Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that captures all the cozy vibes of fall and the indulgent charm of salted caramel, this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake Recipe is your new best friend. I absolutely love how the layers come together—spiced cake, tender apples, crunchy crumble, and that luscious caramel drizzle—it’s like every bite tells a delicious little story. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a weekend treat, or just because you deserve something sweet and comforting, this cake really shines.

When I first tried making this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake Recipe, I was amazed at how approachable it actually is, despite sounding fancy. You’ll find that it’s not only about taste but also about textures — the soft cake, the gooey apple filling, and the crisp crumble all balance perfectly. Plus, it’s a recipe where you can prep some parts ahead of time, making your day-of baking stress-free and fun!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love using quality, simple ingredients that work harmoniously here. Grab fresh Granny Smith apples for that tartness which balances the rich caramel, and don’t skip the spices—they add warmth and depth. Also, using real butter and brown sugar makes all the difference for that perfect crumble and spice cake texture.

• All-purpose flour: The base for your cake and crumble—standard and versatile.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that cozy, classic apple-spice warmth.
• Baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients to give the cake a tender crumb.
• Ground ginger: Adds a subtle spicy kick that pairs beautifully with apples.
• Ground nutmeg: Brings a fragrant earthiness that deepens the cake’s flavor.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors; you’ll taste the difference.
• Light brown sugar: Gives a moist, caramel-like sweetness to both cake and crumble.
• Unsalted butter: Use softened for the cake, and cold for the crumble to get that perfect texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and lightens the cake batter.
• Neutral oil: Helps keep the cake moist without changing flavor.
• Large eggs: Bind the cake and add structure; room temperature is best for even mixing.
• Pure vanilla extract: Lifts and brightens the overall flavor.
• Apple cider: Adds moisture and a subtle fruitiness to the cake.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the crumb and adds a mild tang.
• Granny Smith apples: Tart, firm apples perfect for the filling—they hold shape and balance sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling so it’s luscious but not runny.
• Cream cheese frosting: Adds tangy richness that complements the spiced cake and apple layers perfectly.
• Salted caramel sauce: The star drizzle that ties the entire dessert together with a sweet-salty punch.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Feel free to swap apples, experiment with spices, or even try different frostings depending on your mood. I encourage you to play around and tailor it to your taste—it’s all about enjoying the process as much as the final cake.

• Different Apples: I’ve tried using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter apple filling, which is delicious if you prefer less tartness.
• Spice Adjustments: Some friends like extra cinnamon or a pinch of cloves; feel free to tweak the spices to your liking.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap buttermilk with almond milk and vinegar, and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.
• Caramel Swap: Homemade salted caramel is amazing, but store-bought works well for convenience without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Bake That Beautiful Spice Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing three 8-inch round pans—lining them with parchment makes life so much easier when removing the cakes later. In a large bowl, whisk all your dry ingredients together to evenly distribute spices and leaveners. Then, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy—it usually takes a couple of minutes, but don’t rush this step because it sets the cake’s texture. Add in your oil, eggs one at a time, and vanilla, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Alternate mixing in the dry ingredients with the apple cider and buttermilk in thirds, starting and ending with the dry. This keeps your batter light and helps avoid overmixing. Divide the batter evenly into your pans and bake for about 22 to 28 minutes until the cakes spring back to touch and a tester shows moist crumbs. Cool completely before moving on—you don’t want the frosting melting!

Step 2: Make the Tender Apple Filling

This apple filling is the heart of the cake. Melt butter in a pan and stir in your cubed Granny Smith apples along with brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook until the apples are tender but still hold their shape—about 10 minutes. Once they’re just right, add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the mixture. This step is key because you want the filling to be luscious without being wet or runny. Let it cool completely before assembling your cake layers; warm filling will make your cake soggy, and no one wants that!

Step 3: Prepare That Irresistible Crumble

Mix flour, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl, then toss in cold cubes of butter. This is where you get to use your fingers—rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse cornmeal with clumps. Freezing the crumble before baking helps it crisp up nicely once in the oven. Bake at 350°F until golden and fragrant, tossing once halfway through to ensure even browning. The crumble adds that crunchy contrast in every forkful, and it crisps up even more once cooled, so don’t skip this step.

Step 4: Assemble the Magic

If your cream cheese frosting has been refrigerated, bring it to room temperature and beat until smooth and spreadable. Level your cake layers with a serrated knife so they stack evenly—you can nibble on leftover trimmings, I won’t judge! Start with one layer on your serving plate, spread a thick ring of frosting around the edge creating a dam, then fill that with a generous scoop of apple filling, sprinkle crumble, and drizzle caramel sauce. Repeat the layer, then cap with the last cake round.

Coat the whole cake with a thin crumb coat of frosting and chill for a couple of hours or overnight to set everything perfectly. When ready, smooth on the final layer of frosting, drizzle more caramel, and finish with the remaining crumble. This final presentation step always feels like putting that cherry on top of a masterpiece.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—extra crumble sprinkled on top adds irresistible crunch, and a few thin apple slices brushed with lemon juice give a fresh look. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the caramel drizzle really elevates the salty-sweet factor.

Side Dishes

This cake is rich and flavorful on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes the experience over the moon. For drinks, chai tea or a cinnamon-spiced cider complement the spices perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I’ve served this in a naked cake style by frosting only the sides for a rustic vibe, then piling crumble and caramel on top in a casual yet elegant way. Another fun idea is to cut individual servings into mini jars layered with the apple filling, crumble, and caramel on top for portable desserts that wow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers wrapped tightly in the fridge, either covered with cake dome or plastic wrap. The cake stays moist and the crumble retains its crunch surprisingly well. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days for peak freshness.

Freezing

If I want to freeze it, I usually wrap each cake layer separately in plastic and foil, freeze the filling and crumble individually as well. When thawed slowly in the fridge overnight, the components come back close to fresh, making last-minute desserts a breeze to assemble.

Reheating

Since this is more of a cold to room temperature dessert, I don’t recommend reheating it. However, bringing a slice to room temp after chilling really brings out the flavors and lets the salted caramel soften perfectly for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it feels like a warm hug wrapped in a slice. It’s the kind of dessert I’m proud to serve family, friends, or even myself after a long day. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover the joy in layering those flavors and textures yourself—the smiles around the table will tell you this was time well spent. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be your go-to for cozy occasions too!

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