Caramel Apple Crumb Cakes : A Fall Favorite Mini Loaf Dessert

If fall had a flavor, it would taste exactly like these Caramel Apple Crumb Cakes. These cozy mini bread loaves are packed with tender spiced apples, buttery crumb topping, and a decadent caramel drizzle that will make your kitchen smell like an autumn bakery. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, gifting mini loaves to friends, or simply treating yourself on a crisp weekend morning, this recipe delivers comforting, bakery-quality results at home.

This is a go-to treat for fans of mini loaf pan recipes apple style, and it works equally well as muffins, mini apple loaves, or even as a loaf pan cake for sharing. These Caramel Apple Crumb Cakes combine the texture of apple coffee cake muffins with the indulgence of a fall dessert—and you’ll want to bake them on repeat!

Save

Why These Caramel Apple Crumb Cakes Are So Irresistible

What sets these little loaves apart? It’s the perfect balance of softness and crunch, sweetness and spice. The moist apple cake is flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar—classic fall ingredients that never go out of style. A thick layer of crumb topping adds a buttery crunch, and the caramel drizzle on top? Pure magic.

These cakes are ideal for gifting, brunch, afternoon tea, or making your weekly snack prep feel extra special. If you love cozy treats like our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Snickerdoodle Bread, these caramel apple loaves will fit right into your fall baking rotation.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Crumb Cakes

Here’s what you’ll need for both the apple cake base and the crumb topping:

For the Apple Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (180g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar (65g)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup milk (80ml)
• 1 ¼ cups peeled and finely diced apples (about 2 small apples)

For the Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar (50g)
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (56g)

Optional Topping:

• ¼ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

These ingredients can be easily doubled or halved depending on how many mini loaves or muffins you plan to make.

Kitchen Tools for Making Mini Bread Loaves

To make these perfectly portioned apple cakes, you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Mini loaf pan or muffin tin
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board for the apples

We also recommend using a wire rack for cooling and a piping bag or spoon for drizzling caramel.

How to Make Caramel Apple Crumb Cakes

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and stir until the mixture forms crumbs. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula.

Step 7: Fill and Top
Divide batter evenly among the mini loaf pan cavities, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle each with crumb topping.

Step 8: Bake
Bake for 22–28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 9: Drizzle with Caramel
Once slightly cooled, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of each mini loaf.

Save

Tips for Perfect Mini Loaf Pan Recipes Apple Style

• Don’t overmix the batter—this can cause the cakes to be dense.
• Dice the apples finely for even distribution and moisture.
• If using silicone mini loaf molds, place them on a baking tray for stability.
• Use room temperature ingredients for best consistency.
• If your caramel is thick, warm it slightly before drizzling.

Looking for more fall tips? Our Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies and Pumpkin Muffins offer additional cozy inspiration.

Recipe Variations: Apple Fritter Loaves, Muffins & More

Want to change things up? Try these variations:

• Apple Fritter Mini Loaves: Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar or apple jelly in the center.
• Apple Coffee Cake Muffins: Use a muffin tin instead of mini loaf pans.
• Pecan Crumb Topping: Mix chopped pecans into the crumble for crunch.
• Caramel Apple Cupcakes: Bake in cupcake liners and top with cream cheese frosting and caramel.

These swaps make the recipe even more flexible for different occasions.

Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Fall Mini Loaf Cakes

• Using too much apple can weigh down the batter.
• Skipping the crumb topping may result in a less impressive presentation.
• Overbaking dries out the cake—start checking for doneness at 22 minutes.
• Undermixing the crumb topping can lead to uneven texture.

Bake with confidence and you’ll get bakery-quality mini loaves every time.

How to Serve and Present Apple Crumb Cake Mini Loaves

These mini loaves are beautiful served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or an extra caramel drizzle. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for brunch, or wrap in parchment and twine as edible gifts. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or a creamy coffee.

Try them with our Cinnamon Apple Bread for an impressive autumn spread.

How to Store and Freeze Caramel Apple Crumb Cakes

Store your mini loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap each cooled loaf in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

You can reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

Delicious Food and Drink Pairings for Apple Loaves

• Herbal teas like cinnamon or apple spice
• Warm chai or golden milk
• Frozen Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Bites for a healthy treat combo
• Pumpkin Fluff Dip as a fall appetizer pairing

Save

Caramel Apple Crumb Cake FAQs

Can I use canned apples instead of fresh?
Yes, but drain well and reduce any added sugar.

What apples work best?
Firm-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and check your caramel for GF ingredients.

Can I double the recipe for a full loaf pan?
Yes! Bake at 350°F for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Bake These Irresistible Mini Apple Loaves This Fall

Whether you’re baking for brunch, dessert, or gifting, these Caramel Apple Crumb Cakes are a must-try fall treat. Moist, flavorful, and easy to adapt, they bring all the flavors of the season into one bite-sized package.

Once you bake them, you’ll keep finding reasons to make them again—trust us.

Share & Subscribe for More Fall Mini Loaf Cakes

Loved these Mini Bread Loaves Recipes Fall Edition? Share this post with your baking friends and family. Be sure to subscribe for more seasonal recipes, baking tips, and mini loaf creations like our Zucchini Bread and Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars.

Print