Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that perfectly combines the cozy warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery, crumbly topping, then this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender chunks of apple nestled in a moist cake, all crowned with a sweet, crunchy crumb layer that adds irresistible texture. It’s a treat that tastes like a hug in every bite and is sure to delight your senses whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, tea time, or dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is what makes this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe so approachable. Each component is carefully chosen to create the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color, from the creamy sour cream that keeps the cake moist to the tender apples that provide bursts of fresh fruit flavor.

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of your cake, providing structure without heaviness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds lift and a tender crumb.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the cake with warm, comforting spice.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering.
• 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives a lovely fragrant depth to the batter.
• ½ cup sour cream: Keeps the cake delectably moist and adds slight tanginess.
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: The star of the show, delivering fresh, fruity bursts in every bite.
• Crumb Topping:
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: Creates the base of the crunchy topping.
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar: Offers caramel notes and sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds additional warmth to the crumb layer.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the topping ingredients to a perfect crumbly texture.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring a 9-inch round cake pan ensures your cake won’t stick and will release beautifully once baked. Taking this extra step helps achieve that perfect presentation we all love.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This combination ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spice, which helps the cake rise perfectly and develop its characteristic warm flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for giving the cake a tender texture and a bit of airy lightness, making every bite melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a homogenous batter. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the cake with lovely aromatic depth that complements the cinnamon and apples beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. This alternating method prevents overmixing and ensures the cake keeps its soft, moist crumb. Mix just until combined to keep it tender.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the diced apples into the batter so they’re evenly distributed. These tender apple pieces will bake into juicy pockets of flavor that make this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe feel fresh and fruit-filled.

Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared cake pan. Distributing the batter evenly helps your cake cook uniformly without dense or undercooked spots.

Step 8: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This mixture adds the signature crunch and sweet contrast that makes this crumb cake so special.

Step 9: Sprinkle the Topping

Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the cake batter. The generous layer will bake into a golden, crispy crust that perfectly complements the soft cake beneath.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye towards the end to avoid overbaking, which keeps your crumb topping golden rather than burnt.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps everything set beautifully and makes cutting easier without crumbling.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Serving your Apple Crumb Cake Recipe with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates its comforting flavors and adds an indulgent touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top also adds pretty finishing details that delight the eye and palate.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For brunch, consider serving with fresh fruit or a simple salad to balance sweetness with something bright and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cake in individual ramekins with a crumble topping spread on each for charming personal servings. Alternatively, layering slices with fresh apple slices and cream for a trifle-style presentation can turn this classic into something really special and impressive for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Apple Crumb Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer enjoyment, refrigeration helps keep the cake moist for up to five days, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze it for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slightly before serving to bring back that fresh-baked charm.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This revives the crumbly topping’s crispness and the cake’s softness, making each bite taste like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?

Absolutely! Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully, each bringing different levels of sweetness and tartness. Choose your favorite or mix them for a nuanced apple flavor.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to achieve the right texture.

Can I prepare the crumb topping ahead of time?

Definitely! The crumb topping can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes assembling the cake quick and easy when you’re ready to bake.

What if I don’t have sour cream? What can I use instead?

If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche makes a great substitute, providing similar moisture and slight tanginess to keep the cake tender.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The best test is to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The crumb topping should be golden and crisp but not burnt.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe is like welcoming a little warmth and sweetness into your home. With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, it’s an approachable project that rewards you with a spectacularly delicious cake perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how this timeless recipe becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.

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