Why This Caramel Glazed Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Is a Must-Try

In the quest for the perfect fall baking dessert, your search ends here. This Caramel Glazed Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is guaranteed to impress, leaving everyone begging for the recipe. With every slice, you’ll discover warm hints of cinnamon, tender apples, and a luscious caramel drizzle that create an unparalleled culinary experience. Your taste buds will embark on a delightful dance, and your kitchen will be filled with the comforting aromas of autumn, making your home feel wonderfully cozy.

So, what makes this coffee cake the ultimate fall dessert? It’s the harmonious fusion of classic treats: the comforting familiarity of a coffee cake, the rustic charm of an apple crumble, and the luxurious touch of a rich caramel glaze. This combination doesn’t just meet expectations; it exceeds them, taking each bite to an entirely new level of indulgence. Beyond its incredible flavor, this cake is surprisingly easy to prepare, ensuring that even busy bakers can whip up a batch without stress. It’s an absolute showstopper, making it a guaranteed hit with anyone who appreciates the quintessential flavors of fall.

Perfect for a relaxed family brunch, a festive autumn potluck, or simply as a comforting evening treat with your favorite hot beverage, this coffee cake is a versatile addition to any menu. Don your apron, gather your ingredients, and prepare to create a seriously delicious fall recipe that will earn you rave reviews. Trust us, your loved ones (and your taste buds!) will undoubtedly thank you for this delightful creation. If you enjoy this, you might also adore our Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars, these scrumptious Caramel Apple Cupcakes, or this classic Easy Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe. It’s truly that wonderful time of year again, where the crisp air hints at the changing seasons, especially in places like northern Indiana, signaling the start of apple, pumpkin, and cinnamon-infused baking. Are you as excited as we are?

The Heart of the Cake: Choosing Your Apples

When it comes to apple desserts, I’m all about the apples! The choice of apple variety plays a pivotal role in the final flavor and texture of your coffee cake. For this particular recipe, Granny Smith apples are my absolute favorite, and for good reason. Their distinct tartness provides a fantastic contrast to the sweet crumble and rich caramel, preventing the cake from becoming overly sweet. When baked, Granny Smiths hold their shape beautifully, offering a satisfying bite without turning mushy. This characteristic makes them ideal for various baked goods, pairing exceptionally well with apple pies, apple fritter muffins, German apple cake, and classic apple dumplings.

While Granny Smiths are highly recommended, feel free to experiment with other apple varieties that hold up well to baking, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn. These apples offer a sweeter profile, so you might adjust the sugar content in the cake slightly if you prefer a less tart outcome. No matter your choice, ensure your apples are fresh and crisp for the best results. For more in-depth information on everything related to eating, keeping, and even growing apples, be sure to visit Sally at Garden Valley Homestead. Apples are definitely her specialty too!

The Irresistible Elements: Crumb Topping and Caramel Glaze

This Dutch Apple Coffee Cake isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience, largely thanks to its incredible components: the tender cake, the generous crumble, and the crowning caramel glaze. Each element plays a crucial role in creating a truly memorable dessert.

Versatile Serving Options

• This apple crumb cake truly shines when served warm, allowing the flavors to meld and the caramel to soften. However, it’s remarkably versatile and tastes fantastic at room temperature, or even chilled from the refrigerator. For an ultimate indulgence, pair it with a scoop of creamy vanilla or cinnamon cheesecake ice cream. It absolutely rocks, in my opinion!
• The cake itself achieves perfect moistness through the inclusion of Greek yogurt, a secret ingredient I adore for its ability to create a tender, rich crumb without added fat.
• We’ve integrated a luscious caramel dip not just as a drizzle, but also as a delightful middle layer within the coffee cake itself. This ensures that bursting apple flavors and rich caramel are present in every single bite, truly taking this caramel apple coffee cake over the top. Are you hungry yet? This is poised to become your new favorite fall dessert recipe!

If you’re a fan of delightful crumble desserts, you’ll definitely want to try these amazing Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Bars too!

Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Crumble Coffee Cake

Crafting this sensational Caramel Glazed Apple Crumble Coffee Cake requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component contributes to the cake’s overall flavor profile and delightful texture, from the moist cake batter to the crispy streusel and the gooey caramel glaze. Here’s what you’ll need to create this fall masterpiece:

Apple Crumb Cake Batter

• Honey
• Butter, softened
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Greek yogurt or sour cream (for ultimate moistness)
• Caramel dip (for the luscious middle layer)
• 2 Granny Smith apples or apples of choice, peeled and chopped

Crumble Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar (for depth of flavor)
• Granulated sugar (for extra crispness)
• Salt
• Butter, melted
• Vanilla extract

Caramel Glaze

• Confectioners sugar
• Caramel dip
• Milk (to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency)
• Optional: A sprinkle of sea salt on top to create a delightful salted caramel effect.

You can easily find quality caramel dip in most grocery stores, typically located near the apples in the produce section, or you can purchase it online. Brands like Marzetti’s offer an excellent caramel dip that works wonderfully in this recipe!

