Apple Crumb Cake
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This apple crumb cake is soft, buttery, and filled with tender chunks of apples in every bite. Topped with buttery cinnamon crumb topping and a light glaze. This cozy dessert is also perfect for breakfast or as a treat with your afternoon coffee break.
Apples have to be my favorite fall fruit. We have planted many apple trees and made many trips to local pick-your-own apple orchards with the kids over the years.
So I’m always looking for yummy ways to use up apples. Of course, we make lots of baked apples and chunky applesauce, but this apple cake is one of my favorites.
It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, this moist apple crumble cake is perfect for fall baking or anytime you crave a warm, but easy, dessert recipe.
Ingredient Notes
Make sure to check the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
- Butter: Used in both the cake batter and crumb topping, butter adds richness, moisture, and that yummy bakery-style flavor. Softened butter mixes smoothly into the cake and helps to form the cumbly topping.
- Sugar: A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar sweetens the cake, while brown sugar creates a crunchy topping with a caramel-like flavor. Powdered sugar is used to make a simple glaze to drizzle over the top of the cake.
- Egg: Adds structure and helps to hold the cake together while keeping it tender.
- Vanilla Extract: It’s used in both the cake and the glaze to enhance the sweetness and the warm flavors of apple and cinnamon.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used in both the cake for structure and softness, as well as in the topping. When mixed with butter and sugar, it creates a sweet, crumbly topping.
- Salt: A little salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake a light and fluffy texture
- Cinnamon: Is used in both the cake and the crumb topping. It adds a cozy, warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender, and also thins the glaze for easy drizzling.
- Apple: Chopped apples add moisture, flavor, and little bursts of tartness throughout the cake.
How To Make Apple Crumb Cake
Step 1. Prep The Apple
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
Peel and chop the apple and set it aside.
Step 2. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the butter, white sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla to a large mixing bowl and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3. Add Dry Ingredients
Next, mix in the flour, salt, and baking powder until combined.
Step 4. Add Milk
Then add the milk and beat until a smooth batter forms.
Step 5: Layer The Cake And Bake
Spread half the batter evenly into your prepared pan, then layer the chopped apples on top.
Spread the remaining batter evenly over the apples and crumbs, then top with the remaining crumb mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Add Icing
Let the cake cool, then prepare the glaze and drizzle it over the cake before serving.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature:
Apple crumb cake can be kept at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days. Store in an airtight container or wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep it from drying out.
Refrigerator:
For longer storage, place the cake into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. When kept in the fridge, the crumb topping might soften a little, but it will still taste great.
Freezer:
This cake freezes really well. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and warm it slightly in the oven.
Serve Suggestions:
- With Coffee or Tea: This cake makes the perfect morning treat or afternoon snack. Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy break.
- As Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic, comforting treat.
- For Brunch: Add it to a brunch spread along with fresh fruit, muffins, and eggs.
- Holiday Favorite: Apple cake is a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or fall gatherings.
More Apple Recipes:
FAQs
Apple Crumb Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- ½ cup butter softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 large green apple peeled and chopped
Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Glaze:
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
- Peel and chop the apple and set it aside.
- Add the butter, white sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla to a large mixing bowl and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Next, mix in the flour, salt, and baking powder until combined.
- Then add the milk and beat until a smooth batter forms.
- Spread half the batter evenly into your prepared pan, then layer the chopped apples on top.
- To make the crumb topping, combine butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Cut the butter into the mixture until it forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle half of the crumbs over the apples.
- Spread the remaining batter evenly over the apples and crumbs, then top with the remaining crumb mixture.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool, then prepare the glaze and drizzle it over the cake before serving.
Notes
- Apple crumb cake can be kept at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days. Store in an airtight container or wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep it from drying out.
- For longer storage, place the cake into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. When kept in the fridge, the crumb topping might soften a little, but it will still taste great.
- This cake freezes really well. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and warm it slightly in the oven.
Nutrition
These values are from a nutritional database and automatically calculated, and should only be used as an approximation.
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Kim Mills is a homeschooling mom of 6 and lives on an urban homestead in Ontario, Canada. Blogging at Homestead Acres she enjoys sharing tips to help you save money, grow and preserve your own food.
