The Best Easy Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
If apple recipes are your jam, this Apple Crumb Cake is definitely one that you need in your life. With two layers of buttery crunchy cinnamon crumb topping, fresh tart apples and a moist quick bread, this crumb cake is what dreams are made of.
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As soon as the fall season hits I start thinking about all things apples. The combination of apples with warm spices makes my heart and stomach so darn happy.
The best part about this Apple Crumb Cake is that it can be made any time of year but is especially great during apple season. It can also be served for breakfast or dessert. If you love apple recipes, this Apple Crisp is another great treat.
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What goes into this Recipe
- Butter: Always butter! Not only does it add flavor in both the cake and topping but it also gives the bread moisture and tenderness.
- Sugar: Sweetness! It also provides a tenderness and helps the bread brown when it bakes. With granulated sugar in the cake batter and brown sugar in the crumble topping you get the best of both worlds.
- Large Eggs: They bind the batter, add moisture and also help the bread brown.
- Vanilla Extract: Get the good stuff! Flavor, flavor, flavor.
- Flour: It also binds all of these other wonderful ingredients together into one magical mixture and creates the structure the bread needs to bake.
- Baking Powder: Let’s talk about leavening! Most quick bread recipes call for baking powder which allows your batter to rise.
- Salt: You might know that it adds flavor but did you know that it also strengthens the gluten.
- Milk: Moistens the batter and turns to steam in the oven during baking.
- Granny Smith Apples: The tart flavor of fresh apples goes perfectly with the sweet bread and crumb topping. If you would rather use another apple, gala apples are a great alternative or even your favorite apple.
- Cinnamon: It is the perfect spice for creating a fall dessert. You could also use apple pie spice in place of the cinnamon. It also contains a bit of ginger, nutmeg and cardamom which is perfect for this apple cake.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make an Apple Crumb Cake
1.Begin my combining butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, an egg and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Mix until the mixture is nice and creamy. An electric mixer can be used but be sure that you don’t overmix the batter. Next, add the dry ingredients {flour, baking powder and salt}. Mix until all of the ingredients are just combined.
2. The cake batter might not come together how you hoped but that is totally fine. Add the milk and continue to gently mix. The milk will bring the dough together and create a nice batter.
3. Put half of the batter into a 9×9 inch baking pan that has been lined with parchment paper and sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Spread it out into an even layer.
Crumb Topping
4. Combine the butter, light brown sugar, flour and cinnamon into a medium bowl. Using a pastry cutter or forks, cut the butter into the other ingredients. Don’t over mix the ingredients or you will end up with a paste instead of a crumb.
5. Add the chopped apples to the top of the batter and spread them out into an even layer.
6. Top the apple layer with half of the crumb topping. Add the last half of the cake batter on top of the apples and finally top with the remaining crumb topping. Spread it out into an even layer. Bake your apple crumb cake in a 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm or cool on a cooling rack.
Expert Tips
- Work with room temperature ingredients when possible. This will ensure a smooth batter that is easy to mix together.
- Do not overmix the quick bread batter. Over mixing will create a tough texture and not the soft buttery cake we are going for.
- Peel and chop the apples right before adding them to the middle of the cake. This will make sure that the apples stay fresh and not turn brown.
- Add all of the crumb topping! The best part of a crumb cake is the buttery crunch that is on top and in the middle of this cake.
- Add a simple glaze to the top for a simple finishing touch. Mix together a cup of powdered sugar with a 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract and enough heavy cream that the glaze is pourable.
Storing and Freezing
Store- Leftovers should be put into an airtight container and kept either at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Freeze- This easy apple crumb cake freezes well for up to 3 months as long as it is wrapped in a couple layers of plastic wrap.
Recipe FAQs
There are a ton of different fruits that would be perfect for this cake. Pears, berries, jam and curds can all be used in the filling of this recipe.
In fact, this Lemon Blueberry Crumb Cake and Zucchini Crumb Cake are both great options.
The biggest difference between the two is the amount of streusel topping that goes on top.
A crumb cake will have a lot more crumble mixture than a traditional coffee cake. In fact, a coffee cake is sometimes made without any at all.
I suggest serving this cinnamon apple crumb cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It would also be wonderful with a dollop of whipped cream and a cup of coffee.
Of course! A 9″ springform pan would work very well and bake about the same time as the recipe states. A 8×8 square pan would also be perfect, just remember that the cake will be thicker and need an extra 5-10 minutes of baking.
Do you love fall desserts? Try these recipes…
Did you try this recipe?Leave a ⭐️ review below and tag @practicallyhomemade on Pinterest!
Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
- ½ cup butter {softened}
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar {packed}
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 small apples {peeled and chopped}
Crumb Topping
- ½ cup butter {softened}
- ¾ cup brown sugar {packed}
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl combine butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg and vanilla. Combine with a hand held mixer {stand mixer or by hand} until creamy.
- Add flour, salt and baking powder and mix to combine. The mixture might be a bit crumbly but that is alright.
- Add the milk all at once and combine until you have a nice cake batter. Pour half of the batter into the prepared 9×9 pan. Top with the chopped apples.
- To make the crumb topping, combine the butter, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Cut the butter into the other ingredients until you have crumbs. Do not over mix or you will have a paste. Spread half of the crumbs over the top of the apples.
- Add the remaining cake batter on top of the apple and crumbs, spread in an even layer. Top with remaining crumbs.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the cake comes out clean. Serve warm or cool on a wire rack. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Work with room temperature ingredients when possible. This will ensure a smooth batter that is easy to mix together.
- Do not over mix the quick bread batter. Over mixing will create a tough texture and not the soft buttery cake we are going for.
- Peel and chop the apples right before adding them to the middle of the cake. This will make sure that the apples stay fresh and not turn brown.
- Add a simple glaze to the top for a simple finishing touch. Mix together a cup of powdered sugar with a 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract and enough heavy cream that the glaze is pourable.
