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Spiced Apple Charlotte with Cinnamon Crumble Recipe

Spiced Apple Charlotte with Cinnamon Crumble Recipe

4.8 from 13 reviews

This Spiced Apple Charlotte with Cinnamon Crumble is a warm, comforting dessert perfect for fall. Layers of soft, cinnamon-spiced apple filling nestled between moist cake layers are finished with a crunchy cinnamon breadcrumb coating. Served with caramelized apples and cinnamon sticks, this classic British-inspired dessert blends fragrant spices and buttery textures into an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Filling

  • 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 100g brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 50g butter

Cake Layers

  • 200g all-purpose flour
  • 150g granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 100g softened butter
  • 100ml milk
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Crumb Coating

  • 100g breadcrumbs (or crushed sponge cake)
  • 50g butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For Serving

  • Caramelized apple (optional)
  • Cinnamon sticks

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 18cm round cake pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.
  2. Cook apple filling: In a pan over medium heat, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and caramelized, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Make cake batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the flour and baking powder alternately with milk, mixing gently to create a smooth batter.
  4. Bake first cake layer: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until set and lightly golden.
  5. Add apple layer and finish baking: Remove the cake base from the oven and evenly spread half of the cooked apple filling over it. Pour the remaining batter on top, then bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the cake is golden and cooked through. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
  6. Prepare crumb coating: Mix the breadcrumbs or crushed sponge cake with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
  7. Crumb coat the cake: Carefully unmold the cooled cake. Press the crumb mixture evenly all over the sides and top to create a crunchy cinnamon coating.
  8. Chill and serve: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the crumb coating. Serve garnished with caramelized apple slices and cinnamon sticks for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • The apple variety can affect sweetness; Granny Smith or Bramley apples are ideal for baking due to their tartness and firmness.
  • Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed sponge cake for a softer crumb coating.
  • Make sure to cool the apple filling before layering to prevent the cake batter from curdling.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure breadcrumbs are gluten-free.
  • Leftover cake keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For added richness, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of custard.

Nutrition

Keywords: Apple Charlotte, Spiced Cake, Cinnamon Dessert, Apple Filling, Fall Baking, Layered Cake, Homemade Charlotte, Crumb Coating