This Apple Crumb Cake is the perfect combination of moist, buttery cake, tender spiced apples, and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar crumb topping. Whether you serve it warm with coffee in the morning or as a cozy dessert after dinner, it’s a comforting treat that tastes like fall in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and flavorful: The cake stays soft and rich, thanks to real butter and juicy apples.
- Crumbly topping: The buttery cinnamon-sugar crumble adds texture and sweetness.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples—no special tools or mixers required.
- Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for brunches, holidays, or a comforting homemade dessert.
Ingredients for Apple Crumb Cake
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
For the Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk (or buttermilk) to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Fold in the diced apples gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the crumb topping by mixing the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until large crumbs form.
- Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the cake batter, covering the entire surface.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
To Make the Optional Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee or apple cider for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Store: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
Expert Baking Tips
- Use tart apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp balance the sweetness of the crumb perfectly.
- Do not overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense instead of tender.
- Check doneness early: Oven temperatures vary—start checking around 38 minutes to prevent overbaking.
More Cozy Fall Desserts
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crumb Cake is everything you love about fall baking—warm, sweet, and full of cozy spice. With its tender crumb, juicy apples, and buttery streusel topping, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Serve it for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet snack—it’s guaranteed to disappear fast!
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