Description
This Apple Crumb Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring tender diced apples folded into a cinnamon-spiced batter and topped with a sweet, buttery crumb topping. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it’s an ideal treat for cozy afternoons or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Crumb Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a similar baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This will evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to combine fully. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed, adding moisture and texture.
- Prepare Batter in Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the surface for even baking.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter in the cake pan, creating a crunchy layer.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, ensuring it’s fully cooked.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Make sure apples are peeled and diced evenly to ensure consistent texture.
- Use sour cream at room temperature for easier mixing.
- For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of brown and granulated sugar in the batter.
- The crumb topping can be made ahead and refrigerated if desired.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
