Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple Crumb Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert, combining tender spiced apples, a moist cake base, and a buttery crumb topping. It is a recipe that feels both homey and indulgent, perfect for sharing with family or serving at gatherings. The warm flavors of cinnamon and apple bring a sense of coziness, making it an ideal dessert for autumn, yet it is delicious enough to be enjoyed year-round. The crumb topping provides a delightful contrast with its crunchy, buttery texture against the soft cake and fruit. This cake is versatile as well—it can be served as a dessert, a sweet breakfast, or even alongside afternoon tea or coffee. Its rich aroma fills the kitchen while baking, adding to the anticipation of that first bite. Simple, satisfying, and timeless, Apple Crumb Cake is sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen.
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Apple Crumb Cake – A Cozy Dessert Perfect for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and tender apple cake topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb topping, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Mix in sour cream until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Best served warm with coffee or tea.
- You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
- Try adding chopped nuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-Purpose Flour
Flour serves as the foundation of the cake and the crumb topping, giving both structure and stability while maintaining a tender texture.
Apples
Fresh apples bring natural sweetness and a juicy bite. Tart varieties like Granny Smith balance the richness of the cake and topping perfectly.
Granulated Sugar
This sweetens the cake and helps enhance the natural flavor of the apples. It also assists in browning for a golden finish.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor to the crumb topping, making it rich and caramel-like.
Butter
Butter provides moisture and richness in the cake while ensuring the crumb topping stays crisp and flavorful.
Eggs
Eggs bind the batter together and contribute to a soft, moist cake with a light structure.
Baking Powder
This leavening agent allows the cake to rise properly, creating a fluffy texture.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon enhances the apples with warm spice, adding depth and coziness to the flavor profile.
Vanilla Extract
A touch of vanilla brings a subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavors of both the cake and topping.
Salt
A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and highlights the flavors of the other ingredients.
Milk or Sour Cream
Adding milk or sour cream ensures a moist, tender crumb that balances the slightly crunchy topping.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk or sour cream, until a smooth batter forms. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Layer sliced apples evenly over the batter. For the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this topping generously over the apples. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean and the topping is golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8–10 people, making it ideal for family desserts or gatherings. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, while baking requires 45–50 minutes, resulting in just over an hour from start to finish.
Storage/reheating
Apple Crumb Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions briefly. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 3 months.
Variations and Customizations
Nutty Crumb Topping
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb mixture for a crunchy, nutty twist.
Caramel Drizzle
Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the cake before serving for extra indulgence.
Spiced Apple Crumb Cake
Enhance the flavor by adding nutmeg, allspice, or cloves along with the cinnamon for a spicier finish.
Cream Cheese Layer
Add a sweetened cream cheese layer between the cake batter and apples for extra richness.
Gluten-Free Version
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make the recipe accessible without losing flavor.
Apple-Pear Mix
Use a combination of apples and pears for a slightly different fruit profile.
Mini Crumb Cakes
Bake the batter in muffin tins for individual servings that are perfect for on-the-go treats.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this cake?
Yes, but tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for balancing sweetness.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you may leave the skin on for added fiber and color.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, but butter gives the best flavor and texture, especially for the crumb topping.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
Yes, though it will be sweeter and softer. Reduce the sugar in the cake if using pie filling.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk alternatives.
Conclusion
Apple Crumb Cake is a timeless dessert that blends the natural sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the irresistible crunch of a buttery topping. Simple to prepare yet impressive to serve, it works equally well as a comforting family treat or a centerpiece for gatherings. Its adaptability means you can easily adjust the flavors, add extra toppings, or create individual portions. Whether enjoyed on its own, paired with coffee, or topped with ice cream, this cake is a perfect balance of moist, sweet, and spiced. Once you try it, it is sure to become a favorite in your baking collection.