EASY APPLE CRUMB CAKE RECIPE

Forget those complicated, fussy desserts – let’s talk about pure, unadulterated comfort in the form of Apple Crumb Cake. Imagine sinking your fork into a moist, tender cake studded with juicy apples, topped with a buttery, golden crumb that practically melts in your mouth. I promise you, this recipe is so simple, so satisfying, it’ll become your go-to for any occasion, or just because you deserve something delicious!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Let’s Get Baking: Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Work is Key

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients (Cake): In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of spices and leavening.

Making the Cake Batter

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender cake. A stand mixer is great, but a hand mixer works just as well.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
6. Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

Crumb Topping Magic

Making the Perfect Crumb

8. Combine Dry Ingredients (Crumb): In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
9. Cut in the Butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is what gives the topping its signature texture. The butter MUST be cold for this to work; otherwise, it will melt and you will not get the desired crumble.
10. Sprinkle Over Cake: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.

Baking and Cooling for Deliciousness

The Home Stretch

11. Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the crumb topping nicely browned.
12. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the cake to set up and makes it easier to slice.

Troubleshooting Tips for a Perfect Crumb Cake

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

• Cake is dry: Make sure you measure the flour accurately. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife, instead of scooping it directly from the bag. Also, don’t overbake the cake.
• Crumb topping is too dry: Add a tablespoon or two of melted butter to the crumb mixture until it clumps together slightly.
• Crumb topping is too wet: Add a tablespoon or two of flour to the crumb mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Apples sinking to the bottom: Toss the apples with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay suspended throughout the cake.

Variations to Make It Your Own

Spice It Up and Make it Special

• Add Nuts: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping for added texture and flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cake for an extra touch of decadence. A homemade caramel is divine but store-bought works perfectly too!
• Apple Variety: Experiment with different types of apples, such as Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn, for different flavor profiles.
• Add a Glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze with a touch of milk and vanilla adds a lovely sweetness.
• Spice It Up More: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the cake batter for a warm and spicy flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment

How to Serve This Delight

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic combination.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Brunch: This cake is perfect for brunch, alongside other sweet and savory dishes.

Storing Your Apple Crumb Cake

Keep it Fresh and Delicious

• Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

More Apple Goodness You’ll Love

If you’re an apple aficionado like me, you’ll want to try these other amazing apple desserts. For a creamy and decadent treat, you must try these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Looking for something easy? Give this Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake a go. It is effortless. You may want to try this festive Apple Bundt Cake for a special occasion or a simple Apple Crisp. Or, for something truly special, try the Apple Crisp Cheesecake or Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. So many options!

The Final Slice

There you have it – your new favorite Apple Crumb Cake recipe! It’s truly simple, adaptable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries it. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring this delicious treat as much as I do. Happy baking, my friend!

Easy Apple Crumb Cake

This apple crumb cake recipe offers a moist and tender cake base studded with juicy apples, topped with a buttery, golden crumb. It’s an easy and satisfying dessert perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 cups peeled and diced apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix
• 1 cup all-purpose flour for crumb topping
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar for crumb topping
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for crumb topping
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg for crumb topping

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Large bowl
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Mixer (stand or hand)
• Pastry blender or fingertips
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden skewer
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
8. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the crumb topping.
9. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
10. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
11. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

For a dry cake, measure flour accurately by spooning into the measuring cup and leveling off. Do not overbake. If the crumb topping is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of melted butter. If too wet, add a tablespoon or two of flour. To prevent apples from sinking, toss them with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Mix chopped nuts into the crumb topping. Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cake. Experiment with different types of apples. Add a simple powdered sugar glaze or a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom.