Apple Crumb Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, then this Apple Crumb Cake is just the ticket! With its moist vanilla cinnamon cake, sweet cinnamon sugar apples, and a delightful crumb topping, this cake will transport you straight to dessert paradise. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it combines simple ingredients to create a cozy and comforting treat. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it at a special occasion, this Apple Crumb Cake is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet flavors of apples and cinnamon—it’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake it a day in advance and let the flavors develop overnight. It tastes even better the next day!
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of warm spices and soft cake is like a comforting embrace on chilly days.
• Beautiful Presentation: The crumb topping and maple glaze give this cake an inviting appearance that’s perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will set you on your way to creating the most delicious Apple Crumb Cake. Let’s take a look!

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 Batter

• 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

This Apple Crumb Cake recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Try Different Fruits: Swap out some of the apples for pears or berries to change up the flavor profile.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
• Spice It Up: Add some nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick of warm spice that complements the apples beautifully.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Begin by dicing your apples into small pieces. Toss them with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl. This step is essential as it helps draw out their natural sweetness while infusing them with delightful cinnamon flavor.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add room-temperature butter and mix until crumbly. This topping adds texture and richness to your cake, creating that irresistible crunch on top.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In yet another bowl, whisk together flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout your batter.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a light cake texture.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Sour Cream

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. The sour cream adds moisture, making your cake rich and tender.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in your dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep your cake light!

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Pour half of the batter into a prepared baking pan. Layer on those sweetened apple pieces followed by the remaining batter. Finally, sprinkle generously with your crumb topping—it’s going to be so good!

Step 8: Bake Your Cake

Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and set in the middle—about 70 minutes should do it! Keep an eye on it during baking; every oven is slightly different.

Step 9: Make the Maple Glaze

While your cake cools, whisk powdered sugar with maple syrup, sour cream, vanilla extract, and just enough water to reach drizzling consistency. This glaze adds that final touch of sweetness!

Step 10: Drizzle & Enjoy!

Once cooled completely, drizzle that luscious maple glaze over your Apple Crumb Cake. Slice it up and serve—enjoy every bite!

This Apple Crumb Cake is not just food; it’s love baked into every slice!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumb Cake

Making the perfect Apple Crumb Cake is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks! Here are some pro tips to ensure your cake turns out deliciously every time.

• Choose the right apples: Opt for sweet and slightly tart apples like Gala or Honeycrisp. Their flavor will shine through in the cake and balance beautifully with the sweetness of the cake itself.

• Don’t skip the room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking for that perfect moist texture.

• Use fresh spices: Ground cinnamon can lose its potency over time. Using fresh spices enhances the flavor profile of the cake, making it more aromatic and appetizing.

• Chill your crumb topping: If you chill your crumb mixture before adding it on top of the cake batter, it will hold its shape better during baking, resulting in a nice crunchy texture rather than becoming too mushy.

• Test for doneness: Since ovens can vary, start checking your cake at around 60 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake

Serving your Apple Crumb Cake can be as delightful as baking it! Here are some creative ideas to present this scrumptious dessert that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a lovely lightness and balances the richness of the cake perfectly.
• Toasted nuts: Sprinkling some toasted walnuts or pecans on top gives an extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apple filling.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream next to warm Apple Crumb Cake creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and flavors.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a burst of freshness that pairs nicely with the rich flavors of the cake.
• Coffee or tea: Serving this cake alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances its comforting character while making for a perfect afternoon treat.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering some yogurt with granola and berries alongside your slice of cake offers a healthy balance and adds an element of fun to your dessert spread.

Enjoy your baking adventure, and prepare for compliments when you serve up this delightful Apple Crumb Cake!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Crumb Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delightful slices throughout the week. Its flavors only get better as it sits, making it an excellent choice for baking ahead of time!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake, where it can last for about a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each slice for 20-30 seconds on high until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Apple Crumb Cake.

Can I use other types of apples for the Apple Crumb Cake?

Absolutely! While gala apples are great for their sweetness, feel free to experiment with tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance flavors.

How can I make my Apple Crumb Cake healthier?

You can substitute some of the granulated sugar with healthier alternatives like coconut sugar or use unsweetened applesauce in place of some butter to reduce calories.

What makes this Apple Crumb Cake so special?

This cake is special because it combines a tender vanilla-cinnamon base with spiced apples and a crunchy crumb topping, finished off with a delicious maple glaze that elevates every bite!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Apple Crumb Cake as much as I do! It’s a comforting dessert that brings warmth and happiness to any gathering or just a cozy night in. Enjoy every slice, and don’t forget to share your experience with loved ones. Happy baking!