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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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
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.