If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in cake form, look no further than this Brown Butter Caramel Apple Crumb Cake Recipe. Each bite offers a symphony of nutty brown butter, sweet caramel, and tender apples nestled beneath a perfectly buttery crumb topping. It’s the kind of treat that brings all the cozy vibes to your kitchen, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a slice of comfort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls and containers on a light wood surface arranged in a loose circle. At the top, there's a large bowl filled with white flour next to a smaller bowl holding white baking powder, soda, and cinnamon mixed together. To the right, another bowl contains light brown crumbly topping. Below that, a small bowl is filled with white creamy yogurt, and next to it is a bowl of white milk. Toward the bottom, there are two brown eggs near two bright red apples. On the left, a large bowl holds thinly sliced red and yellow apple pieces, and beside it is a bowl of white sugar. Above the sugar, an open jar contains thick caramel-colored sauce, and in the center bottom, a glass filled with a foamy light brown liquid completes the arrangement. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but truly essential. Each one plays a crucial role, from building the rich, tender crumb to adding layers of flavor and texture that make this cake utterly irresistible.

All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake structure, ensuring it’s fluffy yet sturdy enough to hold apples and crumb topping.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in both the cake and topping.
Light brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel flavor and moisture to the crumb topping.
Salted and unsalted butter: The star ingredient for browning and richness, elevating the cake with its nutty aroma.
Pure vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with warm, sweet complexity.
Large eggs: Provide structure and richness, helping the cake rise beautifully.
Full fat sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, keeping the cake tender.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that gives the cake its light texture.
Ground cinnamon: Hearts the flavor by adding warmth and spice.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Whole milk: Moistens the batter and helps achieve the perfect crumb.
Medium apples: Thinly sliced to layer delicately within the cake, offering natural sweetness and a bit of tartness.
Easy Salted Caramel Sauce: A final drizzle of luscious sweetness that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Brown Butter Caramel Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F to get it ready for our delicious cake. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on each side so you can easily lift the cake out later. This little step saves so much hassle when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Brown butter is the magic behind this cake’s intense nutty flavor. Melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it foams, turns golden, and fills your kitchen with a toasty aroma. Keep a close eye—browning butter happens fast but is totally worth the attention!

Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping

Mix flour, both sugars, and salt if you’re using unsalted butter. Stir in the melted (but not hot!) butter until big soft crumbs form. This crumb topping brings crunch and sweetness that perfectly complements the soft cake and tender apples.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk cooled brown butter with sugar and vanilla until creamy and pale. Add eggs one at a time, whisking until light and fluffy, which makes the cake wonderfully airy. Fold in sour cream for moisture and tang.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate

Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, then gently fold them into the wet ingredients. The batter will feel thick here, so pour in the milk to loosen it up, stirring until combined but not overmixed. This ensures a tender crumb.

Step 6: Prepare the Apples

Toss the ultra-thinly sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar to give them a subtle spiced sweetness. These thin slices will cook perfectly within the batter, giving bursts of juicy apple flavor without sogginess.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Spread half your batter into the lined pan smoothly, then evenly fan out the apples on top. Pour the rest of the batter over the apples, smoothing gently. Scatter the crumb topping all over to cover the apples generously. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until golden and firm, with no wet batter visible on a toothpick.

How to Serve Brown Butter Caramel Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a slice of thick cake with two main layers: the base layer is a light brown, soft and crumbly cake, topped with a crumbly streusel layer that is golden brown. On top of this is a shiny caramel sauce that drips slightly over the side, creating a smooth, glossy texture contrasting with the crumbly topping. In the background, there is a blurred red apple and more slices of the same cake, while in front there are neatly arranged thin slices of red and yellow apple on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce over each slice acts as the perfect crown for this cake. Don’t be shy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, either—it melts beautifully and adds creamy, cool contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a latte for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. A dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon-spiced yogurt also pairs wonderfully for a touch of indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cake warm with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or chopped walnuts for some added crunch. For a festive twist, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh apple slices or edible flowers for eye-catching flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your Brown Butter Caramel Apple Crumb Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for up to 2 days, making it great for quick snacks or unexpected guests.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. It keeps for up to 3 months, ready to thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy almost like it’s freshly baked.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a microwave or oven just until heated through. A few seconds in the microwave or 10 minutes at 300°F will resurrect that fresh-baked feel, especially with a new drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream.

FAQs

Can I substitute the apples for another fruit?

Absolutely! Pears or even peaches sliced thinly would work beautifully while complementing the brown butter and caramel flavors. Just keep slices thin to ensure they bake evenly.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

Greek yogurt makes a fantastic substitute—it offers a similar tang and moisture, keeping your crumb cake tender without changing the texture much.

How do I brown butter without burning it?

Use medium heat and stir frequently. Watch closely as the butter melts, foams, and then turns a golden brown with nutty scent. Remove from heat as soon as it reaches the desired color since residual heat will continue cooking it.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free too.

Is it okay to use salted butter only?

Yes, salted butter is fine! Just reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to keep the balance just right.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Brown Butter Caramel Apple Crumb Cake Recipe enough if you want to wow family, friends, or simply treat yourself. Its layers of flavor, from nutty brown butter to the sweet, tender apples and crumbly topping, are pure joy on a plate. Give it a try and watch this cake become your new cozy classic in no time!