Apple Crumb Cake

Apple Crumb Cake

Apple crumb cake is a warm, comforting dessert that combines moist cake with sweet apples and a crunchy crumb topping. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a simple weekend treat.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is ideal if you love the combination of sweet apples and spices. It’s easy to make and requires simple ingredients that you likely have at home. Plus, the aroma of baking apples and cinnamon will fill your kitchen with an inviting scent that everyone will love!

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (240g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups (375g) peeled chopped apples (about 2-3 large apples)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: maple icing, vanilla icing, or caramel icing

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Set it aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter. Mix in the flour lightly with a fork until crumbles form. Don’t over-mix. Place in the refrigerator or freezer until needed.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
4. Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on high speed until light and creamy (about 3 minutes). Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Beat until combined.
5. With the mixer on low, mix in the dry flour mixture until smooth. Do not overmix; the batter will be thick.
6. Toss the chopped apples with a little cinnamon, then spread the batter evenly in the baking pan. Top with the apples and then with the crumb topping. Press the crumb topping down into the cake.
7. Bake for 45-55 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick in the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too fast, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
8. Let the cake cool on a rack for 30-45 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with optional icing if desired.
9. Store leftovers tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake

Serve your apple crumb cake warm or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a nice addition for a special treat!

How to Store Apple Crumb Cake

Keep any leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Tips to Make Apple Crumb Cake

• Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for best mixing.
• Use a variety of apples for a different flavor profile; tart apples give a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
• If you want a richer crumb topping, you can add some oats or nuts.

Variation

Try adding nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture. Or for a fall twist, add some nutmeg along with the cinnamon.

FAQs

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! Pears or peaches work well for this recipe.

2. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. How can I enjoy this cake if I don’t want icing?
The cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with whipped cream or plain yogurt for added creaminess!

Apple Crumb Cake

Apple crumb cake is a warm, comforting dessert that combines moist cake with sweet apples and a crunchy crumb topping, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crumble topping

• 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)

For the cake

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups peeled chopped apples (about 2-3 large apples)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: maple icing, vanilla icing, or caramel icing Optional toppings for serving

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Set it aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter. Mix in the flour lightly with a fork until crumbles form. Don’t over-mix. Place in the refrigerator or freezer until needed.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Mixing

1. Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on high speed until light and creamy (about 3 minutes).
2. Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Beat until combined.
3. With the mixer on low, mix in the dry flour mixture until smooth. Do not overmix; the batter will be thick.

Baking

1. Toss the chopped apples with a little cinnamon, then spread the batter evenly in the baking pan.
2. Top with the apples and then with the crumb topping. Press the crumb topping down into the cake.
3. Bake for 45-55 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick in the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too fast, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
4. Let the cake cool on a rack for 30-45 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with optional icing if desired.

Notes

Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for best mixing. Use a variety of apples for a different flavor profile; tart apples give a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake. For a richer crumb topping, consider adding some oats or nuts.