There’s something magical about pulling a warm apple crumb cake from the oven – the sweet scent of cinnamon and butter fills the kitchen, promising cozy comfort in every bite. This simple yet perfect dessert combines tender chunks of apple with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb topping that I swear gets better with each forkful. I first made this cake for my best friend’s birthday years ago when I was broke but wanted to give something special – now it’s our tradition every fall. The recipe comes together so easily you’ll wonder why you don’t make it weekly!
Table of contents:
Ingredients for Apple Crumb Cake
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference with this cake – I’ve learned that the hard way after a few “creative” (read: disastrous) experiments! Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- Dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Wet ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature – don’t microwave it!), 1 large egg, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the apples: 2 medium firm apples (I always use Granny Smith), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that work magic together. The real secret is in how we put them together!
How to Make Apple Crumb Cake
Okay, let’s get baking! This apple crumb cake comes together in just a few simple steps – but I’ll walk you through each one so you get perfect results. First things first:
- Preheat and prep: Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking pan. Trust me, taking these two minutes now prevents sticky disasters later!
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. The cinnamon smell alone will make your kitchen smell amazing.
- Cut in the butter: Here’s where magic starts! Use a pastry cutter or two forks to blend the softened butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. You want some pea-sized pieces for that perfect crumbly texture.
Preparing the Crumb Topping
Before adding wet ingredients, scoop out 1 cup of the crumb mixture and set it aside – this becomes your heavenly topping. The rest? That’s your cake base! Mix in the egg, milk, and vanilla just until combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are totally fine!
- Assemble: Spread the batter into your prepared pan (it’ll be thick), then evenly scatter those gorgeous apple pieces over the top. Now sprinkle your reserved crumb mixture over the apples – go for full coverage!
Baking and Cooling
Pop your masterpiece in the oven for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Resist cutting right away! Let it cool for at least 15 minutes – this helps the cake set properly so it doesn’t crumble apart when you slice it.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumb Cake
This apple crumb cake checks all the boxes for a perfect dessert – here’s why it’s become my go-to recipe for everything from lazy Sundays to last-minute potlucks:
- Effortless elegance: With just pantry staples and a couple apples, you can whip up something that looks and tastes bakery-quality in under an hour
- Texture heaven: That buttery crumb topping gives way to a tender, moist cake studded with juicy apple pieces – every bite has the perfect balance
- Universal appeal: Kids love it, adults swoon over it, and even my picky neighbor asked for the recipe after trying one slice
- Dress it up or down: Equally amazing with morning coffee as it is warmed with vanilla ice cream for dessert
Seriously, once you try this apple crumb cake, you’ll understand why it disappears faster than I can make it! Check out more delicious recipes.
Tips for the Best Apple Crumb Cake
After making this apple crumb cake more times than I can count (okay, maybe I have a problem), I’ve learned a few tricks that guarantee perfection every time:
- Apple choice matters: Granny Smith’s tartness balances the sweetness perfectly, but Honeycrisp works great too – just avoid mushy varieties
- Butter temperature is key: Softened butter creams better, but if it melts while cutting in, pop the bowl in the fridge for 5 minutes
- Don’t skimp on the crumb: When reserving topping, pack that cup measure – more crumbs mean more deliciousness!
- Watch the bake time: Ovens vary – start checking at 35 minutes if yours runs hot
- Let it rest: I know it’s hard, but waiting those 15 minutes means clean slices instead of crumbly messes
Follow these, and you’ll get that perfect balance of tender cake, juicy apples, and crisp topping we all crave! For more apple inspiration, try our caramel apple poke cake.
Apple Crumb Cake Variations
The beauty of this apple crumb cake is how easily you can make it your own! Try these delicious twists when you’re feeling adventurous:
- Nutty crunch: Mix 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping – that toasty flavor pairs perfectly with the apples
- Spice swap: Replace half the cinnamon with cardamom for a warm, floral note that’ll have everyone asking “what’s that amazing flavor?”
- Caramel drizzle: While warm, zigzag melted caramel over the top – it soaks in just enough to make each bite extra luscious
- Berry twist: Toss in 1/2 cup fresh raspberries with the apples for pops of color and tart contrast
My personal favorite? The nut version with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream – absolute heaven! You might also enjoy our classic apple crumble bars.
Serving and Storing Apple Crumb Cake
Oh, that first warm slice straight from the oven is pure bliss – the crumb topping still crisp, the apples tender, and the vanilla ice cream melting into all the nooks and crannies. That’s my absolute favorite way to serve this cake! For breakfast (don’t judge), a dollop of whipped cream turns it into something special.
Leftovers? Ha! But if you somehow have any, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The microwave will bring back that fresh-baked magic in 15-second bursts – just until warmed through. The crumb topping stays surprisingly crisp this way, unlike some sad, soggy coffee shop versions I’ve had!
Apple Crumb Cake FAQs
I get asked about this apple crumb cake all the time – here are the most common questions with my tried-and-true answers:
Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?
You can, but thaw and drain them first! Frozen apples release extra liquid that can make your cake soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the batter.
Why does my crumb topping sink into the cake?
This usually happens if the batter is too thin. Make sure to measure your flour correctly (spoon and level it!) and don’t overmix after adding wet ingredients.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour 1:1 with your favorite gluten-free blend. The texture comes out slightly denser but still delicious. For more gluten-free options, check out our gluten-free recipes.
How do I prevent a dry cake?
Don’t overbake it! Start checking at 35 minutes. Also, using room temperature ingredients helps everything blend smoothly for even baking.
Can I prepare this the night before?
For best results, bake it fresh. But you can mix dry ingredients and chop apples ahead – just store them separately in the fridge overnight.
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious slice of this apple crumb cake (because let’s be real – we’re all going to eat more than one piece!). These are estimates based on standard ingredients – your exact amounts might vary slightly depending on apple size or butter brands.
- Per serving (1 slice): 320 calories
- 12g total fat (7g saturated)
- 50g carbohydrates
- 2g fiber
- 20g sugar
- 4g protein
I like to think those apples totally cancel out the butter and sugar… okay, maybe not, but a balanced diet includes cake, right?
Share Your Apple Crumb Cake!
I’d love to see your apple crumb cake creations! Snap a photo of your masterpiece and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing others enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Your baking adventures might just inspire my next kitchen experiment! Follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration.
Irresistible Apple Crumb Cake in Just 6 Steps
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious apple crumb cake with a buttery crumb topping and tender apple filling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Set aside 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping.
- Stir in egg, milk, and vanilla into the remaining mixture to form a batter.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
- Arrange diced apples evenly over the batter.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the apples.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith for best texture.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
