Caramel Apple Crumble

4.03 from 46 votes

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This Caramel Apple Crumble recipe combines soft apples coated in homemade salted caramel sauce, topped with a buttery crumble that bakes to golden perfection. It’s warm, gooey, and delivers that comforting mix of sweet and tart apples with just the right amount of crunch. Plus, it’s pretty much guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like heaven. Serve with some Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream!

top down view of salted caramel apple crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

I remember being a little girl and watching my mom make her recipe for apple crumble which was heavy on the apples and very light on the crumble and I remember thinking what a travesty it was. I was probably 5.

So, as an adult armed with a decent amount of kitchen knowledge, I took matters into my own hands promising myself that I would create a recipe that even I, the cooked fruit hater, could love.

And I did it! I took it pretty easy on the apples, doubled the normal amount of crumble topping, and was quite heavy-handed with the warm salted caramel sauce for the ultimate fall dessert that everyone and their mom will love. So let’s make this baby!

What Kind of Apples are Best to Use?

For this recipe I used Granny Smith green apples. I love that they are crisp, sweet & tart and hold up really well when cooked. Other good apple options are Honeycrisp, Jonagold and Braeburn apples.

What Type of Pan Should I Use?

I like to use a cast iron skillet. I am able to cook the apples in it on the stove top, then add the caramel and crumble topping to the apples and bake in the oven, all without transferring anything to a different baking dish. A big bonus is less dishes to wash after! If you don’t have a cast iron skillet or other pan that can go in the oven, using a 9×13 casserole dish will work just fine. If you do use a different pan, you’ll need to adjust your baking time.

top down view of ingredients in bowls

Ingredients Needed for Caramel Apple Crumble

These common ingredients come together quickly to make one of the best apple desserts! Here is everything you will need.

  • Granny Smith apples – tart, fresh apples that hold their shape when baked
  • Lemon juice – helps keep your apples from turning brown and adds a slight tang
  • Butter – you’ll need it softened for the crumble and melted for cooking the apples
  • Heavy cream – for that rich, silky caramel sauce
  • White sugar and brown sugar – add sweetness and depth to both the apples and crumble
  • All-purpose flour – gives structure to the crumble topping
  • Vanilla extract – because everything’s better with a splash of vanilla
  • Sea salt – a pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness
  • Optional: Cinnamon – sprinkle over the apples for extra warmth

Variations

  • Swap Granny Smith apples for Golden Delicious or Honeycrisp if you prefer a sweeter apple filling.
  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a slightly healthier twist on the crumble.
  • Add rolled oats to the crumble topping for a more rustic texture.
  • Want an even easier option? Use store-bought jar of caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch.
  • For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans to the crumble topping for some extra crunch.

How to Make Caramel Apple Crumble

This caramel apple crumble recipe has three main components. The sauce, crumble, and apple filling. Each section needs its own set of ingredients and so I’m going to break it down for you. See the printable recipe card below for full details on ingredients & measurements. Here is step by step what you can expect when making this recipe.

1. Make the Crumble Topping

This is a super easy process where you just measure, dump, and mix. Combine flour, brown sugar, white sugar, butter and salt into a bowl (or stand mixer bowl) and mix. The mixture will be crumbly but stay together when squeezed. Set aside.

2. Make Homemade Caramel Sauce

The hardest part of this recipe is probably making the homemade salted caramel. I’m going to walk you through the steps pretty well but if it still intimidates you in any way, there are plenty of salted caramel sauces on the market which are great options. Even warming up store bought caramel sauce and adding in a little sea salt will work too. Here we go. 🙂

  1. Heat sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat to melt the sugar. Continue cooking and swirling sugar until it turns amber in color.
  2. Whisk in sea salt and heavy cream. The mixture will briefly bubble up violently. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
  3. Stir in butter and vanilla extract. Set aside.

3. Prep Apples + Cook

Prepare apple slices and toss in lemon juice. The best apples to use for this dish are granny smith apples. This is simply because of their taste, texture, and good baking qualities.

Cook apples in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat in butter. Sprinkle with salt to draw out all the moisture possible. Drain apples and place back into skillet. This process should take about 5-7 minutes of cooking.

4. Layer + Assemble Apple Crumble

Pour 3/4 of prepared caramel sauce into the apples and stir gently. Top with the crumble topping.

5. Bake + Serve

Bake at 350° F for 20 minutes or until the top is a light golden brown. Serve with remaining caramel sauce.

