There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of a freshly baked Apple Crumb Cake wafting through your kitchen. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cake adorned with tender apple slices, topped with a crunchy crumb that dances on your palate. a sweet and savory balance perfect pairing with desserts It’s a delightful blend of sweet and tart, like your favorite childhood memories wrapped in a cozy blanket.
This isn’t just any dessert; it’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings or a sunny afternoon gathering. Picture yourself serving this cake at family gatherings, where everyone fights over the last crumb while sharing laughs and stories. comfort food combinations The anticipation builds as you cut into that golden brown crust, promising an explosion of flavor that will have your guests begging for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Apple Crumb Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing even the busiest bakers to impress their friends
- Its rich flavors and delightful texture make it a crowd-pleaser at any event
- The visually appealing layers of apples and crumb topping create a stunning presentation on your dessert table
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—this cake is versatile enough for any occasion
I still remember the first time I served this Apple Crumb Cake to my family at Sunday brunch; their faces lit up like children on Christmas morning. For more inspiration, check out this White Chocolate Raspberry Bundt Cake recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of our cake; always sift it for a lighter texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake perfectly; consider using brown sugar for added depth.
Baking Powder: A must-have leavening agent that ensures your cake rises beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making it salty.
Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for mixing; it adds richness and moisture.
Eggs: These help bind everything together; opt for large eggs at room temperature.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile remarkably.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness; peel and slice them thinly.
Cinnamon: A sprinkle adds warmth and coziness to every bite.
Brown Sugar (for crumb topping): It creates a deep caramel flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Greek Yogurt Muffins Recipe recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Create the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In another bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Add Apples and Cinnamon: Fold in those thinly sliced apples along with cinnamon until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The aroma will be heavenly!
Prepare the Crumb Topping: In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. This will create that irresistible texture on top.
Bake Your Masterpiece: Pour batter into your prepared pan and sprinkle crumb topping generously over it. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
When you pull this beauty from the oven, let it cool slightly before slicing to allow those flavors to settle in nicely—it’ll be worth every second of patience!
Enjoy this Apple Crumb Cake warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or simply dusted with powdered sugar—heavenly choices!
You Must Know
- This scrumptious apple crumb cake is more than just a treat; it’s a warm hug in dessert form
- The combination of sweet apples and crunchy topping creates an irresistible aroma that fills your home, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy weekends
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare the apple mixture while the batter rests. Layer the apples first, then add the crumb topping for that perfect crunch when baked.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out some of the apples for pears or add nuts for extra texture. A sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the flavors even further, making your cake uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds—just enough to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a moist apple crumb cake, use a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp
- Ensure you don’t overmix the batter to maintain fluffiness
- A dash of vanilla extract adds depth and richness to the flavor profile
The first time I made this apple crumb cake, I accidentally used too many apples and ended up with a deliciously gooey mess! Everyone loved it, and now it’s a family favorite. low carb dessert options.
FAQ
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw them and drain excess moisture before using them.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute for regular flour.
What’s the best way to serve apple crumb cake?
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top!
Apple Crumb Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Apple Crumb Cake is a cozy dessert that combines tender apple slices with a buttery cake and a crunchy crumb topping. This delightful treat is perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. With its enticing aroma and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled and sliced)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for crumb topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in sliced apples and cinnamon until evenly distributed.
- For the crumb topping, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with crumb topping, and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (95g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and tart apples. You can substitute some apples with pears or add chopped nuts for extra texture. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent experience.