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Apple Coffee Cake with Crumble Topping

Embark on your baking journey with these clear, easy-to-follow instructions to create your own magnificent Caramel Glazed Apple Crumble Coffee Cake. Precision in each step ensures a perfect, mouth-watering result every time.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or spray a 9×9 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and set it aside. If you prefer a thicker cake, an 8×8 inch pan can be used, but remember to increase the baking time by an additional 10-15 minutes.

Preparing the Perfect Crumb Topping

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients for the crumble topping (flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt). Once combined, add the melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until it becomes delightfully crumbly and moist, resembling coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Assembling the Apple Crumble Coffee Cake

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and honey for approximately 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, incorporate the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the dry ingredients for the cake: all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
4. Spread half of the prepared cake batter evenly at the bottom of your greased baking pan. Don’t worry if the layer seems very thin; it will rise beautifully in the oven! 🙂
5. Evenly arrange about two-thirds of your chopped apple chunks over the batter layer. Next, spoon approximately 1/2 cup of caramel dip over the apples. (Warming the caramel in the microwave for a few seconds can make it easier to spread.) Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of your delicious crumb topping over the caramel and apples.
6. Carefully spread the remaining cake batter over the crumb layer, using a butter knife or offset spatula to gently smooth it as best as you can. Add the rest of the chopped apples on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of the remaining crumble topping.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool completely on a wire baking rack before glazing.

Crafting the Caramel Glaze

1. After the cake has cooled thoroughly, prepare the caramel glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, caramel dip, and milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. For a more fluid consistency, gently warm the glaze in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
2. Drizzle the warm caramel glaze generously over the cooled coffee cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
3. Once the glaze is set, cut the cake into individual squares and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Caramel Glazed Apple Crumble Coffee Cake!

Tips for Baking a Perfect Apple Crumble Coffee Cake

Achieving a bakery-quality coffee cake at home is entirely possible with a few simple tips and tricks. Follow these guidelines to ensure your Caramel Glazed Apple Crumble Coffee Cake turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured every time:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more easily and creates a smoother, more emulsified batter, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough and chewy cake rather than a tender one.
• Chop Apples Evenly: Cut your apples into uniform-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked while others are mushy.
• Warm the Caramel Dip: For the layer inside the cake, warming the caramel dip slightly in the microwave makes it much easier to spoon and spread evenly over the apples and batter. This ensures better distribution of that gooey caramel goodness.
• Even Crumble Distribution: When sprinkling the crumble topping, try to distribute it as evenly as possible. This ensures every slice gets a good amount of that delicious, buttery crunch.
• Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the minimum bake time. A wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: It’s crucial to let the cake cool fully before applying the caramel glaze. If the cake is warm, the glaze will melt and absorb into the cake, instead of forming that beautiful, luscious layer on top.

Storing and Enjoying Your Caramel Apple Coffee Cake

Proper storage is key to extending the freshness and deliciousness of your homemade Caramel Glazed Apple Crumble Coffee Cake. Follow these tips to ensure you can savor every last crumb:

• Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to consume the cake within 1-2 days, it can be stored at room temperature. Place the cooled cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. This also helps keep the crumble topping from becoming too soft.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, especially if your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigerate the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing for Later: This coffee cake freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled and ungallzed (or with a very firm glaze), wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm again, you can heat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm larger portions in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through. This brings back that freshly baked aroma and soft texture.
• Serving Suggestions: While exceptional on its own, consider serving a warm slice with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for an added touch of luxury. It’s also fantastic paired with your morning coffee or a soothing cup of tea.

This Caramel Glazed Apple Crumble Coffee Cake truly is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether it’s presented as a delicious, heartwarming dish to bring to family gatherings, or simply savored as a delectable sweet accompaniment to your coffee after a long day, this cake is guaranteed to be thoroughly enjoyed by all who taste it.

So, the next time you find yourself in need of a truly special dessert that embodies the spirit of autumn and comfort, be sure to turn to this incredible Caramel Glazed Apple Crumble Coffee Cake. Its rich flavors, satisfying textures, and beautiful presentation make it an unforgettable centerpiece for any occasion.

For more delicious recipe updates, valuable baking tips, and a wealth of sweet inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. We love sharing our passion for baking with you!

More Irresistible Apple Desserts!

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of this caramel apple coffee cake, you’re in for a treat! Apples are incredibly versatile, and there’s a world of delicious desserts waiting to be explored. Here are some more of our favorite apple-infused recipes that are perfect for any season, but especially delightful in the fall:

• Easy Dutch Crumble Apple Pie Bars
• Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
• 25 Apple-icious Desserts That’ll Tempt You
• Salted Caramel Chip Apple Blondies
• 4 Amazing Apple Coffee Cakes
• Ultimate Soft Caramel Apple Drop Cookies
• Awesome Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe (Featured on The Kitchen – Food Network!)
• ‘Cinnamon Roll’ Apple Dumplings
• Apple Butter Coffee Cake
• Apple Crumble Muffins