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- Dry Ingredients - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 cup brown sugar - 1 cup rolled oats - Wet Ingredients - ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup sour cream - 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith) - ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Optional Add-ins - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans When I create this caramel apple cinnamon crumb cake, I use these simple ingredients. The dry ingredients give the cake its structure and flavor. The baking powder and baking soda help it rise. I love adding cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, cozy taste that pairs perfectly with apples. For the wet ingredients, I always use softened butter and granulated sugar. They blend well to make the cake light and fluffy. Eggs add richness and help bind everything together. Don't forget the sour cream! It keeps the cake moist and adds a nice tang. I prefer Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the caramel. If you want to add a bit more texture, chopped walnuts or pecans make a great choice. They add a crunchy bite that complements the soft cake. This list of ingredients is key to making a delicious caramel apple cinnamon crumb cake. Each one plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that the cake bakes evenly. Grease and Flour Baking Dish: Take a 9x13-inch baking dish and grease it with butter. Then, sprinkle flour all over. This helps the cake come out easily after baking. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg Mix well and set it aside for later. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together: - ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until it becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Integrate Eggs and Vanilla: Add in 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each one. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in 2 cups of diced apples. Use Granny Smith apples for the best flavor. If you like, add in ½ cup of chopped nuts too. Prepare the Crumb Topping: In another bowl, mix together: - 1 cup brown sugar - 1 cup rolled oats - ½ cup cold butter, cubed Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until it looks crumbly. Layer the Cake and Crumb Topping: Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared dish. Spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce (½ cup) over this layer. Then, add the remaining batter on top. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter. Finally, drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top. Now, your cake is ready to bake! Checking for Doneness To check if your cake is done, use a toothpick. Insert it in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter, bake it for a few more minutes. Keep checking every few minutes until done. Maintaining Moisture To keep your cake moist, do not overmix the batter. Mix until just combined. Using sour cream also helps add moisture. Also, avoid opening the oven door too early. This can cause your cake to sink. Serving Suggestions Serve your cake warm for the best taste. You can drizzle extra caramel sauce on top. Pair it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a rich treat. This makes a great dessert for family gatherings or special occasions. Garnishing with Caramel and Cream For a lovely presentation, add a swirl of caramel sauce over the cake. A dollop of whipped cream on each slice adds elegance. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for a crunchy finish. This will impress your guests! {{image_2}} Gluten-Free Options You can make this cake gluten-free easily. Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that has xanthan gum in it. This will help give the cake structure. Dairy-Free Alternatives If you want a dairy-free cake, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. For sour cream, use a dairy-free yogurt. Almond, soy, or oat yogurt works well. Adding Spices You can boost the flavor by adding spices. Try a pinch of ginger or allspice for extra warmth. A little clove can also add depth. Just a 1/4 teaspoon can make a big difference. Including Dried Fruits Want to add a twist? Include dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. Chop them up and fold them into the batter. This adds a nice chewiness and complements the apples well. To keep your caramel apple cinnamon crumb cake fresh, first let it cool. Once cool, you can store it at room temperature or in the fridge. If you choose room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it moist. It should last about 2-3 days on the counter. For longer storage, place it in the fridge. It can stay fresh for up to a week when covered. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, take the cake out of the freezer and place it in the fridge overnight. If you need it quicker, let it sit on the counter for a couple of hours. For reheating, warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This makes the caramel gooey again! Enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of fresh caramel. Can I use a different type of apple? Yes, you can! While Granny Smith apples shine in this recipe, other apples work too. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add sweetness. You can mix different apples for more flavor. How long will the cake stay fresh? The cake stays fresh for about three days at room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep moisture in. If you store it in the fridge, it can last up to a week. Can I make the cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead. Just store it covered at room temperature. Reheat slices in the oven for a warm treat! What can I serve with the cake? Serve it warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce. A dollop of whipped cream adds a nice touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs well too, making it a dessert hit! In this blog post, we explored the essential ingredients for a delicious cake. We covered each step from mixing to baking and shared tips for presentation. I also provided variations to suit different diets and preferences. Storing your cake properly ensures it stays fresh longer. Remember to experiment with flavors and enjoy your baking journey. Happy baking!

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake

Indulge in the deliciousness of Caramel Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake! This mouthwatering recipe combines tender apples, buttery crumbs, and rich caramel for a delightful dessert that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to make with simple ingredients. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how to create this sweet treat that will satisfy your cravings!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sour cream

2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)

½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup rolled oats

½ cup cold butter, cubed (for crumb topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

      Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

        Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

          Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

            Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using) into the batter until evenly distributed.

              Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, rolled oats, and cold cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix the ingredients until crumbly and well blended.

                Layer the Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter. Carefully layer the remaining batter on top.

                  Top with Crumbs: Sprinkle the crumb mixture uniformly over the top of the batter. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the crust.

                    Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

                      Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

                        Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 1 hour | Serves 12

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve warm, drizzled with extra caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat!