Caramel Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Caramel Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful treat that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced cake with sweet caramel and crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave a cozy dessert with a little extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 ounces soft caramels or caramel bits
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 medium apple (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Step 1: To make the topping, place the butter and caramels in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at half-power in 30-second increments until melted, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the 3/4 cup flour, brown sugar, salt, and chopped pecans. Add the cooled caramel mixture and mix with a fork or your fingers until crumbs form. Set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan, and line it with parchment paper if desired.
- Step 4: Whisk together the 2 cups flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- Step 5: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Step 6: Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture in three portions, alternating with two portions of milk. Mix just until combined each time.
- Step 7: Fold in the finely chopped apple gently into the batter.
- Step 8: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the caramel pecan crumb topping evenly over the batter.
- Step 9: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness in the cake.
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them into the topping.
- You can substitute caramel bits with homemade caramel sauce cooled until thickened if preferred.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back the fresh-baked warmth.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, feel free to use any apple variety you like. Tart apples work well to balance the sweetness, but sweeter apples will make the cake more mild and dessert-like.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
This cake can be made a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature or refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture.
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Caramel Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful dessert combining tender spiced cake with chunks of fresh apple and a rich caramel pecan crumb topping. Perfectly moist with a lovely cinnamon flavor, it’s an ideal treat for autumn or anytime you crave a sweet, comforting baked good with a bit of crunch.
Ingredients
Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 ounces soft caramels or caramel bits
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 medium apple, finely chopped
Instructions
- Make the topping: Place the butter and caramels in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave at half-power in 30-second increments until melted, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare crumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and chopped pecans. Add the cooled caramel mixture and mix with a fork or your fingers until crumbs form. Set this crumb topping aside.
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and optionally line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients for cake: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars: Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture in three portions, alternating with two portions of milk. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add apple pieces: Gently fold in the finely chopped apple to distribute it evenly throughout the batter.
- Assemble the cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the prepared caramel pecan crumb topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
- Use firm but ripe apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for best flavor and texture.
- Allow the caramel mixture to cool slightly before combining with the dry topping ingredients to prevent melting the sugars too much.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner sides.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and increase the flour slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel apple crumb cake, fall dessert, apple cake, crumb topping, caramel dessert, cinnamon cake, pecan topping
