I still remember the first time I baked an Apple Caramel Crumb Cake in my little kitchen in Crete. It was a rainy afternoon, and the smell of warm apples and caramel filling the house made me feel like a cozy hug was wrapped around me. My grandmother always said that the secret to a great cake is love, patience, and a tiny bit of mess in the kitchen and she was right! That first bite, the soft apple layers mingling with crunchy caramel crumb topping, reminded me why I love baking: it’s about making simple ingredients feel magical.
I like to keep this Apple Caramel Crumb Cake simple yet decadent. With tender spiced apples, a buttery caramel drizzle, and a crumb topping that cracks beautifully as you cut it, this cake is perfect for weekend breakfasts, afternoon tea, or impressing friends at gatherings. Whether you’re new to baking or already have some experience, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🧺
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Crumb Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream/milk to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Add Apples: Fold in the chopped apples gently so they are evenly distributed.
- Prepare Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble Cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the cake.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly.
- Make Caramel Drizzle: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar. Stir in heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Cool slightly.
- Drizzle & Serve: Pour caramel over the cooled cake, slice, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions 🍴
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea.
- Perfect for brunch or holiday gatherings; it keeps well for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
Quick Tips for Perfect Apple Caramel Crumb Cake ✨
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- Chill the butter before making crumb topping to get that perfect crunch.
- Don’t overmix the batter gentle folding keeps the cake tender.
Recipe Card ⏱️
⏱️ Time Cook: 50 minutes (plus prep)
🧺 Ingredients: See full list above
👩🍳 Instructions: Follow step-by-step guide above
📝 Note: Can make crumb topping ahead and store in fridge until ready to bake
🥗 Nutrition (per slice, approx.): 350 calories, 18g fat, 45g carbs, 3g protein
Why You’ll Love This Cake ❤️
This Apple Caramel Crumb Cake isn’t just a dessert it’s a memory in every bite. The tender apples, sweet caramel, and buttery crumb topping make it irresistible. I love making it when friends come over because it brings everyone together. Trust me, it’s easier than it looks and tastes like pure magic.
Short 100-Word Version 📝
If you want a quick, delicious dessert that wows every time, try this Apple Caramel Crumb Cake. Tender spiced apples fold into moist cake batter, topped with a buttery, crunchy crumb topping. Bake for 50 minutes, then drizzle warm caramel over the top for that sweet, gooey finish. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this cake is simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for guests. Serve with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable experience. A cozy, sweet treat everyone will love!