There’s something about sinking your fork into a slice of tender cake studded with tangy apples and cloaked in a buttery crumb topping that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. This Apple Crumb Cake brings together the soft sweetness of spiced cake, the gentle tartness of diced apples, and the irresistible crunch of a cinnamon-scented streusel. You’ll find every bite is a delicious dance of flavors and textures—from the moist crumb of cake to the crisp bite of apple to the melt-in-your-mouth topping. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend baking project or a show-stopping dessert to share at a gathering, this recipe has got you covered.
Best of all, this is a beginner-friendly dessert that doesn’t skimp on flavor. In just 15 minutes of prep time, followed by about 45 minutes in the oven and a short 15-minute rest, you’ll have a cake that’s perfect for fall mornings, afternoon tea breaks, or dinner parties. At around 350 calories per serving, it’s a sweet treat that feels indulgent without going overboard. Grab some Granny Smith apples for the perfect balance of tart and sweet, and let this cake fill your kitchen with the cozy vibes of cinnamon, vanilla, and buttery goodness.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE CRUMB CAKE
Every component in this recipe plays an important role in creating that cozy, home-baked magic. From the structure-building flour to the flavor-packed apples and crumb topping, here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.
- All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of our cake, providing structure and a tender crumb. Both the cake batter and the crumb topping rely on this versatile pantry staple to deliver that satisfying softness.
- Baking Powder – The rising agent that gives the cake a light and airy texture. It reacts in the batter to create tiny bubbles, ensuring each slice is perfectly risen and not dense.
- Baking Soda – Works alongside the baking powder to balance sweetness and add a hint of lift, especially important once the tangy sour cream and apple juices enter the mix.
- Salt – A small but crucial player that enhances all the other flavors. It sharpens the sweetness and brings out the warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds that classic fall spice aroma and flavor to both cake and crumb. It creates a warm, comforting background note that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture. When creamed with sugar, it helps trap air for a lighter texture in the cake and adds a melt-in-your-mouth quality to the crumb topping.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake batter and contributes to that golden crust. It helps the butter become light and fluffy when beaten, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Eggs – Act as a binder to hold everything together and add structure. They also enrich the cake, giving it a silky, custard-like texture.
- Vanilla Extract – Infuses the batter with a warm, aromatic note that deepens the overall flavor profile, making every bite more complex and irresistible.
- Sour Cream – Contributes moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. It keeps the cake from drying out and adds a slight richness.
- Apples – The star of the show! Diced apples bring bursts of fruitiness and fresh texture. Choose a firm, tart variety like Granny Smith for contrasting sweet cake and crunchy apple bits.
- Brown Sugar (for Crumb Topping) – Adds a richer, caramel-like sweetness to the streusel, complementing the buttery crumble and echoing the spice notes in the cake.
- Melted Butter (for Crumb Topping) – Binds the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon into coarse crumbs that bake to a crisp, golden crown on top of your cake.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE CRUMB CAKE
Ready to bake? The following step-by-step process will guide you through creating this dreamy dessert from scratch. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, these detailed instructions will help you achieve perfect results every time.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a similar baking dish, ensuring the cake will release easily once baked.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined. This ensures each bite has a consistent rise and spice flavor.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This aeration creates a tender cake crumb.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated, infusing the mix with warm, aromatic notes.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Mix just until combined after each addition to avoid overworking the batter and ensure a tender texture.
6. Fold in the diced apples with a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without smashing them, so each piece remains distinct and juicy.
7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface for the crumb topping.
8. For the crumb topping, in a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—some larger chunks are perfect for extra crunch.
9. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the cake batter, covering the surface completely for that signature crispy, buttery layer.
10. Bake for 40–45 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through if your oven has hot spots. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
11. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before slicing. This short rest helps the cake set and makes removal from the pan easier.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE CRUMB CAKE
This cake shines on its own, but with a few finishing touches, you can elevate it into an unforgettable dessert experience. Serve it warm for that fresh-from-the-oven coziness, or let it cool slightly to enjoy the crumb topping’s full crunch. Here are some fun ideas to make each slice feel extra special:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm cake. The contrast of cold, creamy ice cream and hot, spiced cake is pure bliss.
- Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, lightly sweetened and flavored with a hint of cinnamon, to add airiness and complement the crumb’s buttery crunch.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar right before serving for a simple yet elegant finish. The white dusting highlights the rustic crumb and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Drizzle warmed caramel sauce over each slice and sprinkle with chopped pecans for an indulgent twist—this turns your cozy treat into a decadent celebration dessert.
HOW TO STORE APPLE CRUMB CAKE
Ensuring your Apple Crumb Cake stays moist and flavorful over time is as important as baking it right. Whether you’re saving leftovers for the next day or preparing several slices for later enjoyment, here are some tried-and-true methods to maintain that perfect balance of tender cake and crispy crumb:
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the cake has completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation, which can make the crumb soggy.
- For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake in a covered dish for up to 5 days. Bring slices to room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to revive the crumb topping’s crunch.
- To save individual portions, freeze slices in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen at low heat.
- If you’ve got a larger, uncut cake, wrap the entire pan in plastic wrap and then foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before unwrapping and slicing, then warm slightly in the oven to rejuvenate the crumb.
CONCLUSION
This Apple Crumb Cake has all the hallmarks of your next favorite dessert: a tender, spiced cake base, juicy pockets of apple, and a buttery, crunchy streusel that brings every bite to life. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this beginner-friendly recipe delivers consistently delicious results. With only 15 minutes of prep time and a total commitment of about an hour including baking and resting, you’ll have a dessert that feels thoughtfully crafted yet refreshingly simple. Don’t forget—you can print this article and save it for later, tucking it into your recipe binder or pinning it to your kitchen wall for easy access.
Below you’ll find a handy FAQ section addressing common questions and troubleshooting tips. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Feel free to leave your comments, ask any questions, or share feedback if you need help along the way. Happy baking!
Apple Crumb Cake
Description
This Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful blend of soft, spiced cake and tender apples, all topped with a buttery, crunchy crumble that transforms any gathering into a cozy celebration. Perfect with coffee!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a similar baking dish.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
-
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
-
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix just until combined.
-
Fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed.
-
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared cake pan.
-
For the crumb topping, in a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the cake batter.
-
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
-
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before serving.
Note
- Select firm and tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Experiment by adding chopped nuts or raisins to the crumb topping for an extra texture and flavor.
