• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Free Ebook!Subscribe to updates & get a recipe book!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

The Chunky Chef

Comforting Family Recipes

  • All Recipes
  • Learn to Cook
  • Shop
    • My eBooks
    • Favorite Products
  • About
  • Contact
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

    My Saved Recipe Box
  • Browse By:
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Sides
    • Drinks
    • Desserts
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Healthy-ish
  • Ingredient
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Pork
    • Turkey
    • Seafood
    • Meatless
    • Pasta
  • Cuisine
    • Asian
    • Italian
    • Mexican
    • Hawaiian
    • Middle Eastern
    • Comfort Food
  • Method
    • One Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Instant Pot
    • Oven
    • Fried
    • Grilling/BBQ
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

Home / Dessert

Caramel Apple Cake (crumb topped)

5
/5
55 minutes
10 Comments
Jump to Recipe Print Pin
By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 09/09/2020

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This Caramel Apple Crumb Cake is the perfect Fall dessert! Perfectly spiced, with tender apples, rich caramel, moist cake and a crumbly top! #apple #cake #applecake #dessert #baking #Fall #crumbcake #caramel #caramelapple
This Caramel Apple Crumb Cake is the perfect Fall dessert! Perfectly spiced, with tender apples, rich caramel, moist cake and a crumbly top! #apple #cake #applecake #dessert #baking #Fall #crumbcake #caramel #caramelapple

This Caramel Apple Cake is the perfect Fall dessert! Perfectly spiced, with tender apples, rich caramel, moist cake and a crumbly top! It tastes like a Dutch apple pie, but in cake form.

This Caramel Apple Cake is such a fun dessert, and SO delicious!  We love Fall desserts, like my Apple Crisp, and Candied Almonds.   This is one of my Dessert recipes you’ll definitely want in your collection!

slice of apple cake on plate with caramel sauce

CARAMEL APPLE CAKE

This time of year is confusing to me… it’s technically still Summer, and the weather certainly hasn’t cooled off… yet I’m shifting into Fall-mode.  I get cravings for soups and chili, and everything apple/pumpkin!

Thankfully, my family doesn’t mind my indulgence into anything and everything Fall, so I’m hoping you all won’t either 😉

Even though pumpkin seems to get most of the Fall credit, I’m a huge apple fan.  Apple pie, apple crisp, caramel apples… the list goes on.

This caramel apple cake is moist and delicious, with a crumbly topping that’s similar to a Dutch apple pie.  It comes together quickly and uses apple pie filling to make this dessert even easier.

Even though this cake has caramel in it, I also love to drizzle some liberally on the top!  Store-bought works just fine, but if you’re feeling extra decadent, try making your own.

step by step photos for how to make apple cake

HOW TO MAKE CARAMEL APPLE CAKE

  1. Prepare pan/oven and filling. Preheat your oven, grease the pan, and coarsely chop the apple pie filling. I do this in my food processor, but you can use a knife if you prefer.
  2. Make the topping. Use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients.
  3. Make the batter. Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices) in one bowl. Combine the wet ingredients (apple filling, sour cream, applesauce, vanilla and egg) in another bowl. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until no flour streaks remain.
  4. Assemble the cake. Transfer half the batter to prepared baking pan, then top with caramel and remaining batter.  Sprinkle with crumbly topping.
  5. Bake the cake. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until cooked through.
  6. Cool and serve. Cool cake on wire rack, then serve topped with additional caramel sauce and/or more apple pie filling.

two pieces of cake on plates with caramel sauce on top

ADDITIONAL BAKING TIPS

  • ROOM TEMP INGREDIENTS – for the best results when baking this cake, your cold ingredients (like butter and eggs) should be at room temperature so they can incorporate fully into the batter.  Except for the butter for the crumbly topping, that should be COLD.
  • USE REAL BUTTER – this isn’t the time to use shortening or margarine.  Those perform differently in baking recipes, and this recipe was only tested using real butter.
  • USE FRESH INGREDIENTS – some of these are obvious, like using non-expired eggs, but did you know using older baking soda/baking powder can affect the way your cakes bake?  Over time, leavening agents (which is what baking soda and powder are) lose their efficacy, and won’t give your cakes that beautifully soft texture.

If you’re unsure if your baking soda or powder are still good, drop a pinch in some hot water.  If it fizzes, it’s still good!  If not, then you’re in need of some new ingredients.

drizzling apple cake with caramel

VARIATIONS OF THIS RECIPE

  • MORE CRUMB CAKE-LIKE TOPPING – if you prefer a more crumb cake type of topping, with big pieces of streusel, you can definitely do that here! Down in the recipe notes section below I’ll detail the ingredients and instructions for that.
  • FRESH APPLES – I’ve only tested this recipe using apple pie filling, but if you really want to use fresh apples, I’d guess that you’d need about 2 1/2 cups of diced apples, and you’d want to add a few Tbsp of sugar to them, along with a pinch of cinnamon to mimic the flavors of the apple pie filling.  You’ll also want to add about an additional 1/4 cup of applesauce to account for the moisture in the filling.
  • HOMEMADE CARAMEL SAUCE – normally I use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, but if you have some extra time, you have to try my browned butter salted caramel sauce.  It’s out of this world!
  • OIL – if you wanted to substitute the applesauce for a neutral-flavored oil (such as vegetable or canola), that would work just fine.
  • TOPPING OPTIONS – obviously caramel is a great choice, but so is some bourbon vanilla ice cream!

fork cutting into slice of cake with apples

MAKING AN APPLE CAKE AHEAD OF TIME

Like most cakes, this apple cake definitely tastes best when enjoyed the day you baked it. However, since the apples help keep it moist, it can still be enjoyed the next day, so if you’re pressed for time, you can make it the night before.

STORAGE

Leftover cake should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container and consumed within 3 days.  It could also be refrigerated and will last up to 5 days that way.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FOR THIS RECIPE

The following links are affiliate links.

The Chunky Chef, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.  For more information regarding this program and what it means for you, please see my Privacy page.

  • Cake Pan – I’ve had several of these cake pans for years and they still look brand new… so easy to clean and they last!
  • Pastry Cutter – not a necessity, since you can use alternative methods to work the butter in, but this pastry cutter holds up well, and makes the job so much easier!

apple cake slice on plate with cinnamon stick on top

BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN TO CHECK OUT OTHER READERS’ COMMENTS FOR TIPS AND REVIEWS.

AND DON’T FORGET, IF YOU’VE MADE THIS RECIPE, LEAVE A COMMENT AND PLEASE GIVE IT A STAR RATING LETTING ME KNOW HOW YOU ENJOYED IT!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

slice of apple cake on plate with caramel sauce

Caramel Apple Cake

5 from 8 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: 1822
Servings: 8 servings
(hover over # to adjust)
Print Rate Pin
This Caramel Apple Crumb Cake is the perfect Fall dessert!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar (packed) or granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 20 oz can apple pie filling
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup applesauce
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup caramel sauce plus more for topping

CRUMBLY TOPPING

  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter diced
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9 inch round baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Add apple pie filling to food processor and pulse just a few times, until apples are coarsely chopped. Set aside.

MAKE THE CRUMBLY TOPPING

  • Add crumb ingredients (butter, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon) to a mixing bowl and use a pastry cutter (or two forks, or your fingers) to cut the butter into the other ingredients until mixture resembles a wet sandy consistency. Set aside.

MAKE THE CAKE BATTER

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. 
  • In a separate bowl mix together the apple pie filling, sour cream, applesauce, vanilla, and egg. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir to combine, until there are no dry patches. 

ASSEMBLE AND BAKE

  • Spoon half of the batter into the pan and smooth it out into an even layer.
  • Top with caramel sauce, then top with remaining cake batter, again smoothing it into an even layer.
  • Sprinkle top with prepared crumbly topping and bake 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

COOL AND SERVE

  • Place cake pan on wire rack to cool. Serve topped with additional caramel sauce and/or more apple filling.

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

STREUSEL TOPPING

  •   1 cup plus 2 Tbsp all purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon and salt. Pour in melted butter and whisk to combine.
  2. Slowly add flour and mix with wooden spoon or a rubber spatula until no streaks of flour remain. 

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did You Make This?Tag @the_chunky_chef on Instagram and hashtag it #thechunkychef so I can see what you made!
Tag on Insta! Leave a Rating Save for Later Saved!

 

You May Also Like...

  • Sweet spiced apple cider mixed with caramel flavored vodka, shaken over ice and served with a slice of sweet apple as a garnish! #martinirecipe #applemartini #vodka #applecider #falldrink #fall #caramelapple #caramel #vodka
    Spiced Caramel Apple Martini
  • featured image for s'mores cookie cake
    Caramel S'mores Cookie Cake
  • These Caramel Apple Pie Bars have all the classic flavors of a Dutch caramel apple pie, in an easy to make bar dessert form!  The cinnamon pecan streusel topping is to die for, and don't forget the browned butter caramel sauce! #applepie #falldessert #applebars #caramelapple #caramel #alamode #easydessert #dessertrecipe
    Caramel Apple Pie Bars with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel
  • This Old Fashioned Apple Crisp takes chopped apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and the best crispy oat topping, and is baked into the ultimate Fall dessert!  Top with a scoop of ice cream and salted caramel for the perfect treat! #applecrisp #oat #falldessert #appledessert #fromscratch
    Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp
Previous Post
Next Post

Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

Learn More

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question, comment, or review below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Marsha says

    Posted on 9/21 at 2:47 pm

    I have looked through the whole recipe but I can’t find the oven temperature for this cake?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 9/21 at 9:07 pm

      Hi Marsha, it’s in step 1 🙂 375°F

      Reply
  2. Sara Welch says

    Posted on 9/14 at 5:31 pm

    Such a delicious treat and perfect for fall! Definitely going to be giving this a try this week; looks amazing!

    Reply
  3. Sandra | A Dash of Sanity says

    Posted on 9/14 at 3:59 pm

    This is such a perfect dessert! My family really loved it!

    Reply
  4. Tara says

    Posted on 9/13 at 11:01 pm

    This cake was so moist and delicious! It reminded me of the little coffee cakes I would take in my lunch to school as a kid! Thanks for the flavorful trip down memory lane!

    Reply
  5. Toni Dash says

    Posted on 9/11 at 10:14 am

    This is such an amazing apple treat! Totally irresistible!

    Reply
  6. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

    Posted on 9/11 at 4:06 am

    This Caramel Apple Cake is looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!

    Reply
  7. Jamie says

    Posted on 9/10 at 6:44 pm

    this was so easy and so good!

    Reply
  8. Jen says

    Posted on 9/10 at 2:01 pm

    I love apple desserts so much more than pumpkin especially this early into Fall-ish type weather, haha! It’s rainy and cold here today so this puts me right in the mood. The caramel is a wonderful addition.

    Reply
  9. Beth says

    Posted on 9/10 at 10:16 am

    This looks so delicious and scrumptious! My family is definitely going to love this recipe!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

welcome!

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

New! Save Recipes To Your Own Account!

Free eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

download now!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

Game Day Recipes!

These crowd-pleasing tender meatballs are smothered in a super flavorful honey garlic bbq sauce.  Perfect for parties, this crockpot meatball recipe couldn't be more simple to make! #meatballs #crockpot #slowcooker #honeygarlic #bbq #appetizer #party #honey #garlic #easyrecipe

Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs

2 hours 5 minutes

Smooth and silky queso dip, made using NO velveeta!  Packed with flavor, yet so easy to make, and party ready in just 20 minutes! #queso #dip #cheese #mexican #appetizer #party #cincodemayo #easyrecipe

Queso Dip Recipe

20 minutes

Creamy, cheesy, and oh so addicting, this bacon cheeseburger dip is just like your favorite gooey cheeseburger... but in a party-ready dip form! #bacon #gameday #cheesy #cheeseburger #party #appetizer #dip #easyrecipe

Creamy Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

32 minutes

Insanely tasty chicken wing recipe, dry rubbed, then hickory smoked to perfection.  And don't forget the homemade bourbon bbq sauce! #chickenwings #wingrecipe #smoked #smoker #smokedchickenwings #bourbon #bbq #crispy

Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings

3 hours

This easy game day appetizer combines classic buffalo wing flavors with cool creaminess in an easy dip made in the crockpot. Perfect for any party, serve it up with chips or celery sticks and watch everyone go back for seconds!

Buffalo Chicken Dip (Crockpot Recipe)

2 hours 10 minutes

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels | These pinwheels are filled with a creamy chicken taco filling, which is easily customizable, and rolled up to make a perfect appetizer or party food! | http://thechunkychef.com

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels

15 minutes

More Holiday Recipes >

Who doesn’t love free stuff?

Who doesn't love free stuff? Get an ad-free ebook of my most popular recipes, plus be the FIRST to know about new things coming to the site!

Looking for something?

As Seen On…

Stay Connected

subscribe to get new posts via email:

Quick & Easy

Dinner Favorites

Hearty and positively soul-warming, this beef barley soup simmers all day in the slow cooker, which makes for an incredibly rich soup recipe! #beefbarley #soup #slowcooker #crockpot #comfortfood #barley #beefsoup #easyrecipe #dinner
M

Crockpot Beef Barley Soup

white bowl of chicken and dumplings
T

Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

HONEY GARLIC SALMON - Succulent and tender salmon filets cooked in a mouthwatering simple honey garlic sauce, then broiled until sticky and caramelized.  Made with simple ingredients, in one pan, and in just 20 minutes! #salmon #honeygarlic #onepan #easyrecipe #dinner #seafood #fish
W

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Light and filling, this Italian Wedding Soup is perfectly delicious comfort food, all year round.  Made in one pan, and ready in 30 minutes, this recipe is great for a weeknight meal! #soup #souprecipe #Italianweddingsoup #onepot #30minutemeal #weeknight #dinner #easyrecipe #homemaderecipe
R

Italian Wedding Soup

This Honey Garlic Chicken is one incredible weeknight dinner idea. Juicy chicken coated and cooked with a glorious sauce made with soy, hoisin, garlic, honey and more! Toss it all in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you! #dinner #chicken #asian #honey #garlic #honeygarlic #easyrecipe #weeknight #slowcooker #crockpot
F

Honey Garlic Chicken

S

Swedish Meatballs

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window
free e-book!

Download MY Free Recipe eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

get my copy!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

As Featured On:

Back to Top

Recipes

Dinners

Appetizers

Desserts

Slow Cooker

Learn to Cook

Start Here

Tips & Tricks

e-Cookbook

Easy Recipes

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy
  • Contact
© 2023 The Chunky Chef
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top