If you adore cozy, comforting desserts that feel like a warm hug, this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine tender, cinnamon-kissed apples nestled within a moist cake, all topped with a satisfyingly crisp crumb layer that adds the perfect contrast in texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a simple weekend treat, this recipe brings together familiar flavors in a way that’s irresistibly delicious and wonderfully easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that combine to create layered flavors and textures you’ll love. Each component plays a vital role, from adding sweetness and spice to creating that buttery crumb topping you can’t get enough of.
- Light or dark brown sugar, 1 cup (200g) packed: Adds deep molasses sweetness and moisture to the crumb topping.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (100g) + 1 and 1/4 cups (250g): Balances sweetness in both the crumb and the cake batter.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon + 1/4 teaspoon: Infuses that warm, spicy note essential to apple desserts.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup (melted) + 3/4 cup (softened): Brings richness, moisture, and the crumbly texture to the topping and cake.
- All-purpose flour, 5 cups (625g) total: Forms the structure for both the cake and topping; spoon and level for accuracy.
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Helps the cake rise and stay tender.
- Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Provides extra lift to the batter for a light crumb.
- Eggs, 3 large: Bind ingredients and add richness; bring them to room temperature for best results.
- Full-fat sour cream, 1 cup (240g): Adds tanginess and moisture, making the cake extra soft.
- Pure vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Enhances all the flavors with aromatic depth.
- Apples, 3 cups (375g), peeled and chopped: The star ingredient; crisp varietals with a bit of tartness work beautifully here.
- Optional icing: Maple, vanilla, or caramel icing from apple cinnamon rolls adds a luscious finishing touch.
How to Make Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start strong by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch glass or metal baking pan, or line it with parchment paper to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. Setting this foundation early helps the rest of the process glide smoothly.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir well. Use a fork to gently mix in the flour until clumps form. Be careful not to over-mix because you want those buttery crumbs to stay chunky. Chill this crumb mixture in the fridge or freezer until needed in step 6 — cold crumbs hold their shape to create that gorgeous topping texture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Setting these aside pre-measured keeps the batter preparation neat and efficient.
Step 4: Mix the Batter
Using a stand or handheld mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy—about 3 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl for even mixing. Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing on medium-high speed until just combined; the mixture may look curdled, but that’s perfectly normal. Finally, incorporate the dry ingredients slowly on low speed, stopping as soon as the batter is smooth to avoid toughness. The end result will be thick and luscious.
Step 5: Toss Apples with Cinnamon
In a small bowl, coat the peeled chopped apples with the 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. This simple step guarantees that every bite of apple bursts with cinnamon-spiced goodness nestled within the cake.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Scatter the cinnamon-coated apples in an even layer over the batter. Now, gently press the chilled crumb topping over the apples using a spatula or the back of a spoon, making sure it adheres firmly. This careful pressing lets the topping stick together so it bakes into a perfect, crunchy crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake for 45 to 55 minutes. Keep an eye on it near the end — the cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the crumb topping starts browning too fast, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the cake finishes baking through.
Step 8: Cool and Add Icing
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool on a rack for at least 30 to 45 minutes before slicing. If you like, drizzle maple, vanilla, or caramel icing for an extra-special touch that makes this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe shine even brighter.
How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few toasted chopped nuts can elevate your slice with a hint of elegance and added crunch. Fresh apple slices or a dollop of whipped cream also pair wonderfully for a balanced taste experience.
Side Dishes
This cake is heavenly alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich, spiced chai tea. For breakfast or brunch, serve it with a smear of creamy butter or a drizzle of honey to complement the apple’s natural sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares to serve as party treats or layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and caramel sauce for a stunning dessert centerpiece. You can even transform leftover cake into decadent parfaits for a scrumptious after-dinner treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the Apple Crumb Cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, where it will stay moist and flavorful, perfect for quick snacks or dessert on busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze slices or the whole cake (wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to keep that classic fresh-baked texture.
Reheating
Warm individual pieces in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10 minutes to revive the crumb topping’s crunch and the cake’s warmth, making it feel freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape and balance sweetness well, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for varied flavors and textures. Just peel and chop them the same way.
Is it necessary to chill the crumb topping?
Yes, chilling the crumb topping before baking helps it hold together and bake up crisp, creating that signature crumbly layer we all love in this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to check that your blend includes xanthan gum for structure.
What’s the best way to peel and chop apples quickly?
A good vegetable peeler and chef’s knife are all you need. Peeling first, then cutting the apple into quarters and dicing into bite-sized pieces works best to keep your prep clean and efficient.
Can I skip the icing?
Definitely! The cake is moist and flavorful on its own, but icing adds a lovely sweet finish if you’re feeling fancy. It’s totally optional and just as delicious without it.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crumb Cake Recipe truly feels like a hug on a plate, packed with comforting flavors and textures that make it a perfect bake for any time you crave something homey and delightful. I encourage you to give it a try—you won’t regret the joy it brings to your kitchen and your taste buds!
Print
Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Crumb Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring tender chopped apples layered with a buttery crumb topping. The cake itself is made with sour cream, which adds richness and keeps it wonderfully soft. A cinnamon-spiced crumb topping adds a delightful crunchy contrast. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat, this cake is easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients and bakes to golden perfection in a single pan.
Ingredients
Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
Cake Batter:
- 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) peeled chopped apples (about 2–3 large apples)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional:
- maple icing, vanilla icing, or caramel icing from apple cinnamon rolls for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch glass or metal baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter. Using a fork, lightly mix in flour until crumbles form. Avoid overmixing. Chill mixture in refrigerator or freezer until needed to help crumbs hold their shape during baking.
- Mix Dry Cake Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer with paddle attachment, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed until light and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down bowl as needed. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing on medium-high until combined; the batter may look curdled, which is normal. Scrape sides again.
- Add Dry Ingredients: With mixer on low speed, mix in the dry ingredients until just smooth. Do not overmix. Batter will be thick.
- Prepare Apples: Toss chopped apples with ground cinnamon to evenly coat.
- Assemble Cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Evenly distribute the cinnamon-coated apples over the batter, then distribute the chilled crumb topping over the apples. Press the crumb topping gently with a spatula or spoon to make it stick.
- Bake: Bake cake for 45-55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. If the top or edges brown too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Remove cake from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool for 30-45 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Optional Topping: Drizzle with your choice of maple, vanilla, or caramel icing if desired.
- Storage: Cover leftover cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use firm apples that hold their shape well, like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith, for best texture.
- Full-fat sour cream contributes to moistness and rich flavor; do not substitute with low-fat versions.
- To prevent topping from browning too fast, cover loosely with foil if needed during baking.
- Allow cake to cool before slicing to ensure clean cuts and reduce crumbling.
- Optional icings complement the apple and cinnamon flavors, enhancing the cake’s sweetness.
