When autumn hues spill across the landscape and a gentle chill whispers through the air, nothing feels more comforting than a slice of homemade Apple Crumb Cake. This delightful dessert combines tender, moist cake layers studded with juicy apple pieces and a generously crunchy crumb topping that shatters with every bite. Each forkful brings together the warm spice of cinnamon, the rich creaminess of butter, and the bright, sweet-tart notes of fresh apples. It’s the kind of treat that turns an ordinary afternoon into a cozy gathering, filling your kitchen with inviting warmth and sparking smiles around the table.
Pulling a golden pan of this cake from the oven is like giving yourself a warm hug. The cake’s soft center, enriched with sour cream, melts on your tongue, while the crumb topping adds that irresistible contrast of sweet, buttery crunch. Whether you’re looking for the perfect dessert to wind down after a busy day or planning a festive brunch with friends, this Apple Crumb Cake checks all the boxes. From the gentle crackle of crumbs under your spoon to the comforting swirl of cinnamon and vanilla, every moment feels like home. It’s more than just a cake—it’s a seasonal embrace, ready to create memories with every slice.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE CRUMB CAKE
Before we tie on our aprons, let’s take a look at the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the cake’s structure, texture, and flavor, so you’ll want to use the best quality items you can find.
- All-purpose flour
Provides the foundation and structure for the cake, ensuring it holds together with a tender crumb.
- Baking powder
Acts as a leavening agent to give the cake its light, airy rise.
- Baking soda
Helps balance acidity and promotes a golden color and a soft interior.
- Salt
Enhances the natural sweetness and balances the overall flavor profile.
- Ground cinnamon
Infuses every bite with a warm, fragrant spice that complements the juicy apples.
- Unsalted butter (softened)
Adds rich moisture and a silky texture, while allowing you to control the level of salt.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the cake and contributes to a tender, moist crumb when creamed with butter.
- Eggs
Bind the ingredients together, add richness, and help the cake rise properly.
- Vanilla extract
Deepens the flavor with its sweet, aromatic notes.
- Sour cream
Provides tanginess and extra moisture, resulting in a soft, velvety cake.
- Diced apples
Bring bursts of natural sweetness, moisture, and texture throughout the batter.
- All-purpose flour (crumb topping)
Works with sugar and butter to create those irresistible, crunchy crumbs.
- Light brown sugar
Adds a hint of molasses flavor and moisture to the topping.
- Ground cinnamon (crumb topping)
Sprinkles in extra warmth and spice for a perfectly balanced crumble.
- Unsalted butter (melted)
Binds the crumb topping together and ensures it bakes to golden, crunchy perfection.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE CRUMB CAKE
Rolling up your sleeves and diving into this recipe is a joy—each step builds layers of flavor and texture that come together in one unforgettable cake. Gather your mixing bowls, a springform or cake pan, and let’s create something delicious.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan or cake pan to ensure your cake releases cleanly after baking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This dry mixture will be added gradually so that the spices and leaveners distribute evenly. Set the bowl aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This step incorporates air so the cake bakes up tender.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with spoonfuls of sour cream. Begin and end with the flour blend, mixing just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense.
6. Fold in the diced apples gently with a spatula until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter without overworking it.
7. In a separate bowl, prepare the crumb topping by stirring together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until large, sandy crumbs form.
8. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the surface, covering it completely.
9. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the crumb topping is golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then gently release the springform and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE CRUMB CAKE
Now that your Apple Crumb Cake is ready, let’s talk about the best ways to present and enjoy each slice. Whether it’s a casual family snack or a festive brunch spread, these serving ideas will elevate every bite.
- Drizzle a generous spoonful of warm caramel sauce over each slice right before serving. The sweet, buttery caramel plays off the apple and cinnamon notes, creating a decadent finishing touch.
- Top slices with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot cake and cold ice cream is pure comfort, and the creamy vanilla flavor accentuates the cake’s cinnamon-spiced sweetness.
- Dust the top with a light coating of powdered sugar just before serving. This simple garnish adds visual appeal and a delicate hint of sweetness without overpowering the cake’s natural flavors.
- Pair with a steaming mug of spiced latte or tea. A chai latte brings in extra spice notes, while an Earl Grey tea adds citrusy brightness, making your cake moment even cozier.
HOW TO STORE APPLE CRUMB CAKE
Ensuring your Apple Crumb Cake stays moist and flavorful means choosing the right storage method. Because the crumb topping can lose its crunch over time, follow these tips to keep each slice tasting as fresh as the day you baked it.
- Room Temperature in an Airtight Container
Wrap cooled slices individually or place the entire cake in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days. The container locks in moisture, keeping the cake tender.
- Refrigeration in a Sealed Bag
For longer storage (up to 5 days), slice the cake and arrange pieces in a resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Chill in the fridge; let slices come to room temperature before serving to revive tenderness.
- Freezing Individual Slices
Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in the oven or microwave to restore crispness.
- Reheating to Restore Crunch
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place chilled or thawed slices on a baking sheet and heat for 5–7 minutes, just enough to warm the interior and re-crisp the topping without drying out the cake.
CONCLUSION
This Apple Crumb Cake has everything you need for a cozy dessert or a comforting brunch centerpiece. We’ve walked through each step, from whisking together the dry ingredients to folding in those sweet-tart apple bits and crafting the perfect crumb topping. Every ingredient—from the flour that gives structure to the cinnamon that warms every bite—works in harmony to create a cake that’s both tender and delightfully crunchy. You can easily print this recipe and tuck it into your favorite recipe binder, ensuring it’s always handy when you’re ready to bake. And if you’re someone who loves to plan ahead, you’ll be happy to know there’s an FAQ section below to answer any extra questions you might have about substitutions, baking times, or apple varieties.
I hope this article inspires you to preheat the oven and fill your kitchen with the sweet-spiced aroma of baking apples and cinnamon. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment, share any tweaks you made, or ask questions if you run into any hiccups. Your feedback not only helps me improve future recipes but also builds a community of home bakers sharing tips and enjoying cozy treats together. Happy baking, and may every slice bring a smile to your table!
Apple Crumb Cake
Description
This Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful blend of soft cake and sweet, juicy apples, topped with a crunchy, buttery crumb. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan or a cake pan.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
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Fold in the diced apples gently until evenly distributed in the batter.
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In a separate bowl, prepare the crumb topping by stirring together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and mix with a fork until large crumbs form.
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Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and evenly spread the crumb topping over the top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- The type of apples you choose can affect the sweetness and texture; Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, while Honeycrisp apples are sweeter and juicy.
- Serve the cake slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for an added crunch.
- For an extra cinnamon kick, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cake batter.
