There’s something truly irresistible about the combination of tender apples, rich caramel, and a buttery crumb topping. Our Caramel Apple Crumb Cake brings these flavors together in a moist, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, this cake will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Caramel Apple Crumb Cake bursting with flavor and texture, we carefully select each component. Below, you’ll find our categorized list of ingredients to ensure a moist cake, a crunchy crumb topping, and luscious caramel sauce.
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 medium apples (about 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Crumb Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Caramel Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
| Ingredient Category | Key Components | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cake | Flour, baking powder, baking soda | Include spices for warmth and flavor |
| Crumb Topping | Flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter | Cold butter creates a crisp texture |
| Caramel Sauce | Brown sugar, cream, butter, vanilla | Rich and smooth finish |
Equipment Needed
To create the perfect Caramel Apple Crumb Cake, having the right equipment is essential. Each tool ensures precision and ease throughout the baking process. Below is a detailed list of the equipment we recommend for this recipe:
- 9×13-inch baking pan: We use this to bake the cake evenly with a golden, tender crumb.
- Mixing bowls (medium and large): To combine dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and crumb topping separately.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer: For creaming butter and sugar, and blending the batter smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements keep the cake moist and the caramel silky.
- Apple peeler or paring knife: Essential for peeling and slicing apples uniformly.
- Cooling rack: To cool the cake after baking, preventing sogginess.
- Spatula and wooden spoon: For folding ingredients and spreading batter evenly.
- Saucepan: For making the luscious caramel sauce with controlled heat.
- Whisk: Ideal to stir together caramel sauce ingredients and avoid lumps.
- Oven thermometer (optional but recommended): To ensure accurate oven temperature for perfect baking results.
| Equipment | Purpose | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| 9×13-inch baking pan | Baking the cake | Critical |
| Mixing bowls | Separating and mixing ingredients | Essential |
| Electric hand/stand mixer | Creaming and blending | Highly recommended |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Precise ingredient measurement | Crucial |
| Apple peeler/paring knife | Preparing apples | Helpful |
| Cooling rack | Cooling to maintain texture | Important |
| Spatula and wooden spoon | Mixing and spreading batter | Necessary |
| Saucepan | Cooking caramel sauce | Essential |
| Whisk | Stirring caramel sauce | Helpful |
| Oven thermometer | Ensuring correct baking temperature | Optional but useful |
Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to create the perfect Caramel Apple Crumb Cake with moist layers, a crunchy topping, and luscious caramel drizzle.
Prep Work
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Peel, core, and dice 3 medium apples into ½-inch pieces.
- Measure all ingredients precisely using measuring cups and spoons.
- Prepare separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients to streamline the process.
Making the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1½ cups granulated sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in 3 large eggs one at a time until well incorporated.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for added flavor.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2½ cups |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground cinnamon | 1½ teaspoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet batter, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples to distribute evenly without breaking them down.
Preparing the Crumb Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the following:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Light brown sugar | ¾ cup, packed |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Cold unsalted butter | ½ cup, cubed |
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Set aside for topping the cake later.
Assembling the Cake
- Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter to create a crunchy layer.
- Lightly press the crumb topping into the batter for better adherence during baking.
Baking the Cake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack.
- Let the cake cool completely to room temperature before adding the caramel sauce.
Making the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup granulated sugar without stirring.
- Swirl the pan gently until sugar turns amber-colored.
- Carefully add 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, stirring until melted.
- Slowly whisk in ½ cup heavy cream until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Let the caramel cool slightly to thicken.
Adding the Caramel Drizzle
- Using a spoon or a small piping bag, drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the cooled cake.
- Allow the caramel to set for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve slices with extra caramel on the side for enhanced indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate our Caramel Apple Crumb Cake experience, we can serve it with complementary flavors and textures that enhance its rich, fruity sweetness and buttery crumb topping.
- Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream
Serving a slice warm paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a perfect contrast between hot and cold. The ice cream slowly melting over the moist cake adds luscious creaminess.
- Drizzle Extra Caramel Sauce
Add an extra drizzle of the homemade caramel sauce on top for intensified buttery sweetness. This makes each bite more decadent and visually appealing.
- Sprinkle with Chopped Nuts
Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the cake add a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth that balances the soft texture.
- Add Fresh Whipped Cream
A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the apple and crumb flavors without overpowering them.
