Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe because it brings together the perfect balance of tender, moist cake and a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping. Whenever I bake it, my kitchen fills with that warm, comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon, which instantly feels like fall even on the dreariest days. This cake works beautifully for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a cozy dessert after dinner.

You’ll find that this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe is incredibly forgiving and not too fussy, making it ideal for busy weekdays or easy weekend baking sessions. The combination of sour cream in the batter keeps the crumb wonderfully moist while the crumb topping adds just the right amount of crunch—trust me, my family goes crazy for this one!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe work harmoniously to give both flavor and texture. Using fresh apples and good quality butter really makes a difference, and I’ll share tips to help you pick the best for your bake.

• Brown sugar: Adds deep molasses flavor to the crumb topping—light or dark brown sugar both work great.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crumb and the cake, helping balance tartness from apples.
• Ground cinnamon: The warm spice that defines the apple crumb profile—don’t skip it!
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the sugar.
• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control salt levels precisely; softened butter is key for the cake, melted butter for the crumb.
• All purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level your flour for accuracy; too much flour can dry out the cake.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leaveners give your cake a light and tender crumb.
• Eggs: At room temperature for better incorporation and fluffiness.
• Sour cream: You can’t overlook this—it adds moisture and a slight tang that elevates the cake.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla enhances the overall flavor complexity.
• Apples: Fresh, peeled, and chopped—go for firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
• Maple, vanilla, or caramel icing: Optional but highly recommended for drizzling on top to turn the cake into something truly special.

Variations

Personally, I love giving this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe a little twist here and there depending on the occasion and what I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you’ll find your own favorites!

• Use different apples: I’ve tried Fuji, Gala, and Jazz apples—each brings subtle changes to the sweetness and texture that I really enjoy.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the all purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour; just be sure to check for xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the crumb topping adds a lovely depth of flavor to the cake.
• Make mini cakes: I sometimes divide batter into muffin tins for quick individual servings perfect for grab-and-go treats.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep your pan and make the crumb topping

Before anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper—this helps the cake release easily later. Next, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter, then use a fork to mix in the flour just until it forms clumps—the key here is to avoid overmixing so your topping stays crumbly and crisp.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients for the cake

Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl, then set it aside. This ensures your leaveners are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving you a consistent rise.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar, then mix wet ingredients

Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high until smooth and creamy—this usually takes about 2 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of your bowl to keep everything well mixed. Then, add in eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream and vanilla extract. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit curdled at this stage; it’s totally normal.

Step 4: Incorporate dry ingredients, apples, and cinnamon

Lower your mixer speed and gradually add the dry ingredients just until combined—overmixing can toughen the cake. Then toss your peeled, chopped apples with cinnamon to spread the flavor evenly. Spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared pan, scatter the cinnamon-coated apples on top, and finally press the crumb topping firmly over the apples so it sticks well.

Step 5: Bake and cool

Bake for 45-55 minutes, but keep an eye on it as oven temperatures vary. You’ll want to test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, you’re good. If the edges brown too fast, loosely cover with foil to prevent burning while the center bakes through. After baking, let the cake cool on a wire rack for at least 30-45 minutes before slicing—it really helps the crumb set and makes cutting cleaner.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually drizzle some maple or caramel icing on top, which elevates this cake to another level of deliciousness. When I’m feeling classic, a simple vanilla glaze works perfectly, or you can just dust it lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Sometimes I serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside for a special treat.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and I also enjoy serving it alongside fresh fruit salad for a balanced brunch spread. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of cinnamon-spiced yogurt complements the flavors nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve cut this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe into elegant squares and topped each piece with a little apple slice and extra crumb to turn it into a charming platter centerpiece. You can also layer it with cream cheese frosting between slices for a cake-like effect that impresses guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find that storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator keeps the cake fresh for up to 5 days. Always cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out or picking up fridge odors. Leftover slices are just as tasty the next day!

Freezing

This Apple Crumb Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. I usually wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They last up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To warm up leftover cake, I pop slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or heat them briefly in a 300°F oven covered loosely with foil to keep the crumb topping moist and fresh. This brings back that freshly baked feeling without drying out the cake.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumb Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those recipes that’s as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing. Once you make it a few times, you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever you want to bring a little warmth and sweetness into your day. Honestly, if you’re looking for a reliable, flavorful, and cozy cake that’s easy to whip up, this one is your go-to. Give it a try—you and everyone you share it with will be so glad you did!

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