Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake Recipe

This salted caramel apple crumble cake reminds me of apple pie, but easier to make and twice as delicious. I just love salted caramel, but you can have this crumble cake with or without it. This is a super awesome treat for a fall day.

Why I Love This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake

If you are a fan of pumpkin spice, then you will love the scent that wafts through the house as you bake this cake. Fall is all about baking with apples, pumpkins, and cinnamon, amirite? Oh, and let’s not forget the #PSL.

My mother used to make apple pies all fall season long. This apple crumble cake reminds me of then, but without having to make or roll out dough. Of course, I could use pre-made pie crusts now … but why bother? Just throw some crumble topping and salted caramel drizzle on top … done!

Kitchen Equipment

To make this treat perfectly, you’ll need the following kitchen essentials:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Saucepan

Tips

• Before you start, make sure the butter, eggs, and sour cream are not too cold or too hot. Just right! This helps the cake be super tasty and soft.
• Try different apples! Some are a bit sour, like Granny Smith, and some are sweet, like Honeycrisp. Choose the one you like the most!
• When you’re mixing the dry and wet stuff, don’t mix too much. Just enough to make them friends! Mixing too much can make the cake too heavy.
• The crumbly part on top should be just right. Make sure the butter is melted but not too hot. We want it to be crunchy, not soggy!
• Let the caramel sauce cool a little before pouring it on the cake. This helps it stay on top and not disappear into the cake.

Recipe Variations

You can customize your cooking for this cake as you want! Here are some cool ideas:

• Nutty Surprise: Want a little crunch in your cake? Throw in a handful of chopped nuts into the crumble topping. It makes your cake taste even more fun!
• Chocolate: If you love chocolate dessert you can pour some chocolate ganache on top of the cake.

FAQs

1. What Are the Best Apples to Use for This Cake? You can use any type of apple. Try various ones for different flavors. Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Honeycrisp apples bring natural sweetness, creating a delightful balance with the caramel.
2. Can I Prepare the Caramel Sauce Ahead of Time? Yes, you can make the caramel sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Simply warm it up before serving to get that perfect drizzle over the cake.
3. How Should I Store This Cake? Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It keeps well and can be reheated in the microwave for a warm treat.
4. Is Freezing the Cake an Option? Yes, you can freeze the cake without the caramel sauce. Thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy, and then add the freshly warmed caramel sauce.
5. Can This Recipe Be Made Gluten-Free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture might change slightly, but the cake will still be delicious.
6. What Are the Dairy-Free Alternatives for This Recipe? Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk alternatives. For the caramel, coconut cream can be a great substitute for heavy cream.
7. What Drinks Pair Well With This Cake? A classic cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte complements this cake beautifully. A dessert wine can also be a luxurious pairing.
8. How Can I Substitute Buttermilk in This Recipe? Combine milk with a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar to create a quick homemade buttermilk substitute.
9. Can I Use Store-Bought Caramel Sauce? While homemade caramel sauce adds a special touch, store-bought caramel sauce is a convenient alternative if you’re short on time.
10. Any Tips for a Perfect Crumb Topping? Ensure the butter is well incorporated into the dry ingredients to create a crumbly, buttery topping for the perfect texture contrast.
11. How Can I Make the Cake More Moist? Avoid overbaking and measure your ingredients accurately, using a kitchen scale for precision. This helps in maintaining the moisture of the cake. However, you can also add some fat to the recipe.
12. Is It Possible to Reduce the Sugar in This Recipe? You can experiment with reducing the sugar in the cake batter. However, be mindful that it might slightly alter the texture and sweetness. Try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream into the apple mixture, or adding more butter.

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Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake Recipe

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A classic apple crumble with a twist of homemade salted caramel, perfect for warming up your evenings. This recipe combines the tartness of apples with the sweetness of homemade caramel, creating a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 5 to 6 medium apples
• 1/2 cup soft butter
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup oats
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup walnuts, broken into large pieces
• A pinch of cinnamon

For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cube the apples and mix them with sugar.
3. Combine the walnuts, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon with the apples. Place this mixture in a baking dish.
4. Create crumbs using the flour, oats, and butter, then sprinkle this over the apple mixture.
5. Bake for approximately 30 minutes.

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

1. Over medium heat, dissolve sugar in water until it turns a deep amber color.
2. Remove from heat and carefully blend in heavy cream, butter, and sea salt until smooth.
3. Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling over the baked crumble.

Notes

• For the best results with this apple crumble recipe, choosing the right type of apple is key. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice due to their tartness and firm texture, which holds up well during baking.
• However, feel free to experiment with different apple varieties to suit your taste preference. Other good options include Honeycrisp for a sweeter crumble, or a mix of different types for a more complex flavor profile.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 716Total Fat 39gSaturated Fat 20gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 83mgSodium 484mgCarbohydrates 92gFiber 6gSugar 70gProtein 5g

Nutrition automatically generated.

The Final: Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake