Apple Crumb Cake

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. This Apple Crumb Cake is pure autumn bliss, a moist, tender cake studded with sweet apples and crowned with an irresistible buttery, spiced crumb topping. Get ready to bake a masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Apple Crumb Cake

Our Apple Crumb Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will quickly make it a family favorite. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

• Irresistible Texture: Enjoy a super moist cake base perfectly complemented by a crisp, buttery streusel topping.
• Bursting with Apple Flavor: Fresh diced apples soften beautifully during baking, releasing their sweet, tangy essence.
• Warm Spices: A generous hint of cinnamon in the crumb topping adds that classic, cozy fall feeling.
• Simple to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results with this easy apple cake.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon treat, or a delightful dessert.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This classic apple streusel cake always earns rave reviews from guests and family alike.
• Comforting Aroma: The scent of baking apples and cinnamon will make your home feel incredibly inviting.

Ingredients Needed for Your Delicious Apple Crumb Cake

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking this wonderful apple crumb cake. Quality ingredients ensure the best flavor and texture, so choose wisely!

• For the Cake:
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened: Crucial for a tender, rich cake.
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a light texture.
  • 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors.
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour: The structure of your lovely cake.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk for extra lift.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk: Adds a delicate tang and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Choose firm, tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for best results.
• For the Crumb Topping:
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour: Forms the base of your crumbly topping.
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar: Adds depth and a lovely caramel note.
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar: Contributes to the crisp texture.
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick / 56g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: Essential for creating those perfect, distinct crumbs.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The quintessential spice for apple desserts.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping – A similar warm and spiced delight for your breakfast or dessert table!

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Essential Equipment for Baking Your Apple Crumb Cake

Having the right tools makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable. You won’t need anything fancy for this apple crumb cake!

• 9-inch square baking pan: The ideal size for a perfect cake layer.
• Mixing bowls: Several sizes for separating wet and dry ingredients, and for the crumb.
• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar light and fluffy, though a whisk works too!
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
• Pastry blender (optional): Fantastic for cutting butter into the crumb topping, but your fingers work just as well!
• Wire rack: Essential for cooling the cake evenly and preventing sogginess.

Recipe Overview: Apple Crumb Cake

Get a quick glance at what it takes to whip up this glorious apple streusel cake!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 9-12 slices
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Your Perfect Apple Crumb Cake

Follow these simple steps for a moist and flavorful homemade apple cake with a crispy crumb topping. We’ll guide you through each stage to ensure success.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Generously grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan. This ensures your beautiful cake releases effortlessly!

Step 2: Craft the Crumb Topping

2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips. Work quickly until the mixture resembles coarse, delightful crumbs. Set this aside to prevent it from melting.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

3. In a large bowl, use your electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy – aim for a pale yellow color.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, letting its sweet aroma fill the air.
5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake!
7. Gently fold in the diced apples. You want them evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

7. Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously and evenly over the batter, ensuring every slice gets some of that glorious crunch.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the apple crumb cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the house should smell incredible!
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows it to set before you transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is a virtue!
11. Slice and serve this delightful treat.

CHECK OUT: Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Muffins You Must Try – Another fantastic apple-cinnamon baked good for your repertoire!

Tips for Success with Your Apple Crumb Cake

Achieve bakery-quality results with these expert tips for your next apple streusel cake:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother, more emulsified batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and moist.
• Cold Butter for Crumb: Use very cold butter for the topping. This creates distinct, crisp crumbs rather than a pasty layer.
• Choose the Right Apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples (like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith) offers the best flavor balance.
• Test for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, your apple crumb cake is perfectly baked.

Variations & Substitutions for Apple Crumb Cake

Feel free to get creative with your cinnamon apple cake! There are many ways to customize it to your taste or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Swap out all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free milk alternative (with a splash of lemon juice for buttermilk).
• Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch and flavor.
• Other Fruits: Experiment with pears, peaches, or berries for a seasonal twist on this delightful crumb cake.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cake batter for an extra layer of warmth.

Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Crumb Cake

This delightful apple crumb cake is fantastic on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate it even further:

• Warm a la Mode: Serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Coffee or Tea Companion: It’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
• Drizzle of Caramel: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over a warm slice adds an extra touch of indulgence.
• Fresh Berries: A side of fresh raspberries or blueberries offers a bright, fresh contrast.
• Non-Alcoholic Spiced Cider: Pair with a steaming mug of spiced apple cider for ultimate cozy vibes.

Health Benefits of This Apple Crumb Cake

While undoubtedly a treat, our Apple Crumb Cake also offers some wholesome goodness:

• Fiber from Apples: Apples are a good source of dietary fiber, important for digestive health.
• Energy Boost: Provides a satisfying amount of carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• Protein Content: Eggs and buttermilk contribute to the cake’s modest protein content.
• Antioxidants: Apples contain antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being.

Storage & Reheating Your Apple Crumb Cake

Proper storage ensures your delicious apple crumb cake stays fresh and tasty:

• Room Temperature: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving or gently reheat.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: To restore its warmth and crisp crumb, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or in a toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crumb Cake

Can I use a different size pan for this apple crumb cake?

If you use a different size pan, you may need to adjust baking time. A larger pan will require less time, a smaller or deeper pan more. Always test with a skewer.

What kind of apples are best for apple crumb cake?

A mix of sweet and tart apples works best. Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn offer sweetness, while Granny Smith adds a nice tart balance and holds its shape well.

Why is my crumb topping not crunchy?

Ensure your butter is very cold when cutting it into the crumb topping. If the butter is too soft, it will melt into the flour rather than forming distinct crumbs, leading to a less crunchy texture.

Can I make this apple crumb cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake tastes wonderful the day it’s baked, but its flavors also deepen overnight. You can bake it a day in advance and store it at room temperature.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute! Add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest of the way to 1/2 cup with regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.

Can I add nuts to the cake batter?

Yes, you can gently fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the diced apples for added texture and flavor.

More Delicious Dishes to Try

Looking for more cozy bakes and delightful treats? Explore these fantastic recipes:

• Apple Brownies: Easy Fall Dessert – Another incredible apple-infused baked good perfect for autumn.
• Delicious Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe – If you love apples and cinnamon, this cake is a must-try.
• Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars – A creative twist on classic flavors in an easy bar format.

Conclusion

Baking this Apple Crumb Cake brings such joy, from the sweet scent filling your home to the first comforting bite. It’s a simple recipe that delivers impressive results every time. Happy baking! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more delicious inspiration.

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