Caramel Apple Crumble Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy dessert that combines the best of sweet, tart, crunchy, and gooey, this Caramel Apple Crumble is the answer to all your cravings. Tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices baked under a golden, buttery oat topping come together in perfect harmony, then to top it off, a luscious drizzle of rich caramel sauce makes every bite pure magic. Whether it’s a chilly evening treat or a special occasion centerpiece, this dessert feels like a warm hug on a plate and is destined to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients each play a vital role in creating the irresistible textures and flavors of your Caramel Apple Crumble. From the tartness of fresh apples to the buttery crumble topping, everything combines beautifully to deliver a classic treat that’s always comforting and satisfying.
- 6 apples, peeled and sliced: Choose crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- 50 g sugar: Helps sweeten the apples and brings out their natural juices as they bake.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice that perfectly complements the apples.
- 1 cup oats: Provide a hearty, chewy texture for the crumble topping.
- 1/2 cup flour: Binds the crumble together and helps it bake to a golden crisp.
- 50 g butter, cubed: Adds richness and ensures a golden, crumbly topping.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
- Caramel sauce: The finishing touch that gives the crumble its signature indulgent flavor.
How to Make Caramel Apple Crumble
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling and slicing your apples into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Toss them gently with the sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl. This mix will soften as it bakes, releasing sweet, fragrant juices that soak into the crumble topping.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, cubed butter, and brown sugar. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique traps little pockets of butter that melt during baking, creating a perfectly crisp and buttery topping.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Spread the apple mixture evenly in your baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples, making sure to cover them all the way to the edges. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake for about 35 minutes, or until your topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the apples are tender underneath.
Step 4: Add the Caramel Sauce
Once the crumble is out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle your rich caramel sauce generously over the top. The warm caramel seeps into cracks in the crumble, adding an irresistible sticky sweetness that elevates this dessert to something truly special.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Crumble
Garnishes
For an extra touch of warmth and texture, sprinkle a pinch of toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the caramel. A dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny handful of fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely contrast and brighten the presentation.
Side Dishes
The best partner for this Caramel Apple Crumble is a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold cream melts into the warm crumble, balancing its sweetness and adding a dreamy, silky mouthfeel.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant touch or use mini mason jars for a charming rustic flair. You can also layer the apple crumble with caramel sauce and whipped cream in clear glasses for a stunning parfait-style dessert that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caramel Apple Crumble keeps well when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making it an easy dessert to enjoy for multiple meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the crumble before baking—just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and wrap it securely. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. This is perfect for making ahead for special occasions or busy days.
Reheating
Reheat your Caramel Apple Crumble in the oven at 160°C for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again on top. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delightful crunch in the crumble topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for the Caramel Apple Crumble?
While fresh apples give the best texture, you can use frozen apples if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain excess liquid to prevent the crumble from becoming soggy.
Is it possible to make the crumble topping gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep the topping delicious and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce made from sugar, butter, and cream has a wonderful depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples. There are plenty of easy recipes available if you want to DIY it.
What type of apples works best in this recipe?
Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and provide a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness in this dessert.
How do I prevent the crumble topping from getting soggy?
Make sure to evenly spread the crumble topping and avoid layering too thickly in one spot. Using cold butter and properly baking until golden helps create that crisp texture.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Crumble is one of those desserts that instantly transports you to a cozy, comforting place. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet elegant enough to impress guests, making it a versatile favorite to keep in your dessert repertoire. Trust me, once you try this combination of sweet caramel, spiced apples, and crunchy oat crumble, it won’t be long before it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen. Happy baking!
