This caramel apple crumble is my cozy dessert go-to whenever I want something sweet, warm, and deeply satisfying. I love how the tartness of the apples balances perfectly with the rich, buttery caramel, all topped with a golden, crunchy oat crumble. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough to serve to guests.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it gives me that comforting, nostalgic apple crumble experience but with a twist of creamy caramel that takes it to the next level. The preparation is quick, and the ingredients are everyday staples I usually have on hand. I also appreciate how easily I can scale it up for a family gathering or make individual portions for a cozy night in. The combination of sweet caramel pockets inside and the crisp topping outside always makes this a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 eating apples, peeled, cored, and cubed
6 tbsp Carnation caramel cream
50 g plain flour
50 g porridge oats
50 g cold butter, diced

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C) or gas mark 6. I place the apples in a saucepan with a splash of water, cover, and cook over high heat for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re just starting to soften.

2. I stir in 3 tablespoons of the caramel, then transfer the mixture to small ovenproof dishes. I dot small spoonfuls of caramel over the apples, using about 1 tablespoon in total.

3. In a bowl, I mix the flour and oats, then rub in the butter with my fingertips until I get a crumbly texture. I stir in the remaining caramel and scatter this mixture over the apples.

4. I bake for 18–20 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp, and the caramel is bubbling through.

Servings And Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: about 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or mixed spice to the apple filling for a warm, spiced flavor. If I’m in the mood for extra crunch, I swap some of the oats for chopped nuts like pecans or almonds. For a richer dessert, I’ve also layered in some dark chocolate chunks with the apples before baking — the chocolate and caramel combination is heavenly.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop a portion into the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes, or microwave it for a minute until warmed through. I find the oven keeps the topping crispier, while the microwave makes it softer.

FAQs

1. Can I use cooking apples instead of eating apples?

Yes, but I might need to add a little extra sugar or caramel because cooking apples are more tart.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

I can prepare the apple mixture and crumble topping separately, store them in the fridge, and assemble just before baking.

3. What can I serve with caramel apple crumble?

I love serving it with vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream for a creamy contrast to the crunchy topping.

4. Can I freeze caramel apple crumble?

Yes, I freeze it unbaked in a suitable dish, then bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.

5. How do I stop the crumble topping from getting soggy?

I keep the topping mixture chilled before baking and avoid covering the crumble while it cools to maintain crispness.

Conclusion

This caramel apple crumble is one of those desserts that never fails to make me smile. I like how it combines familiar comfort with an indulgent caramel twist. Whether I’m making it for a family dessert, a dinner with friends, or simply because I want something sweet and warm, it always delivers that perfect balance of flavors and textures.