getting those lovely, distinct crumbles instead of a paste.
• Don’t overmix the cake batter once you add the flour. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tougher cake, and we want a tender crumb.
• If you love extra caramel flavor, try swirling some extra caramel sauce into the batter before adding the crumb topping.
• Using a mix of apple varieties, like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness, can add wonderful complexity. For more information on apple varieties, check out this guide.

What’s the secret to a perfect Caramel Apple Crumb Cake?

The real secret lies in the crumb topping – using very cold, cubed butter and incorporating rolled oats creates that amazing crunchy texture that perfectly contrasts the moist cake. It’s the essence of a true caramel apple cake with streusel.

Can I make Caramel Apple Crumb Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake batter and the crumb topping separately up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake when you’re ready. This makes it a fantastic option for stress-free entertaining. For more make-ahead tips, see here.

How do I avoid common mistakes with caramel apple crumb cake?

A common pitfall is a soggy bottom or a dry cake. Ensure your apples are patted dry before adding them to the batter, and don’t overbake the cake. For the crumb, resist the urge to overwork it; cold butter is key to that perfect texture. Understanding baking science can help prevent these issues; learn more about baking fundamentals.

Best Ways to Serve Your Caramel Apple Crumb Cake

This cake is pure autumn magic on a plate, and serving it just right makes it even better! For a truly decadent experience, I love serving it warm, perhaps with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that melts into the cake and caramel. It’s the perfect pairing for this delightful dessert caramel apple crumb cake.

Another fantastic way to enjoy this is with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, maybe even lightly sweetened with a touch of maple syrup. Or, for a simpler treat, just enjoy it as is, letting the rich flavors of apple, cinnamon, and caramel shine through. It’s wonderful for afternoon tea or as a comforting end to any meal. Consider pairing it with a warm beverage like spiced cider.

Nutrition Facts for Caramel Apple Crumb Cake

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious cake. Remember, these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: Approx. 350-400 kcal
• Fat: Approx. 15-20g
• Saturated Fat: Approx. 8-10g
• Protein: Approx. 3-4g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 50-55g
• Fiber: Approx. 2-3g
• Sugar: Approx. 35-40g
• Sodium: Approx. 200-250mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Your Homemade Caramel Apple Crumb Cake

The best part about this delicious cake is that it keeps well, meaning you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days! Once your cake has completely cooled on a wire rack (this is important to prevent sogginess), it’s ready for storage. I find that storing it makes it even more perfect for a quick treat later.

For storing your caramel apple crumble cake at room temperature, make sure to use an airtight container. It should stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freezing them is a fantastic option. Your caramel apple crumb cake can last in the freezer for up to 3 months! For tips on proper food storage, consult this resource.

When you’re ready to reheat a slice, you have a couple of easy options. For a refrigerated slice, a quick 15-20 seconds in the microwave is usually enough to warm it through. If you’re reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight first, then warm it as you would a refrigerated slice. For a truly decadent experience, a gently warmed slice with a scoop of ice cream is pure bliss!

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Crumb Cake

What is Caramel Apple Crumb Cake?

Essentially, Caramel Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the moistness of a tender cake, the sweetness of tender baked apples, a crunchy, buttery streusel topping, and a drizzle of rich caramel sauce. It’s a celebration of fall flavors and textures, designed to be comforting and incredibly delicious.

Why is Caramel Apple Crumb Cake so popular?

Its popularity stems from that perfect trifecta of textures and flavors: the soft cake, the juicy apples, and the crisp topping, all brought together by sweet caramel. It’s a nostalgic dessert that evokes cozy feelings associated with autumn and holidays, making it a beloved treat for gatherings and family desserts.

Can I use different types of apples for this cake?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith offer a wonderful balance, you can certainly experiment with others. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples also work beautifully, providing slightly different sweetness and texture profiles. Just ensure they are peeled and diced uniformly for even baking.

My crumb topping turned out hard, what did I do wrong?

The most common reason for a hard crumb topping is using softened or melted butter instead of cold, cubed butter. For that perfect texture, the butter needs to stay cold. It should be cut into the dry ingredients until it forms coarse crumbs, not a paste. Also, avoid overmixing the topping once it starts to clump together.

Variations of Caramel Apple Crumb Cake You Can Try

While this classic recipe is absolutely divine, don’t be afraid to get creative! I love experimenting with different twists to make this cake my own. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next bake:

• Gluten-Free Delight: Easily make this a gluten-free treat by substituting a good quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Ensure your oats are also certified gluten-free. This creates a wonderful apple cinnamon crumb cake with caramel that everyone can enjoy.
• Nutty Crunch: Elevate the crumb topping by adding about ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. They add an extra layer of texture and a lovely earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples and caramel.
• Individual Portions: Instead of baking in a large pan, try making mini caramel apple crumb cakes in a muffin tin. Adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. They’re perfect for grab-and-go treats or single servings.
• Spiced-Up Version: Boost the warm spice profile by adding ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves or allspice to both the cake batter and the crumb topping. This creates a more complex and intensely autumnal flavor, making it a truly gourmet experience.

Ample Caramel Apple Crumb Cake 2 Ways 6

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

Caramel Apple Crumb Cake is a moist cake with tender apples and a crunchy crumb topping, drizzled with caramel. It’s a comforting dessert perfect for autumn gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
• 1 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
• 1 cup brown sugar (for crumb topping)
• 1 cup rolled oats (for crumb topping)
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for crumb topping)
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (for crumb topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and remaining granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the sour cream. Blend until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar, rolled oats, ground nutmeg, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until crumbly.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Evenly spread the crumb topping over the batter.
9. Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
• Allow the cake to cool before drizzling with caramel for a neater appearance.
• For an indulgent experience, serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
• Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
• Incorporate additional spices like cloves or allspice for a more intense autumn flavor.
• Drizzle caramel sauce into the batter before baking for a swirled caramel apple cake effect.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: Approx. 350-400 kcal
• Sugar: Approx. 35-40g
• Sodium: Approx. 200-250mg
• Fat: Approx. 15-20g
• Saturated Fat: Approx. 8-10g
• Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 7-10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 50-55g
• Fiber: Approx. 2-3g
• Protein: Approx. 3-4g
• Cholesterol: Approx. 60-70mg

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