Salted Caramel Apple Crumble
Highlighted under: Celebration Table Recipes
Indulge in the perfect dessert that combines the warmth of baked apples with a rich salted caramel topping and a buttery crumble.
This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble is a delightful dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of baked apples and the decadence of salted caramel. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy family dinners, it's sure to impress!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors
- Warm, gooey caramel that complements the tender apples
- Crunchy crumble topping for the perfect texture contrast
The Perfect Fall Dessert
As the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like the warm, comforting flavors of a Salted Caramel Apple Crumble. This dessert showcases the best of autumn produce—juicy apples that are both sweet and tart, perfectly complemented by a rich salted caramel sauce. The combination creates a symphony of flavors that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
The addition of salted caramel elevates this classic apple crumble to new heights. The sweet, gooey sauce seeps into the tender apples, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweetness from the apples and a hint of saltiness from the caramel, making it an irresistible treat for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
A Versatile Recipe
One of the best things about this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble is its versatility. While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness, feel free to experiment with your favorite apple varieties. Whether you prefer the sweetness of Fuji apples or the tartness of Braeburn, this recipe can easily adapt to suit your taste.
Additionally, this crumble can be customized further by adding nuts or dried fruits to the topping for added texture and flavor. Walnuts or pecans can introduce a delightful crunch, while raisins or cranberries can add a chewy element. This flexibility allows you to make the recipe uniquely yours while ensuring it's always a crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra special touch, serve your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The melting ice cream creates a luscious creaminess that beautifully balances the warm, spiced apples and the rich caramel sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add an exciting twist to this classic dessert.
This crumble also makes for an excellent breakfast or brunch dish. Imagine enjoying a warm serving alongside a cup of coffee or tea—it’s a comforting way to start your day. For those who enjoy meal prepping, you can make this dessert ahead of time and simply reheat it when you're ready to serve.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
For the Salted Caramel
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
For the Crumble Topping
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!
Instructions
Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
Make the Salted Caramel
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a golden amber color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the butter and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in sea salt and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Crumble Topping
In a bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use your fingers to pinch the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble the Crumble
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, layer the apple mixture and drizzle half of the salted caramel over it. Top with the crumble mixture. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes, then drizzle the remaining salted caramel on top before serving warm.
Enjoy your dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!
Pro Tips
- For a twist, add chopped nuts to the crumble topping for an extra crunch.
Tips for Success
To ensure the best texture for your crumble topping, make sure your butter is cold and cubed before mixing it with the dry ingredients. This will help create that perfect crumbly texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft apples. You can even freeze the butter beforehand for even better results.
When selecting apples, look for firm varieties with a crisp texture. Avoid soft or mealy apples, as they won't hold their shape during baking. If possible, mix different apple types for a more complex flavor profile that will enhance the overall taste of your crumble.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can store your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This will help retain the crumble’s texture and the apples' juiciness.
You can also freeze the cooked crumble for longer storage. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above for a delicious treat any time of year.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can use any type of apple you prefer, though tart apples like Granny Smith work best.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and crumble topping in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
→ What can I serve with this crumble?
It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble
Indulge in the perfect dessert that combines the warmth of baked apples with a rich salted caramel topping and a buttery crumble.
Created by: Mario
Recipe Type: Celebration Table Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Apple Filling
- 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
For the Salted Caramel
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
For the Crumble Topping
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a golden amber color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the butter and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in sea salt and set aside to cool.
In a bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use your fingers to pinch the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, layer the apple mixture and drizzle half of the salted caramel over it. Top with the crumble mixture. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes, then drizzle the remaining salted caramel on top before serving warm.
Extra Tips
- For a twist, add chopped nuts to the crumble topping for an extra crunch.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g