Apple Crumb Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day, you’ve come to the right place! This Apple Crumb Cake is my go-to recipe when I want to whip up something sweet and comforting. The combination of moist vanilla cinnamon cake and tender cinnamon sugar apples creates an experience that’s simply out of this world. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to prepare. You can enjoy a slice of this delicious Apple Crumb Cake any time, and trust me, it’ll be gone before you know it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious flavor: The warm spices and sweet apples create an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, baking this cake is a breeze for all skill levels.
• Perfect for sharing: This recipe yields 12 slices, making it ideal for gatherings or just satisfying your family’s sweet tooth.
• Comfort food vibes: Every bite brings warmth and nostalgia, perfect for those chilly evenings.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can bake it in advance and store it for later enjoyment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Apple Crumb Cake are simple and wholesome. Most of these items are probably already in your pantry! Let’s gather everything we need to create this delightful treat.

For the Apples

• 4 small or 3 large red gala apples (diced)
• 1 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping

• 120 g all-purpose flour
• 200 g dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 85 g butter (room temperature)

For the Cake

• 340 g all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 125 g butter (room temperature)
• 225 g granulated sugar
• 3 eggs (room temperature)
• 225 g sour cream 14-18% (room temperature)
• 40 g vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil)
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze

• 125 g powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp sour cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tsp water

Variations

One of the best things about this Apple Crumb Cake is its flexibility! You can easily tweak the recipe based on what you have at home or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use different fruits: Swap out apples for pears or peaches if they’re in season.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an additional layer of flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling and dicing your apples. Toss them in a bowl with granulated sugar and cinnamon. This step brings out their natural sweetness and adds flavor, making them juicy once baked!

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Use your fingers to cut in room-temperature butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. This crumb topping will give your cake that delightful crunch!

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. In a separate bowl, beat together room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add in eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth—this will give your cake its rich texture!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in those wonderful apple pieces you prepared earlier. Pour half of the batter into a greased pan, sprinkle with half of the crumb topping, then add the remaining batter followed by more crumbs on top.

Step 5: Bake It Up!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. The aroma as it bakes will make your kitchen feel like home.

Step 6: Drizzle with Maple Glaze

While your cake cools down slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, sour cream, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. Drizzle this over your cooled cake before slicing—it’s the perfect finishing touch!

Enjoy every scrumptious bite of this delightful Apple Crumb Cake!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumb Cake

Making the perfect Apple Crumb Cake is easier than you think! Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out just right.

• Use fresh apples: Fresh, crisp apples will provide the best flavor and texture. Gala apples are sweet and tender, making them a delightful choice for this cake.

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients blend together smoothly, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.

• Don’t skip the resting time: Allow the batter to rest for 15-20 minutes before baking. This gives the flour time to hydrate, which can lead to a better crumb structure.

• Check for doneness: Since ovens can vary, start checking your cake about 5-10 minutes before the recommended baking time. Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

• Let it cool completely: Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from breaking apart and allows flavors to develop further.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake

Serving your Apple Crumb Cake can be as delightful as baking it! Here are some ideas to make it shine on your dessert table.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of light whipped coconut cream adds a creamy contrast that enhances the flavors of the cake beautifully.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apple filling.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar before serving provides an extra touch of sweetness and warmth.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy texture that balances the warm spices in the cake.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side of mixed seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate and add brightness to your dessert spread.
• Coffee or tea: Serving your cake with a cup of coffee or herbal tea elevates the experience, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings or cozy evenings.
• Maple syrup drizzle: For those who love extra sweetness, offer a small pitcher of warm maple syrup for drizzling over each slice. It enhances both flavor and presentation!

Enjoy crafting this delightful Apple Crumb Cake and sharing it with friends and family. It’s sure to become a beloved favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Crumb Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy its delightful flavors over several days. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat it effectively.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Once cooled, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, place them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• For a whole cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making this delicious Apple Crumb Cake!

Can I make Apple Crumb Cake without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or use a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg).

How can I adjust the sweetness of my Apple Crumb Cake?

Feel free to reduce the granulated sugar by up to half if you prefer a less sweet cake. The natural sweetness of the apples will still shine through beautifully!

What makes this Apple Crumb Cake so special?

The combination of warm cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in a moist vanilla cake topped with a crumbly layer and a sweet maple glaze creates an irresistible dessert experience that feels like home.

Can I add nuts to my Apple Crumb Cake?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added either into the batter or sprinkled on top of the crumb layer for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine! The warmth of cinnamon and sweetness of apples make this Apple Crumb Cake feel like a cozy hug on a plate. Enjoy making it, sharing it with loved ones, and savoring every bite. Happy baking!