Delicious Apple Crumb Cake

Apple Crumb Cake: A Delightful Dessert Recipe
Apple Crumb Cake is a delicious and comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh apples with a buttery crumb topping. This delightful cake is perfect for family gatherings, coffee breaks, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon. With its warm flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar, this dessert is sure to impress your taste buds and create a cozy atmosphere in your home.
Why Make This Recipe?
There are several reasons to make Apple Crumb Cake. First, it’s incredibly flavorful, with the perfect balance of sweetness from the apples and the richness of the cake. The crumb topping adds a delightful crunch, making each bite a textural experience. Additionally, this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. It’s also versatile—great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack!
How to Make Apple Crumb Cake
Follow these straightforward steps to create your own Apple Crumb Cake:
Ingredients
-
Cinnamon Apples:
- 4 small or 3 large red gala apples (diced)
- 1 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
-
Crumble Topping:
- 120 g all-purpose flour
- 200 g dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 85 g butter (room temperature)
-
Vanilla Cinnamon Cake:
- 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% fat, room temperature)
- 40 g vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
-
Maple Glaze:
- 125 g powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp sour cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp water (as needed)
Directions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Apples: In a bowl, mix diced apples, granulated sugar, and 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Set aside.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In another bowl, combine 120 g flour, brown sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Cut in 85 g butter until crumbly. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 340 g flour, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream 125 g butter and 225 g sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, add the cinnamon apples, then pour the remaining batter over the apples. Sprinkle the crumble topping on top.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, sour cream, vanilla extract, and water until smooth.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake
Serve Apple Crumb Cake warm or at room temperature, alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream. For a decorative touch, garnish each slice with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few slivers of fresh apple on the side.
How to Store Apple Crumb Cake
To keep your Apple Crumb Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to enjoy it later, freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months.
Tips to Make Apple Crumb Cake
- Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor.
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t overmix the cake batter to keep it light and fluffy.
- Experiment with adding nuts or raisins to the crumble for added texture.
Variations
- Substitute the red gala apples with Granny Smith for a tart flavor.
- Try using oatmeal in the crumble for a heartier texture.
- Add spices like nutmeg or cloves to the cake batter for extra warmth.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can use different types of apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a different taste. Each type of apple has a unique flavor profile, so feel free to experiment.
2. How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it’s covered in batter, it needs more time.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just add the glaze when you’re ready to serve.
Now that you have the complete guide to making Apple Crumb Cake, it’s time to give it a try and enjoy a slice of homemade goodness!

Apple Crumb Cake
Ingredients
Cinnamon Apples
- 4 pieces small or 3 large red gala apples, diced
- 1.5 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
Crumble Topping
- 120 g all-purpose flour
- 200 g dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 85 g butter, room temperature
Vanilla Cinnamon Cake
- 340 g all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2.25 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 125 g butter, room temperature
- 225 g granulated sugar
- 3 pieces eggs, room temperature
- 225 g sour cream (14-18% fat), room temperature
- 40 g vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil)
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
Maple Glaze
- 125 g powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp sour cream
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp water (as needed) to achieve desired consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix diced apples, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the crumble topping. Cut in butter until crumbly. Set aside.
Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Assembling and Baking
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, add the cinnamon apples, then pour the remaining batter over the apples. Sprinkle the crumble topping on top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Maple Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, sour cream, vanilla extract, and water until smooth.
Serve
- Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and serve warm or at room temperature.