Apple crumb cake is like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day, bursting with tender apple slices and a crunchy topping that makes your taste buds do a little dance. Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around as you pull this delightful treat from the oven. delicious cinnamon rolls The moment you slice into it, the soft, moist cake reveals its hidden treasure of cinnamon-spiced apples, topped with a crumbly layer that’s just begging for a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This apple crumb cake brings back memories of family gatherings with laughter echoing in the air and crumbs flying everywhere—especially when my cousin tried to sneak an extra piece before dinner! It’s perfect for cozy fall afternoons or as a comforting dessert after a hearty meal. cozy apple strudel recipe Get ready to create some delicious moments with this recipe that promises to be a hit at any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Apple crumb cake is easy to whip up and requires minimal ingredients
- Its flavors are perfectly balanced with sweet apples and warm spices
- The golden brown topping adds an inviting visual appeal that’s hard to resist
- It’s versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack with coffee
I remember baking this apple crumb cake for my sister’s birthday last year, and her face lit up like it was Christmas morning.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of our cake; choose unbleached flour for better flavor.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and creates that lovely caramelized crust on top.
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Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth; light or dark works wonders here.
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Baking Powder: Ensures our cake rises beautifully and isn’t dense like a brick.
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Cinnamon: A must-have spice that brings warmth and aroma; it pairs perfectly with apples.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without being noticeable.
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Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for both the batter and crumb topping for richness.
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Lemon Juice: Brightens up the flavors; fresh juice is best to avoid any bitterness.
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Apples (Granny Smith recommended): Choose firm apples for excellent texture; they provide tartness amidst sweetness.
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Eggs: Bind everything together; room temperature eggs mix better into the batter.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds sweetness and enhances all other flavors in the cake.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven!: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. For more inspiration, check out this easy Mexican donuts recipe.
Mix Dry Ingredients.: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Cream Butter and Eggs.: In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully blended into a smooth mixture.
Add Apples.: Gently fold in chopped apples along with lemon juice into your batter. Make sure each bite will have apple goodness waiting!
Spoon Batter into Pan.: Pour your apple-laden batter into your prepared baking pan. Smooth out the top using a spatula to ensure even cooking.
Create Crumb Topping.: In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle generously over your cake batter!
**Bake Away!**: Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Once it’s baked to perfection, let it cool slightly before cutting it into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature—preferably with some vanilla ice cream on top if you’re feeling adventurous! Enjoy every bite of this scrumptious apple crumb cake that’s sure to become one of your favorites! pumpkin cream cheese bread.
You Must Know
- Baking the perfect Apple Crumb Cake is all about finding balance
- The tartness of apples combined with the sweet crumb topping will have your taste buds dancing
- Don’t forget to let it cool before slicing for that picture-perfect slice!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your ingredients first. Peel and slice the apples while mixing the batter to ensure everything blends seamlessly. Bake at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes for a golden, fluffy cake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out apples for pears or add walnuts for crunch. Cinnamon and nutmeg can also elevate flavors, making each bite a comforting experience.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Apple Crumb Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. rich chocolate fudge cake Reheat slices in the microwave for a delightful warm treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the ultimate crumb topping, make sure your butter is cold and cubed
- This keeps it crumbly rather than mushy
- Also, using a mix of apple varieties adds depth of flavor! </p>
- <p>Don’t skip letting it cool; warm cake is tempting but much harder to slice neatly
Baking this Apple Crumb Cake brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and warm aromas. Each bite reminds me of family gatherings where seconds were always mandatory. For more inspiration, check out this winter salad with pears recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen apples for Apple Crumb Cake?
Yes, frozen apples work well; just thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
How do I prevent my cake from becoming too dry?
Ensure you measure flour correctly and avoid overmixing the batter for a moist texture.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
A mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp creates a balanced flavor profile in your cake.
Apple Crumb Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Apple crumb cake is a heartwarming dessert that captures the essence of fall. This moist, tender cake features luscious apples enveloped in a cinnamon-spiced batter, crowned with a crunchy crumb topping that adds delightful texture. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s the perfect companion for coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy afternoons, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled and chopped)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla extract.
- Fold in chopped apples and lemon juice into the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- For the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly; sprinkle over the batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