- Pair with Warm Spiced Tea or Coffee
Serving the cake alongside warm chai tea or a robust coffee enhances the cozy, autumn-inspired spices in the cake.
| Serving Idea | Description | Enhancement |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla Ice Cream | Scoop melts over warm cake | Creamy contrast |
| Extra Caramel Drizzle | Homemade sauce drizzled on top | Intensified buttery sweetness |
| Chopped Nuts | Toasted pecans or walnuts added for texture | Crunch and nutty flavor |
| Whipped Cream | Lightly sweetened and fresh | Light, fluffy complement |
| Warm Tea or Coffee | Chai or coffee with warm spices | Enhances cozy spices |
“For a truly memorable dessert experience, the right accompaniments can turn this cake into a showstopper.” Let’s pair it wisely to bring out the best of our Caramel Apple Crumb Cake.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To maintain the freshness and flavor of our Caramel Apple Crumb Cake, proper storage and make-ahead strategies are essential. Here’s how we ensure every bite stays moist and delicious.
Storing the Caramel Apple Crumb Cake
- Room Temperature: Store the cake covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: Since the cake has a rich caramel sauce and tender apples, refrigeration extends its freshness. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cake. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
| Storage Method | Storage Duration | Wrapping Recommendation | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 days | Loose foil or plastic wrap | 68°F – 72°F (20°C) |
| Refrigeration | Up to 5 days | Tight plastic wrap or airtight | 35°F – 40°F (2°C) |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Plastic wrap + foil or airtight | 0°F (-18°C) |
Reheating Tips for Best Flavor
- Remove the cake from the refrigerator or freezer and let it come to room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to revive the soft crumb and enhance the caramel sauce’s gooey texture.
- Alternatively, heat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped loosely in foil for 10–15 minutes.
Make-Ahead Advice
- Bake the cake up to two days ahead for parties. Store it covered in the refrigerator and drizzle the fresh homemade caramel sauce right before serving to preserve its silky texture.
- Prepare the caramel sauce a day in advance. Store it in a sealed container at room temperature or refrigerate if your kitchen is warm. Warm gently before drizzling.
- You can also make the crumb topping ahead. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Sprinkle it over the batter right before baking for extra crunchy texture.
Pro Tip: For the best experience, drizzle caramel sauce just before serving to keep the crumb topping crisp and the apple filling juicy.
With these storage and make-ahead tips, we can enjoy the Caramel Apple Crumb Cake at its peak flavor and texture anytime.
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Crumb Cake is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of fall flavors in every bite. Its moist texture and rich caramel drizzle make it a standout dessert for any occasion. With the right tools and a bit of patience, we can easily create this delightful treat at home.
Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed the next day, it’s a dessert that never loses its charm. Let’s keep this recipe handy for those moments when we want to impress with something both comforting and indulgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for Caramel Apple Crumb Cake?
You need all-purpose flour, sugars, butter, eggs, apples, spices like cinnamon, and ingredients for caramel sauce such as brown sugar and heavy cream. The recipe separates these into sections for the cake, crumb topping, and caramel.
What equipment is essential for making this cake?
A 9×13-inch baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, an apple peeler or paring knife, cooling rack, and saucepan for the caramel sauce are recommended for best results.
How do you prepare the cake batter?
Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients separately, combine with wet mixture, and fold in diced apples to form the batter.
How is the crumb topping made and used?
The crumb topping is mixed from flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly. It is sprinkled evenly over the cake batter before baking.
What is the baking process for this cake?
Preheat oven, prepare pan, pour batter into it, add crumb topping, and bake at a specified temperature for the given time until golden and set. Cool before adding caramel.
How do you make and use the caramel sauce?
Cook brown sugar, butter, and cream together in a saucepan until smooth. Drizzle the sauce over the cooled cake just before serving to keep the topping crisp.
What are some serving suggestions?
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, extra caramel drizzle, toasted nuts, whipped cream, and pair with spiced tea or coffee for a cozy touch.
How should you store leftover Caramel Apple Crumb Cake?
Store it at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slightly to refresh texture before eating.
Can I prepare any parts of the cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake and prepare the crumb topping and caramel sauce ahead. Store separately and assemble or drizzle caramel just before serving for best flavor.
What is the pro tip for the best texture and taste?
Drizzle caramel sauce right before serving to keep the crumb topping crunchy and the apple filling juicy, enhancing the overall cake experience.