Apple Crumble Toppings

Besides the caramel sauce, you can also top this dessert with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Think of it as a deconstructed apple pie. So all that creaminess perfectly compliments this apple crumble recipe.

pouring more salted caramel sauce over crumble topping

Storing Leftover Caramel Apple Crumble + Make Ahead Directions

I doubt you’ll have any leftovers because this dessert is SO divine! But if you do, don’t worry. Allow it to cool to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap (or transfer leftovers to an airtight container) and store your apple crumble in the fridge for up to 4 days.

You can reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds at a time or pop it into the oven to warm it up.

To Freeze: Allow apple crumble to cool completely. Place in a freezer safe container with a good fitting lid and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven or the microwave. It’s also tasty eaten cold!

Make Ahead

If you want to do the prep work the day before, cover and store the apple filling, crumble topping and caramel separately in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

More Apple Recipes to Try!

This caramel apple crumble recipe is the perfect fall dessert that won’t take up too much of your time, but will definitely win over everyone who tries it. Be sure to save, print, bookmark or share this recipe so you have it and use it all Fall long. It’s a good one! The printable recipe card below. Have a great day, friends!

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

top down view of salted caramel apple crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
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4.03 from 46 votes

Caramel Apple Crumble

This Caramel Apple Crumble recipe will have you licking your plate clean! Soft Apples, topped with a buttery crumble top and homemade salted caramel sauce. Pure heaven!
servings 8 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the caramel sauce-

For the crumble-

For the apples-

  • 4 granny smith apples peeled, cored and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

for the caramel sauce-

  • Heat sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat to melt the sugar. Continue cooking and swirling sugar until it turns amber in color.
  • Whisk in sea salt and heavy cream. The mixture will briefly bubble up violently. Continue whisking until sauce is smooth.
  • Stir in butter and vanilla. Set aside.
    salted caramel in a pot with a whisk

for the crumble-

  • Combine all ingredients together using a stand mixer. The mixture will be crumbly but stay together when squeezed. Set aside.
    crumble mixture in a kitchen aid bowl

for the apples-

  • Preheat oven to 350° F.
  • Prepare apples and toss in lemon juice.
    peeled and sliced apples in a glass bowl
  • Cook apples in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat in butter to draw out moisture. Sprinkle with salt to draw out all the moisture possible. Drain apples and place back into skillet. This process should take about 5-7 minutes of cooking.
    peeled and sliced apples in a cast iron skillet
  • Pour 3/4 of prepared caramel sauce into the apples and stir gently.
    pouring salted caramel sauce over cooked apples all in a cast iron skillet
  • Top with the crumble topping.
    crumble topping on top of salted caramel apples
  • Bake for 20 minutes and serve with remaining caramel sauce.
    pouring more salted caramel sauce over crumble topping

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 659mg | Potassium: 143mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 51g | Vitamin A: 860IU | Vitamin C: 5.8mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 0.9mg
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Apple crumble, apple crumble recipe, Caramel Apple Crumble, how to make apple crumble, salted caramel sauce
4.03 from 46 votes (46 ratings without comment)

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1,510 Responses
  1. Jenifer T.

    This caramel apple crumble looks amazing. I love all things caramel! I just made some caramel frappacino cupcakes to kick off the fall season. The caramel sauce on them is amazing!

  2. Billi K

    I recently became a stay at home mom. Your website has provided so much inspiration to cook new meals for my family (I’m not much of a cook). The cooking challenge I have conquered recently is making a meal we have never had every night of the week. I could not have done it without your website and your easy, delicious ideas.

  3. Deb

    A very festive Salted Caramel Apple Crumble! My ongoing kitchen challenge is an oven that does not heat evenly. Which challenges my favorite baked recipes. Cakes are especially tricky!

  4. Lesli

    I have finally figured out how to make fruit pies, I don’t know why those have always been troublesome for me. They would either come out too runny, too sweet, etc. So happy it is fall and I can make apple pie!

  5. Dorena

    I’m so making this today. DH brought home some Honeycrisp apples and I had planned on making apple pie. I cooked the Cast Iron Steak last week from your cookbook, and it was so mind blowing delish. Love the Kitchen Aid brand it’s a workhorse in the kitchen.

  6. Dena

    This looks so yummy! Have to finish the apple crisp I made yesterday (using my kitchenaid stand mixer by the way for the topping) and then try this recipe. Thanks!

  7. Morgan

    The husband and I recently made homemade chocolate chip pancakes with a chocolate peanut butter sauce and it was amazing! I know he would love this apple crumble too – perfect for Fall!! Thank you for sharing!

  8. Jan Witwkowski

    This looks like the perfect thing for my family this Fall! Me, my husband and 4 grown kids! Everyone loves apples and caramel! Can’t wait to make it! Thanks for the recipe! Your daughter is adorable! She’ll grow up to cook like her MOM! Maybe your little guy too!

  9. Michelle S

    Love your recipes, and looking forward to trying this heavenly caramel apple crumble!
    I recently made my grandmother’s lasagna; it was fun to cook it with her and then come home (she lives in another state) and make it for the rest of the family. I love carrying on her traditions!

  10. christina

    This looks amazing! I will definitely add it to my list of- what to do with all these apples recipe list, as I help pick apples for our church booths apple pie making and always get to take a ton of apples home after and get to figure out what to do with them all!

    Recently I have tried my hand at making sorbet, as I had a lot of summer fruit (raspberries) and didnt want to make jam or jelly. I decided i wanted it seedless, which took forever to squeeze them out, but it came out so smooth and creamy I am glad I did!

  11. Alexis

    Oh My! This looks delish!! I just conquered making carmel apple pops … taking an apple and carving out bite size pieces with a melon baller, and dipping them in yummy caramel! So easy and so wonderful that my kiddos didn’t have to struggle trying to figure out how to eat an entire caramel apple 🙂 My childhood experienced all over again!

  12. Cara

    I was just telling my husband that it is time for Apple Crisp! Looks delicious. My most recent challenge was making duck risotto for the first time the other night. My husband is the gourmet in our family, but he was running late, so I had to step in and make it happen! It was so yummy.

  13. Alice

    This looks amazing! I love salted caramel on anything but this just screams fall. Our local apple orchards open soon. Can’t wait to make this crumble.

    1. Tiffany

      I did not have good luck with the caramel sauce…I tried twice and 1st time it stuck to the pan while I was whisking constantly and 2nd time it didn’t get turn the amber color but tasted ok. Any help would be much appreciated!

  14. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

    Lauren!!
    I love the video! You are such a natural and Brooke is the cutest thing! love her wings! 🙂 I am SO making this apple crumble (love the concept) very very soon but recently, I conquered making a veggie mac and cheese, sneaking in all sorts of veggies (kale and cauliflower) and still having my kids eat it! 🙂 by the way, LOVE your kitchen!

  15. Lynn Korcykoski

    I LOVE apples, anything apple will work for me, especially deep-dish apple pie! I’ve always had difficulty with homemade pie crust and have used pre-made. Last year I got a Kitchen Aid stand mixer for Christmas, the dough-hook attachment was the key to my success! I’ve finally been able to make my own flaky delicious pie crust, no more store-bought pre-made crusts for this girl, no way! My husband and I just picked 125 lbs. of apples this past Saturday. This recipe will be my next Apple-y creation and I know my family will love it!! Thank you for sharing.

  16. stephanie diaz

    I have a apple crumble that I make with sliced apples or can pie filling if u have little time .. I add cinnamon and mix it all up real good… Then I make the crumble which is about 2 tbsp of melted butter.. it needs to becompletely melted.. about half a cup to a cup of flour all purpose with ccinnamon and a little sugar and I use organic sugar.. mix all the dry ingredients up well then with a fork add a little butter and crumble the mixture together with a fork …. Pop in the oven for about 30-40 mins at 350… It’s sooo yummy with a spoon of vanilla ice cream…. Fall in definitely in the air …. Love your video … And what thunder thighs… Girl please you just had a baby… Lol.. keep up the great job… I will be whipping up some of these recipes soon…

  17. Amber W

    I have made caramels and creme filled chocolates many times for the holiday season 🙂 I can’t wait to try this recipe it looks amazing!

  18. Alyssa

    This looks delicious! I’m in Vermont as we speak, and surrounded by delicious fall apples. This would be perfect 🙂 Also, love the video!! Last night I was craving apple pie, but i’m gluten-free and dairy-free and had yet to conquer a perfect pie crust. I looked at a ton of different recipes, and finally decided to just give it a whirl. And it worked out great! Used my handy-dandy KitchenAid mixer, but would have loved to make this in a food processor!

  19. Sean C

    The recipe is making me drool. I will definitely try it out this weekend seeing as we’re having the inlaws over and I need some bonus points 🙂

  20. Cindy M

    I am adding the apple crumble to my “must make” fall recipes. My challenge is an increasing passion for baking vs tiny kitchen. Would love to win!!

  21. emily

    it’s funny you posted this recipe because i just baked up my first apple crisp of the fall! adding caramel sounds like a fantastic idea. my main challenge for cooking lately has been working around the huge crack in my cooktop, haha! would love to win a new one 🙂 thanks!

      1. Lauren

        How long did you cook it on the stove for? Typically, people have trouble with their sugar mixture burning versus not getting dark enough. It needs to cook long enough for the water to evaporate and the sugar crystals to melt and darken.

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