Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

Imagine the warm scent of apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen, a perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Apple Crumb Cake is the ultimate cozy dessert, combining tender, moist cake with a buttery, crumbly topping. Every bite brings comfort, warmth, and just the right amount of sweetness.

This cake is incredibly simple to make, yet it tastes like something straight out of a bakery. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable for everyone. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have this cake on the table in no time.

You’ll love how the soft cake pairs with the crunchy topping, all balanced by the fresh apple filling. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears quickly – your family and friends will keep coming back for more! Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion, from casual coffee breaks to holiday dinners.

Ready to impress your guests or just treat yourself? Let’s get baking! Follow this step-by-step Apple Crumb Cake recipe and experience the magic of homemade goodness.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Apple Crumb Cake:

Streusel Topping

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (76g)
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar (42g)
• 3 tbsp light brown sugar (42g)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (75g)

Apple Filling

• 2 1/2 cups chopped apples (approx. 2 medium apples or 312g)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, to prevent apples from browning)

Cake Batter

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180g)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (120ml)

Cinnamon Apple Cider Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g)
• 1 tbsp apple cider
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Making the Streusel Topping

The crumbly, buttery topping is what makes this cake stand out. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the topping becomes crumbly. It should clump together when pressed.
3. Chill: Place the streusel in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the cake to help it firm up.

2. Preparing the Apples

The apples give this cake its signature flavor and texture. Use apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best results.

1. Chop the apples: Peel and chop the apples into roughly 3/8-inch pieces.
2. Add spices: Toss the chopped apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and an optional squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Set aside: Let the apples sit while you prepare the batter.

Apple Varieties for Baking

• Fuji: Sweet and crisp, holds shape well.
• Granny Smith: Tart and firm, ideal for balancing the sweetness of the cake.
• Honeycrisp: Sweet with a slight tartness, adds great flavor.

3. Making the Cake Batter

A soft, fluffy cake base is key to a great crumb cake. Follow these steps to ensure your batter is perfect:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch springform pan by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined – be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.

4. Assembling the Cake

Now it’s time to bring everything together:

1. Layer the cake: Pour about 2/3 of the batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Add apples: Layer half of the spiced apples over the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
3. Top with remaining batter: Spread the remaining cake batter over the apples. It’s okay if the apples aren’t fully covered; they will sink slightly as the cake bakes.
4. Sprinkle streusel: Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the top of the cake.

5. Baking the Cake

Bake the assembled cake in your preheated oven:

1. Bake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Check doneness: If the crumb topping starts to brown too much before the cake is done, cover it loosely with foil.
3. Cool: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Cinnamon Apple Cider Glaze

This glaze adds a lovely sweetness to the cake and enhances the apple flavors.

1. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, apple cider, cinnamon, softened cream cheese, and butter until smooth.
2. Adjust consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more apple cider. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
3. Drizzle over cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.

Tips for the Best Apple Crumb Cake

To make sure your cake turns out perfectly, here are a few expert tips:

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense or dry cake. Mix just until everything is combined.
• Use the right apples: For the best flavor and texture, choose apples that are firm and tart, such as Granny Smith or Fuji.
• Avoid overbaking: Check the cake at the 50-minute mark, and if the crumb is getting too dark, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, and you can make a few tweaks to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Gluten-Free Option

• Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure.

Dairy-Free Option

• Replace the butter with plant-based butter and use a non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond milk mixed with a little lemon juice, in place of buttermilk.

Add Almond Flavor

• Add 1/4 tsp of almond extract to the batter for a slightly nutty undertone.

Add Berries

• Try adding blueberries or raspberries to the cake for a burst of tartness that complements the sweet apples.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Crumb Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate your dessert:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of richness.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

Storing and Freezing

Apple Crumb Cake stores well for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

• To store: Keep the cake covered in an airtight container. If refrigerating, bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• To freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

This Apple Crumb Cake recipe is a classic for a reason. The tender cake, spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping come together to create an irresistible dessert. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this cake is sure to become a favorite.

Try it out, and let the warm, comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon fill your home. Happy baking!