Salted Caramel Apple Crumble is a cozy, comforting dessert that combines tender spiced apples, buttery streusel topping, and luscious salted caramel sauce. This dessert is easy to make and delivers the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on its own, it’s the ultimate fall dessert that works beautifully year-round.
1. Why Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Is a Must-Try Dessert
This dish is a favorite for its rich flavors, versatility, and ease of preparation:
- Sweet and Salty Harmony: Salted caramel elevates the classic apple crumble.
- Crunchy and Tender Textures: Crisp topping contrasts perfectly with soft, spiced apples.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for gatherings, holidays, or a simple family treat.
- Easy to Make: No pie crust required, making it beginner-friendly.
2. Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble
For the Apple Filling
- Apples: 6 medium (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced.
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup, packed.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon.
- Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon.
- Salt: A pinch.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: ½ cup, homemade or store-bought.
For the Crumble Topping
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup.
- Rolled Oats: ½ cup.
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup, packed.
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), cold and cubed.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon.
- Chopped Pecans: ½ cup (optional, for added crunch).
Optional Garnishes
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For serving.
- Extra Caramel Sauce: For drizzling.
- Sea Salt Flakes: For sprinkling.
3. Preparing Your Ingredients
For the Apples
- Choose Firm Apples: Use baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to hold their shape.
- Slice Evenly: Cut the apples into uniform slices for even cooking.
For the Crumble Topping
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter creates a crumbly texture.
- Combine Thoroughly: Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter into the dry ingredients.
Pro Tip: Make your own salted caramel sauce for a richer, fresher flavor.
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in chopped pecans if using.
Step 3: Assemble the Crumble
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
- Press gently to adhere the topping but leave it loose for a crunchy texture.
Step 4: Bake the Crumble
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes.
5. Why This Recipe Works
This recipe combines complementary flavors and textures for an irresistible dessert:
- Salted Caramel: Adds depth and a savory-sweet balance to the dish.
- Tender Apples: Spiced and softened during baking for a comforting filling.
- Crispy Topping: The buttery oat crumble provides crunch and richness.
It’s a simple yet sophisticated dessert that’s sure to impress.
6. Serving Suggestions
How to Plate
- Serve the crumble in individual bowls or ramekins for an elegant touch.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with sea salt flakes for a gourmet finish.
Pairings
- Beverages: Pair with hot apple cider, spiced tea, or a glass of dessert wine.
- Sides: Serve alongside whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
7. Variations to Try
Nut-Free Crumble
- Omit pecans and add shredded coconut or extra oats for crunch.
Berry and Apple Crumble
- Add fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries to the apple filling for added flavor and color.
Gluten-Free Option
- Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free dessert.
Spiced Crumble
- Add ground ginger or cardamom to the topping for a warming twist.
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Apples
- Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious, as they may turn mushy.
Skipping the Flour in the Filling
- Flour helps thicken the juices from the apples, preventing a watery crumble.
Overpacking the Crumble Topping
- Press the topping gently to ensure a light, crisp texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the crumble and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
3. Can I freeze the crumble?
Yes, freeze the unbaked crumble for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
4. What’s the best caramel sauce to use?
Homemade salted caramel is ideal, but high-quality store-bought caramel works well too.
5. How do I prevent a soggy topping?
Bake uncovered to allow the topping to crisp up properly.
6. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or a mix of fruits work wonderfully in this recipe.
7. What’s the best way to reheat the crumble?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to restore the crisp texture.
8. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and caramel sauce. Serve with non-dairy ice cream.
9. Should I peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but leaving the skins on adds fiber and a rustic look.
10. How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and topping, and use tart apples like Granny Smith.
Final Note: Salted Caramel Apple Crumble is the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining comforting flavors and textures with a touch of sophistication. Serve it warm with your favorite toppings, and watch it disappear!