Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe because it combines the best of two worlds: a tender, moist cake loaded with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, topped by a buttery, crunchy crumb topping that just melts in your mouth. When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised how well the sour cream keeps the cake so moist and flavorful, and the crumbs add that perfect contrast of texture you never knew you needed.

This cake is an absolute winner for weekend brunches, afternoon coffee breaks, or even as a comforting dessert after dinner. You’ll find that it’s simple to throw together but looks and tastes like you spent hours on it – a perfect recipe to have in your baking rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe work together beautifully to give you a moist, flavorful cake and a crunchy topping. Be sure to pick ripe but firm apples so they hold their shape and don’t turn mushy during baking.

• Light or dark brown sugar: Adds deep molasses flavor to the crumb topping.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crumb topping and cake batter perfectly.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses warm spice that complements the apples and crumb.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Using melted butter in the crumb and softened butter in the cake gives rich creaminess and texture.
• All-purpose flour: The base for both cake and crumb topping, provides structure.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Help the cake rise light and fluffy without becoming too dense.
• Eggs: Bring structure and richness to the cake batter.
• Full-fat sour cream: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds subtle aromatic sweetness.
• Chopped peeled apples: Fresh apples for bursts of natural sweetness and texture.

Variations

I love playing around with this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe; sometimes I add extra spices or swap the apples for other fruits depending on the season. Feel free to tailor it to your taste — it’s so forgiving and adaptable.

• Add Nuts: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping gives a lovely extra crunch that my family adores.
• Use Different Apples: Try tart Granny Smiths for a tangier bite or sweeter Fuji apples for a mellow flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend in equal amounts; the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
• Spice It Up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for an aromatic twist I discovered recently and enjoyed a lot.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). I always grease my 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make sure the cake comes out effortlessly. Taking this simple step makes cleanup easy and keeps your crumb topping intact.

Step 2: Whip Up the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then, stir in the melted butter. Using a fork, lightly mix in the flour until you see nice clumps form — don’t overmix here, or your crumbs won’t have that lovely texture. I love how this crumb topping basically melts on top of the cake as it bakes!

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. In your mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, then the sour cream and vanilla. Don’t worry if the batter looks a bit curdled — just scrape down the sides and mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until smooth. This step is where the magic happens that keeps the cake moist.

Step 4: Add Apples and Layer

Toss your chopped peeled apples with cinnamon so every bite bursts with flavor. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, then sprinkle the cinnamon apples on top. Finish by firmly pressing the crumb topping evenly over the apples — this helps the topping stick to the cake instead of falling off after baking.

Step 5: Bake with Care

Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, keeping a close eye after 45 minutes. I check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean. If the edges or top brown too quickly, loosely cover the cake with foil to prevent burning. Patience here totally pays off, and you’ll be rewarded with a golden crust and perfectly cooked cake underneath.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the cake cool on a wire rack for at least 30-45 minutes. This cooling time is crucial because it allows the crumb topping to set and flavors to meld. I like to drizzle maple or caramel icing on top before serving — it’s the ultimate indulgence and family favorite finish.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this Apple Crumb Cake with a drizzle of maple or caramel icing because it adds a sweet, glossy finish that my family goes crazy for. If you want to keep it simple, a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream also works beautifully. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts can add a lovely visual and textural touch for guests.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. If you’re serving it as a dessert, consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. For brunch, a light fruit salad balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to cut the cake into neat squares and serve them on pretty trays with teaspoons of various icings on the side, so everyone can customize their slice. You could also layer pieces in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and cinnamon for an elegant twist. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine makes lovely gifts too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Apple Crumb Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it keeps well for up to 5 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to maintain crumb topping crispness as much as possible. Leftover slices reheat nicely in a toaster oven to bring back some crunch.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this cake, I recommend wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. I’ve found this method keeps flavors fresh and crumb topping reasonably intact for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your slice in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This revives the crumb topping’s crunch without drying out the cake. You can also microwave on low for shorter times but you might lose some crispness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumb Cake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s such a reliable crowd-pleaser that always brings smiles. I hope you give it a try the next time you want a comforting homemade treat that’s both simple and impressive. Trust me, once you experience the mix of tender cake, tart apples, and buttery crumb topping, this will quickly become your go-to recipe.

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