This Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful harmony of tender, spiced apples and a buttery crumb topping that melts in your mouth. The soft, moist cake base pairs perfectly with the crisp, golden crumbs, creating a texture that’s simply irresistible. With just 20 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of baking, you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert ready to share in no time.
Every bite bursts with the sweet-tart flavor of fresh apples, enhanced by warm cinnamon and a hint of vanilla. The rich, buttery crumb adds a satisfying crunch, making it a treat that’s both indulgent and comforting. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients for Apple Crumb Cake
- For the Cake:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream (or substitute with plain yogurt)
- 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (165 g) diced, peeled apples (about 1 ½ apples)
- For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- For the Vanilla Glaze (optional):
- ½ cup (65 g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 teaspoons milk (any kind)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan.
- Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until well combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. Then, mix in the sour cream.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not over-mix!
- Fold in the diced apples, then pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Set aside.
- Prepare the streusel: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until crumbles form.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the glaze.
- Make the glaze (optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Start with 2 teaspoons of milk and add more if needed to achieve a drizzling consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Let it harden, then slice and serve. Enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Apple Crumb Cake is a versatile treat that pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter touch. For breakfast or brunch, pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement the warm cinnamon and apple flavors.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your Apple Crumb Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Swap the apples for pears or peaches for a different fruity twist. Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel for extra crunch. If you’re a fan of spices, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a unique flavor profile.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Bakers
Short on time? Use pre-peeled and diced apples from the store to save a few minutes. You can also prepare the streusel topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. If you’re skipping the glaze, the cake is just as delicious without it!
Essential Equipment for Success
To make this recipe a breeze, ensure you have a 9″ (23cm) springform pan for easy removal of the cake. A sturdy whisk and spatula will help you mix the batter and streusel evenly. A toothpick or cake tester is essential for checking doneness, and a fine-mesh sieve can help you achieve a smooth glaze.
Apple Crumb Cake
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled until no longer warm to the touch
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (50 g) firmly packed
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (120 g)
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (156 g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups diced, peeled apples (165 g) (this was about 1 ½ apples for me)
Streusel Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
- ¾ cup light brown sugar (150 g) firmly packed
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled until no longer warm to the touch
Vanilla Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar (65 g)
- 2-3 teaspoons milk (any kind)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease and flour a 9″ (23cm) springform pan.
- Combine melted butter and sugars in a large bowl and stir until well-combined
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, stir well
- Stir in sour cream.
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Using a spatula, gradually add dry ingredients and wet and stir until just combined– do not over-mix!
- Fold in apple pieces and pour batter evenly into prepared pan. Set aside and prepare your streusel.
- Prepare the crumble topping by whisking together flour, sugars, cinnamon and salt.
- Pour the melted butter into the mixture and, using a fork, stir until crumbles form. Evenly sprinkle streusel over batter.
- Transfer pan to oven and bake on 350F (175C) for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before adding vanilla glaze.
- If desired, make glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Start with 2 teaspoons of milk and add a third if it isn’t thin enough to drizzle.
- Drizzle over cooled cake. Allow glaze to harden, slice, and enjoy!