Nothing quite beats the cozy embrace of the Spiced Apple Charlotte with Cinnamon Crumble, a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Combining tender, caramelized spiced apples with layers of soft, fluffy cake and a delightfully crunchy cinnamon-infused crumb, this dish captures the essence of fall and comfort baking in every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, this charming dessert is an absolute showstopper that’s as inviting as it is delicious.

Spiced Apple Charlotte with Cinnamon Crumble Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make this Spiced Apple Charlotte with Cinnamon Crumble is a breeze thanks to its simple, homey ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the soft, spiced apples adding fragrant warmth to the crumb’s buttery crunch providing texture that makes every mouthful unforgettable.

Apples: Six medium-sized, peeled and sliced apples provide the sweet-tart heart of the filling with natural juiciness.
Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes that enhance the apples’ flavor perfectly.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warming spices that bring cozy depth and fragrant spice to the filling.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity to balance sweetness and keep the apples fresh and bright.
Butter: Used both in the filling and cake to add richness and moistness.
Flour: The base for our tender cake layers, giving structure without heaviness.
Sugar: Ensures the cake is perfectly sweet and balances the tart apples.
Eggs: Provide lift and bind the cake components beautifully.
Milk: Adds softness and moisture, creating the cake’s delicate crumb.
Baking powder: Gives the cake a light, airy texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
Breadcrumbs or crushed sponge cake: Essential for the signature cinnamon crumble coating, providing a satisfying crunch.
Sugar and cinnamon for crumb: Combined with butter to form that irresistible cinnamon crumble finish.
Optional garnishes: Caramelized apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a beautiful presentation.

How to Make Spiced Apple Charlotte with Cinnamon Crumble

Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Apple Filling

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into even pieces. In a saucepan over medium heat, gently cook the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and butter. Stir occasionally until the apples soften and become tender and caramelized, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes. This step fills your kitchen with autumnal aromas that will have you eager to dig in.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

While the apples cool slightly, it’s time to whip up the cake. Beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is key for a tender crumb. Add eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla for that classic inviting sweetness. Then carefully fold in the flour, baking powder, and milk alternately to create a smooth, airy batter.

Step 3: Bake the First Cake Layer

Preheat the oven to 180°C and prepare an 18cm round pan by greasing and lining it. Pour half of the cake batter into the pan and bake for 15 minutes. This forms a lovely base that will hold the luscious apple filling perfectly without becoming soggy.

Step 4: Add the Apple Filling and Top with Remaining Batter

Remove the partially baked cake from the oven and spoon half of the spiced apple filling evenly over the surface. Pour the remaining cake batter on top, smoothing it carefully so the apples are nicely encased. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Prepare and Apply the Cinnamon Crumble Coating

Mix the breadcrumbs or crushed sponge cake with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon until the crumbs are evenly coated. Once the cake has cooled, unmold it from the pan and gently press this cinnamon crumble all over the sides and the top. This delightful coating adds texture and an extra layer of spicy sweetness that perfectly complements the tender cake and apples.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Pop the finished cake into the fridge for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and the crumble set firmly. When it’s ready, slice and serve with optional caramelized apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a picture-perfect touch that adds extra flair and aroma to the dessert experience.

How to Serve Spiced Apple Charlotte with Cinnamon Crumble

Garnishes

Garnishing your Spiced Apple Charlotte with Cinnamon Crumble is all about enhancing the cozy autumnal vibe. Caramelized apple slices bring added sweetness and elegance, while cinnamon sticks add both aroma and a rustic touch that makes your presentation pop.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to deepen the indulgence. These accompaniments complement the spices and soften the crumbly edges to make each bite truly magical.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, serve individual portions in charming ramekins topped with the cinnamon crumble and a small apple fan. Alternatively, arrange slices on vintage plates sprinkled lightly with powdered sugar and a dusting of ground cinnamon. These presentation ideas elevate the humble Spiced Apple Charlotte with Cinnamon Crumble into a festive centerpiece every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the first serving, you can keep the remainder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake’s flavors continue to meld, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To revive the warm, comforting feel of this dessert, reheat slices gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a low oven at 150°C for about 10 minutes. This brings back the soft apple filling warmth and refreshes the cinnamon crumble’s crispness.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for the filling?

Absolutely! Using a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji creates a nicely balanced filling with both depth of flavor and sweetness.

Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the crumble to keep the texture intact without gluten.

Can I prepare the apple filling a day ahead?

Definitely. Making the spiced apple filling a day in advance actually enhances the flavors as the spices meld overnight in the fridge.

What’s the best way to get a crunchy crumb coating?

Ensuring your crumbs are well-coated in melted butter and sugar before applying, plus pressing them firmly onto the cake while it’s still slightly warm, helps the crumble stick and crisp beautifully.

Can I substitute the cinnamon crumble with another topping?

You can experiment with nut toppings like chopped pecans or walnuts mixed with brown sugar and butter if you want a nuttier twist, but cinnamon crumble remains the classic and most complementary choice.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that feels like a warm, comforting hug wrapped in the joy of autumn spices, the Spiced Apple Charlotte with Cinnamon Crumble is your perfect match. Its layers of tender spiced apples beneath a soft cake crowned with a crunchy cinnamon coating make it irresistible. So why not dive in and make some magic in your kitchen today? Trust me, this will quickly become one of your favorite homemade classics!