There’s something incredibly heartwarming about tucking into a slice of Apple Crumb Cake on a sleepy afternoon. This delightful blend of sweet apples and crisp crumb topping for your taste buds brings a cozy, homey vibe to any gathering. The tender cake layer, studded with thinly sliced apples, soaks up all the buttery richness, while the golden, cinnamon-kissed crumble adds a satisfying crunch. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly elegant, perfect for sharing with family, friends—or savoring all by yourself alongside a steaming cup of coffee. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just stepping into the world of homemade treats, this recipe walks you through every step with ease.
As a self-proclaimed apple enthusiast, I’ve tested this recipe on drizzly Sundays and spontaneous weeknight cravings. One chilly evening, I whisked together the batter as rain pattered against the window, and by the time the timer buzzed, my kitchen was filled with a warm, spiced sweetness that turned grumpy moods into smiles. You’ll find that this Apple Crumb Cake is beginner-friendly—no complicated techniques, just simple ingredients coming together in a magical way. With a total preparation time of 15 minutes, 45 minutes in the oven, and a brief 15-minute rest, you’ll soon have nine generous servings, each packing about 280 calories. So grab your mixing bowl, channel your inner home cook, and let’s bring this irresistible dessert to life!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE CRUMB CAKE
Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to understand the role of each ingredient in crafting the perfect Apple Crumb Cake. From creating structure to infusing flavor, these components work together harmoniously to deliver a moist, tender cake and a buttery, crunchy topping.
- All-purpose flour
Provides the cake’s structure and creates a tender crumb. It also forms the base of the crumb topping, helping it hold together while baking.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the cake evenly and assists in creating a light, airy texture when creamed with butter.
- Unsalted butter
Adds rich flavor and moisture. When softened, it whips beautifully with sugar for a fluffy cake, and when melted in the topping, it helps form coarse, buttery crumbs.
- Milk
Contributes moisture and helps dissolve dry ingredients, resulting in a smooth, cohesive batter.
- Egg
Binds the ingredients, provides structure, and adds a delicate richness to the cake’s interior.
- Vanilla extract
Infuses a warm, aromatic note that enhances both the cake and crumb topping.
- Baking powder
Leavens the cake, ensuring it rises properly and achieves a light, tender crumb.
- Salt
Balances sweetness and elevates the overall flavors of the cake and topping.
- Apples
Offer natural sweetness and tender juiciness. Thin slices distribute evenly, melding with the cake batter for delightful bursts of apple flavor.
- Brown sugar
Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the crumb topping, complementing the apples’ tartness.
- Cinnamon
Adds warm spice to the crumb mixture, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE CRUMB CAKE
Let’s walk through this beginner-friendly recipe step by step. You’ll find that baking this Apple Crumb Cake is a breeze when you follow these detailed instructions and use the right techniques.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position an oven rack in the center, then grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just blended—overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
4. Gently fold the sliced apples into the batter using a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed without deflating the mixture.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top for a flat surface.
6. For the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
7. Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over the cake batter, covering it evenly.
8. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent the pan with foil.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. This resting period helps the cake set and makes slicing easier.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE CRUMB CAKE
After the cake is ready, there are countless ways to elevate your serving presentation and tasting experience. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch, a cozy dessert night, or simply indulging yourself, these ideas will ensure every slice is as delightful as it can be.
- Warm with vanilla ice cream
Serve each slice warm and top it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the hot cake and the cold, creamy ice cream creates a luscious mouthfeel.
- Whipped cream and cinnamon dusting
Add a light dollop of fresh whipped cream, then sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for an extra layer of sweetness and spice.
- Pair with hot beverages
Enjoy alongside a steaming cup of coffee or spiced tea. The subtle bitterness of coffee or the aromatic spices of chai beautifully complement the cake’s sweetness.
- Upscale brunch twist
Cut thicker slices and serve with a side of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey. The tangy creaminess balances the buttery crumble and tender apples.
HOW TO STORE APPLE CRUMB CAKE
To maintain the freshness and flavor of your Apple Crumb Cake, proper storage is key. Whether you’re saving slices for later or planning ahead for a gathering, these tips will help preserve that perfect crumb and moist apple goodness.
- Room Temperature Storage
Once cooled completely, place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping the crumb topping crisp.
- Refrigeration
If you need to keep the cake longer, transfer it to the fridge in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Bring slices to room temperature or warm briefly in the oven before serving.
- Freezing
For extended storage, individually wrap slices in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.
- Re-crisping the Crumble
To restore that fresh-from-the-oven crunch, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This revives the crumb topping and warms the cake through.
CONCLUSION
Baking this Apple Crumb Cake brings together a symphony of textures and flavors: tender cake, juicy apples, and a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumble that truly delights the senses. You’ve learned how each ingredient contributes to the final masterpiece, followed a simple, step-by-step guide, and discovered creative ways to serve and store your creation. With a total time investment of just over an hour, including preparation, baking, and resting, you’ll end up with nine servings of a dessert that feels lovingly homemade yet impressively elegant. Don’t forget, this cake is beginner-friendly, making it a perfect first project for anyone eager to explore the joys of baking. And at roughly 280 calories per serving, it’s a treat that you can feel good about sharing.
Feel free to print this article and save it in your recipe binder so you can revisit it whenever the craving strikes. You’ll also find an FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions or troubleshoot common baking hiccups. If you try this Apple Crumb Cake, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your thoughts, ask questions, or let me know if you have any tweaks or stories to add. Your feedback helps me keep these recipes fresh and exciting for everyone. Happy baking!
Apple Crumb Cake
Description
This Apple Crumb Cake is a scrumptious treat featuring tender apples baked into a moist cake with a buttery, crumbly topping that’s simply irresistible and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
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In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just blended.
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Gently fold the sliced apples into the cake batter until evenly distributed.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
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In a separate bowl, prepare the crumb topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Note
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the crumb topping.
- Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a balance between sweetness and tartness.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- This cake stores well covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
