This caramel apple crumb cake is a warm treat with sweet apples and a buttery crumb topping drizzled with gooey caramel. It’s perfect for sharing or just enjoying on your own!
When I make this cake, my family gets so excited! The smell fills the house, and they can’t resist sneaking bites before it’s even fully cooled. 🍏🍰
It’s super easy to whip up—just mix, bake, and enjoy! I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You really can’t go wrong with this delicious treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well when baked. However, you can also use Honeycrisp for sweetness or Gala apples for a softer texture. In a pinch, canned apples work too!
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for baking. If you need a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Just keep the measurements the same!
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds moisture and richness. If you don’t have any, plain yogurt or buttermilk can be a great substitute. I’ve even used applesauce for a lighter cake.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives a nice caramel flavor, but dark brown sugar works too! It’s a bit richer, which is not a bad thing in this cake!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumb Topping?
Getting that delicious crumb topping can seem tricky, but it’s all about the texture! You want the butter to be cold, so it creates small clumps in the flour mixture when baked.
- In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to mix until you see coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix!
Just sprinkle it on top before baking for that delightful crunch!
How Can I Ensure My Cake Is Moist and Fluffy?
The key to a moist cake is not overmixing. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined—some small lumps are perfectly fine!
- Make sure your butter is softened well. It should be creamy but not melted.
- Adding the eggs one by one helps keep the batter airy, so beat well after each.
- Don’t hesitate to use the sour cream or yogurt; it helps keep the cake from drying out.
With these tips, your cake will come out beautifully moist and delicious!
Easy Caramel Apple Crumb Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious caramel apple crumb cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, allow some extra time for cooling before serving. Altogether, plan for about an hour to an hour and a half to enjoy your homemade treat!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan or an 8-inch round cake pan to ensure nothing sticks!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. This will create a lovely base for your cake. Set it aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream your softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This step adds air and helps keep your cake light!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add even more flavor!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, add half of the dry mixture into the creamed mixture, followed by the sour cream or yogurt. Finally, add the rest of the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—don’t worry if there are a few lumps!
6. Fold In the Apples:
Gently fold in your diced apples. This will make sure each bite is full of delicious apple goodness!
7. Pour the Batter:
Pour your batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. You’re almost there!
8. Make the Crumb Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon together for the crumb topping. Add those cold, cubed butter pieces and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. This topping is the best part!
9. Add the Crumb Topping:
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over your cake batter. This will give you that lovely crunchy top when it bakes!
10. Bake the Cake:
Pop the cake in the oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan on a wire rack. Allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes.
12. Drizzle with Caramel:
Once your cake is warm, it’s time to drizzle that delicious caramel sauce generously over the top. Yum!
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the cake to cool completely before serving. Slice it up and enjoy as is, or for an extra special treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
This easy caramel apple crumb cake is truly a delightful combination of moist cake studded with apples, a buttery crumb topping, and a sweet caramel drizzle. Perfect for cozy gatherings or just a treat for yourself on a chilly day!
FAQ about Easy Caramel Apple Crumb Cake
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith offers a nice tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp for sweetness or even Gala apples for a softer texture. Feel free to mix and match according to your taste preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to a month.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum, which helps provide structure to the cake!
How Can I Make the Cake Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the batter and assemble the cake ahead of time, then cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.