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
Scale
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
