Ultimate Caramel Apple Crumb Cake Recipe Perfect for Fall

Posted on June 14, 2025

There’s nothing quite like the warm, sweet aroma of apples, cinnamon, and caramel filling your kitchen on a crisp autumn day. This Ultimate Caramel Apple Crumb Cake is the dessert you didn’t know you needed this fall. With soft, spiced cake, juicy apple chunks, a buttery crumb topping, and a drizzle of rich caramel sauce, it’s the perfect way to embrace the season. This recipe is as satisfying to make as it is to eat, and trust me, it’ll have your family coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

I’ve been making variations of apple cakes for years, but this one takes the cake—literally. It’s become a staple whenever I want to bring a cozy, homemade touch to gatherings or simply treat my family. So, grab your favorite apples, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some magic!

The Story Behind This Recipe

Apple desserts have been a hallmark of fall for centuries. Apple cakes date back to European traditions, where apples were often baked into desserts during harvest season. This recipe draws inspiration from those time-honored classics but adds a modern twist with a crumb topping and caramel drizzle.

For me, caramel apple desserts always bring back memories of fall festivals. I remember walking through rows of apple trees, clutching a sticky caramel apple in one hand and a cup of cider in the other. This cake is my way of capturing those moments in a recipe. It’s like biting into a caramel apple, but with the added bonus of cake and crumb topping. What could be better?

As the weather cools and leaves start to fall, this cake just feels right. It’s a dessert that’s as comforting as your favorite sweater and as festive as pumpkin carving. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, heading to a potluck, or just need a sweet pick-me-up on a cloudy day, this cake has got you covered.

Ingredients: What You Need and Why

Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make this cake irresistible:

Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well if you prefer something sweeter. Peel and dice them into small chunks for even baking.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the cake structure. For a gluten-free version, use a reliable 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to both the crumb topping and the cake batter.
Granulated Sugar: Helps balance the flavors and adds a lighter sweetness.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: The quintessential fall spices that give this cake its signature warmth. Feel free to adjust the quantities to your preference.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for both the cake and crumb topping. It adds richness and moisture.
Eggs: Bind the batter together and give the cake a tender crumb.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apples.
Caramel Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce for drizzling. It’s the finishing touch that takes this cake over the top.

Pro tip: If you’re looking for substitutions, you can use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a more natural option.

Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

9×13-inch baking pan: This size is perfect for even baking.
Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple for the batter, apple mixture, and crumb topping.
Whisk and spatula: For mixing the ingredients without overworking the batter.
Peeler and knife: To prepare the apples.
Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly before slicing.

If you don’t have a 9×13-inch pan, you can use two 8-inch square pans, but watch the baking time closely. A stand or hand mixer can also make the process quicker, especially for creaming the butter and sugar.

How to Make Ultimate Caramel Apple Crumb Cake

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and dice 3 medium apples (about 2 cups). Toss them with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and set aside.
Make the crumb topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Cut in 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate the topping while you make the batter.
Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, then mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of sour cream.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Mix the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the prepared apples.
Assemble the cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, then sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter.
Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool on a wire rack.
Drizzle with caramel: Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle with caramel sauce. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips to make your caramel apple crumb cake the best it can be:

Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Stir until just combined.
Chill the crumb topping: Keeping the topping cold helps it stay crumbly and prevents it from melting into the cake.
Test for doneness: Check the cake with a toothpick or skewer around the 40-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Use fresh caramel: If you’re making your own caramel sauce, do it while the cake bakes so it’s warm and easy to drizzle.

Variations and Adaptations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to mix it up:

Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.
Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
Spices: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a spicier flavor profile.
Caramel Alternatives: Use a salted caramel sauce for a sweet-and-salty twist.

My personal favorite tweak? Tossing the apples in a splash of bourbon before folding them into the batter for a boozy kick!

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Serve this cake slightly warm with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For drinks, hot apple cider or a chai latte are perfect companions.

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it (without the caramel drizzle) for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.

Nutritional Information and Benefits

While this cake is definitely a treat, it does have some redeeming qualities. Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamin C, and using cinnamon adds antioxidants. Each slice (depending on portion size) has approximately:

Calories: 280
Fat: 12 g
Sugar: 25 g
Protein: 3 g

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the caramel sauce and portion size.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Caramel Apple Crumb Cake is everything you want in a fall dessert: warm, flavorful, and downright comforting. It’s a recipe that’s easy to love and one you’ll come back to year after year. Give it a try and make it your own—you might just start a new family tradition!

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share a photo on social media and tag me. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! Any firm apple works well. Granny Smith is great for tartness, while Honeycrisp adds more sweetness.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cake the day before and add the caramel drizzle just before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat this cake?

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat the whole cake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

Can I skip the crumb topping?

You can, but the crumb topping adds texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar works as a quick alternative.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of sour cream.