Apple Crumb Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug, then you’ve come to the right place! This Apple Crumb Cake is not just any cake; it’s a delightful blend of moist vanilla cinnamon goodness, sweet cinnamon-sugar apples, and a crunchy crumb topping that will make your taste buds dance. It’s become one of my all-time favorites, perfect for family gatherings or even busy weeknights when you need a little something sweet to brighten your day.

Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as this cake bakes — it truly transforms your space into a comforting haven. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to share something delicious with loved ones, this Apple Crumb Cake is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet apple filling and crunchy topping.
• Make Ahead: Bake it in advance and store it for a tasty treat whenever the craving strikes!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of warm spices and fresh apples makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our beautiful Apple Crumb Cake. You might already have many of these in your pantry!

For the Apple Filling

• 4 small or 3 large red gala apples (diced)
• 1 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cake

• 120 g all-purpose flour
• 200 g dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 85 g butter (room temperature)
• 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% (room temperature)
• 40 g vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil)
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze

• 125 g powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp sour cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tsp water

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Apple Crumb Cake:

• Try Different Apples: Swap in Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a different flavor profile.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
• Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or cardamom for an additional layer of spice and warmth.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling and dicing your apples. Toss them in a bowl with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This step is crucial as it allows the apples to soak up the sweetness and spices, making them perfectly tender when baked.

Step 2: Mix the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add room-temperature butter and mix until crumbly. This will create that irresistible topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake below.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then add eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients well ensures a moist and tender cake.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients to form your cake batter. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that lovely texture!

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

Pour half of the batter into a greased baking pan. Layer on your spiced apple mixture evenly over the batter. Then pour in the remaining batter on top before sprinkling on that delicious crumb topping you prepared earlier.

Step 6: Bake & Glaze

Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and set in the center. While it’s cooling, whisk together powdered sugar with maple syrup, sour cream, vanilla extract, and water to create your glaze. Drizzle it generously over your cooled cake for that finishing touch!

Enjoy every slice of this delightful Apple Crumb Cake! It’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your home just like it is in mine.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumb Cake

Baking can be an adventure, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your Apple Crumb Cake to perfection!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh, seasonal apples not only taste better but also provide the right moisture balance in the cake. Gala apples are sweet and hold their shape well when baked.

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter that rises beautifully.

• Don’t overmix the batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy texture.

• Add extra cinnamon if desired: If you love cinnamon, feel free to add an extra dash to both the filling and the batter. This will enhance the warm flavors even more!

• Let it cool before serving: Allowing the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing helps it set properly, making it easier to cut and serve without crumbling.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake

Serving your Apple Crumb Cake can be just as delightful as baking it! Here are some creative ideas to present this delicious dessert.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy texture that balances the crumbly cake beautifully. It’s a delightful dairy-free option!

• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top right before serving enhances the sweetness and adds an appealing visual touch.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on warm slices of Apple Crumb Cake creates a perfect contrast between hot and cold.

• Chai tea: The spices in chai tea complement the flavors of your cake wonderfully. Plus, it’s a cozy drink option for chilly evenings.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a bright contrast to the richness of the cake while adding extra nutrition.

• Coffee or espresso: For adults who enjoy coffee, serving this cake alongside a cup of brewed coffee or espresso makes for an indulgent afternoon treat or after-dinner delight.

With these serving suggestions and tips in mind, your Apple Crumb Cake is sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Crumb Cake is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or just want a delightful dessert on hand, this cake keeps well and can be easily stored or frozen.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the wrapped cake for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cooled cake into slices for easier thawing.
• Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To freeze the whole cake, wrap it well and store it in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help you as you make this delicious Apple Crumb Cake!

Can I use other types of apples in this Apple Crumb Cake?

Absolutely! While gala apples are lovely, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith apples for different flavor profiles.

How do I make my Apple Crumb Cake more moist?

To enhance moisture, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature and avoid overmixing. Adding an extra tablespoon of sour cream can also contribute to a tender crumb.

Can I make this Apple Crumb Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What can I serve with Apple Crumb Cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with whipped coconut cream or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of additional maple syrup adds even more sweetness!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen! This Apple Crumb Cake is not just about flavor; it’s about creating moments of warmth and happiness. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo with a cup of tea, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy baking and savor every slice!