Brown Butter Apple Crumble Cake
This Brown Butter Apple Crumble Cake is soft, tender, and filled with warm, gooey, and perfectly spiced tart apples. Each bite has a buttery, golden crumb topping that bakes to crisp perfection over a soft cake base infused with rich brown butter flavor. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel for the ultimate cozy fall dessert that tastes just like apple pie in cake form.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
All-Purpose Flour: The base of both the cake and crumble topping, providing structure while keeping the texture soft and tender.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Baking Soda: Works with the Greek yogurt to create a light, airy crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery, spiced flavors throughout the cake.
Salted Butter: Browned for the cake batter and used in the apple filling and crumb topping for a rich, nutty flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a soft, tender texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like depth and warmth to the cake, apple filling, and crumb topping.
Greek Yogurt Or Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a light tang, keeping the cake soft and tender.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create structure while adding richness.
Olive Oil: Keeps the cake extra moist and enhances the soft crumb (any neutral oil can be used).
Milk: Adds moisture and helps the batter come together smoothly.
Vanilla Bean Paste Or Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the brown butter and apple flavors.
Apples: The star ingredient, adding natural sweetness and tartness — Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for baking.
Maple Syrup: Sweetens the apple filling naturally with cozy fall flavor.
Cinnamon: Brings warm, comforting spice to both the apple filling and the crumble topping.
Apple Pie Spice: Optional, but adds extra depth with nutmeg and cloves for that classic fall flavor.
Cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling, creating a gooey, caramel-like consistency as it bakes.
Flour (For Crumb Topping): Creates the perfect buttery, golden crumble texture on top of the cake.
Almond Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the easy homemade salted caramel.
Avocado Oil Or Coconut Oil: Blends into the salted caramel for a silky, smooth finish.
Salt (For Caramel And Topping): Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors for that perfect salty-sweet contrast.
Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Apple Crumble Cake:
Soft And Tender Texture: The cake base is moist, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft thanks to rich brown butter.
Gooey Apple Layer: A layer of warm, tart apples caramelizes as it bakes, creating the perfect gooey filling.
Buttery Crumb Topping: The golden crumble topping bakes up crisp and buttery, adding the ideal texture contrast.
Rich Brown Butter Flavor: Brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the sweetness of the apples.
Perfect Fall Dessert: Cozy, spiced, and comforting — it’s everything you want in an autumn bake.
Easy To Make: Simple, approachable ingredients come together to create a bakery-quality dessert.
Versatile Serving Options: Delicious on its own, but even better warm with vanilla ice cream and salted caramel.
Tastes Like Apple Pie In Cake Form: Combines the best of a soft spiced cake, gooey apples, and a buttery crumble topping.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be baked the day before and rewarmed before serving without losing its texture or flavor.
Crowd Favorite: Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy nights in — everyone will ask for seconds.
Tips for Making Brown Butter Apple Crumble Cake:
Brown The Butter Properly: Cook the butter until it turns golden and smells nutty, then let it cool slightly before adding to the batter for the richest flavor.
Use Tart Apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the cake and topping.
Add Spices To The Apples: Cook the apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar before layering to enhance the flavor.
Don’t Overmix The Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light, soft, and tender.
Layer Carefully: Spread the batter evenly in the pan, spoon the apple mixture on top, and finish with the crumble for a perfect balance of textures.
Chill The Crumb Topping: If your crumble mixture feels soft, chill it for 10–15 minutes before baking to ensure it bakes up crisp and golden.
Bake Until Golden: The cake is done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center (avoiding the apples) comes out clean.
Cool Slightly Before Serving: Let the cake rest for at least 15 minutes after baking so the gooey apple layer can set.
Serve Warm With Ice Cream: For the ultimate cozy dessert, enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel.
How to Store Brown Butter Apple Crumble Cake:
Room Temperature: Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 1 day. It’s best enjoyed slightly warm the day it’s baked.
Refrigerator: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving to bring back its soft texture and gooey apple layer.
Freezer: Freeze individual slices or the whole cake (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat Before Serving: Warm slices in the oven at 325°F for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds until soft and warm.
Best Served Fresh: This cake tastes best the day it’s made, when the crumb topping is crisp, the apples are gooey, and the cake is tender.
Store Salted Caramel Separately: If serving with caramel, keep it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and reheat gently before drizzling.
FAQs:
Q: What are the best apples to use for this cake?
A: Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady work best. They hold their shape while baking and balance the sweetness of the cake.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake 1 day ahead. Store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and warm before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
A: Fresh apples are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can use apple pie filling in a pinch. Reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly to balance the sweetness.
Q: Can I make this cake without brown butter?
A: Yes, you can use regular melted butter, but browning it adds a deep, nutty flavor that really enhances the apples and spices.
Q: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A: The crumble topping should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the cake (avoiding the apple layer) should come out mostly clean.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may be slightly softer, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Q: Can I freeze this apple crumble cake?
A: Yes, freeze the cooled cake (whole or sliced) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
Q: Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?
A: Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and pair perfectly with the brown butter and apples.
Q: What should I serve with this cake?
A: It’s amazing on its own but even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel.
Q: Is this cake best served warm or cold?
A: Warm is best. The gooey apple filling and buttery crumb topping shine when served fresh from the oven or gently reheated.
Check out my other fall-inspired apple recipes:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make this brown butter apple crumble cake. Happy baking!
