Apple Crumb Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, then this Apple Crumb Cake is just what you need! This cake combines moist vanilla cinnamon cake with sweet, cinnamon-sugared apples and a crumbly topping that’s simply irresistible. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something special, or for family gatherings where everyone will want seconds. Trust me, once you make this cake, it will become a beloved favorite in your home as it has in mine!

Picture this: the aroma of fresh apples and warm spices filling your kitchen while this cake bakes. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings back memories and creates new ones with every slice shared. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this delightful treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, even novice bakers can whip this up without a hitch!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone from kids to grandparents will enjoy the delicious flavors and textures.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time! It stores well and tastes great even the next day.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and a crunchy topping makes each bite unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create this scrumptious Apple Crumb Cake:

For the Apples

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

For the Crumb Topping

• 120 g all-purpose flour
• 200 g dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 85 g butter (room temperature)

For the 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%, 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 Apple Crumb Cake is wonderfully flexible. You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Mix Up the Spices: Try adding nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
• Use Different Apples: Swap in your favorite apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a unique twist.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by dicing your apples into small pieces. Toss them with granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Letting them sit for about 10 minutes allows their natural sweetness to shine through, making your cake even more delicious.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cut in room temperature butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial as it creates that delightful crunchy topping we all love!

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, cream together room temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time followed by sour cream and vegetable oil until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Gently fold in the diced apples into your batter until evenly distributed. Pour half of the batter into a greased baking pan, sprinkle with half of your crumb topping, then add the remaining batter on top before finishing with more crumb topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Apple Crumb Cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Baking it slowly allows those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Make the Maple Glaze

While your cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, sour cream, vanilla extract, and just enough water to achieve your desired consistency for drizzling over your warm cake.

Now that you’ve made this delightful Apple Crumb Cake, get ready for compliments from family and friends! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumb Cake

Creating the perfect Apple Crumb Cake is all about the details, and with a few handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking success!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for sweet-tart varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp for a delicious balance of flavors that complement the cake beautifully.

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

• Chill the crumb topping: If you have time, chill your crumb mixture before adding it to the cake. It will create an even more delightful crunch when baked.

• Adjust baking time as needed: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a bit earlier than the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s ready.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake

Serving your Apple Crumb Cake is just as fun as baking it! Here are some delightful ideas to make your dessert shine at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, creamy touch that pairs wonderfully with the warm spices in the cake.

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some crushed walnuts or pecans on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apples beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast and melts slightly into the warm cake, creating a heavenly combination.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cake while adding a burst of color to your plate.

• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over individual slices elevates the dessert experience and adds an indulgent touch.

• Herbal Tea: Serve slices with a steaming cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, which provides a soothing accompaniment to this comforting dessert.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re ready to impress family and friends with your delectable Apple Crumb Cake! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Crumb Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It also stores well, making it a great option for busy days when you need a sweet treat ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the cake where it will last for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the cake into individual portions for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Reheating

• For a warm slice, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the slice on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making an Apple Crumb Cake!

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

Yes! While gala apples work wonderfully, you can substitute other varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Just keep in mind that different apples have varying sweetness levels.

How can I make this Apple Crumb Cake gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What makes this Apple Crumb Cake so special?

The combination of moist vanilla cinnamon cake, cinnamon sugar apples, and a crunchy crumb topping makes this dessert feel like a warm hug! Plus, the maple glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Can I add nuts to my Apple Crumb Cake?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch to your cake. Simply fold them into the batter or sprinkle them over the crumb topping before baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Apple Crumb Cake! It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with warmth and comfort. Whether you share it with loved ones or savor it all yourself, I know you’ll cherish every bite. Happy baking!