Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

There’s something soul-soothing about slicing into a warm Apple Crumb Cake on a crisp afternoon. With its plush, sour cream-enriched crumb, generous pockets of juicy apple, and a buttery, cinnamony topping that crackles deliciously with every bite, this truly is comfort in cake form! The recipe is as easy as it is irresistible, making it an absolute must-bake whether it’s apple season or you simply crave an old-fashioned treat.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

• Cozy comfort in every bite: Each serving bursts with warm cinnamon, tart apple, and a seriously dreamy crumb topping.
• Easy ingredients, stunning results: You don’t need fancy flours—just pantry basics and some apples!
• Perfect for any occasion: Dress it up for brunch, bring it to a potluck, or sneak a square for a midnight treat.
• Irresistibly moist—never dry: Thanks to sour cream and applesauce, this Apple Crumb Cake stays luscious day after day.

Ingredients & Substitutions

This Apple Crumb Cake packs big flavor from humble ingredients. Each one plays a part—think tartness from the apples, richness from butter and sour cream, and a golden, nutty crumb from brown sugar. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this cake unforgettable (and how you can tweak it if needed!).

• Packed Light Brown Sugar: This deepens the topping’s sweetness and adds a caramel-like richness to every crumbly bite.
• Granulated Sugar: Brings that classic, pure sweetness that lets the apples shine.
• Ground Cinnamon: Used twice for double the warmth—don’t skimp!
• Sea Salt: Just a kiss of salt intensifies all the cozy flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: The backbone of both the topping and cake—use good-quality for the richest flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; feel free to use a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: They team up to make the cake rise into plush, bakery-style slices.
• Salt: A pinch in the batter brightens up the sweetness and spice.
• Full-Fat Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tang, keeping the cake extra tender.
• Applesauce: Makes the crumb moist while adding subtle apple undertones.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash ties all the homey flavors together.
• Granny Smith Apples: Their tart bite balances the sweetness—chop them for juicy pops in every piece.
• Additional Cinnamon (for apples): For that extra layer of spicy-sweet aroma in every slice.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake

Step 1: Mix Up the Crumb Topping

Start with the magic—your crumb topping! Stir together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt, then pour in melted butter. Fold in flour until you have pebble-sized, buttery crumbles; these will bake into the irresistible, bakery-style top that makes Apple Crumb Cake so special.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This quick step ensures your leaveners and dry ingredients are perfectly distributed—no uneven rising here!

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Add softened butter and granulated sugar to your stand mixer or mixing bowl. Beat until it’s pale, fluffy, and dreamy—this creates the soft, delicate crumb that truly sets homemade Apple Crumb Cake apart from anything store-bought.

Step 4: Blend In Wet Ingredients

Mix in the eggs, then add the sour cream, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Don’t worry if it looks a little curdled—once the flour goes in, everything comes together beautifully and the batter will look luscious and thick.

Step 5: Bring Batter Together

With your mixer running on low, gently add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—overmixing is the enemy of tender cake! You’ll be rewarded with a smooth, fluffy cake batter ready for apples.

Step 6: Toss the Apples

In a small bowl, toss the chopped Granny Smith apples with a dash of cinnamon. This intensifies their tartness and infuses each bite with extra warmth. Don’t skip this—it’s a little trick that makes your Apple Crumb Cake shine!

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Pour your cake batter into a prepared pan, then evenly scatter the cinnamon-tossed apples on top. Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples, covering every nook and cranny for that crunchy crown everyone fights for.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out mostly clean, about 55 minutes. Let the Apple Crumb Cake cool—if you can resist digging in! This rest time allows the flavors and crumb to set, so each slice holds together perfectly.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake

Garnishes

A gentle dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a beautiful snowy finish. For extra indulgence, drizzle a little warm caramel sauce or add a dollop of lightly whipped cream—each option takes your Apple Crumb Cake from beloved classic to bakery-shop showstopper.

Side Dishes

This cake plays well with both sweet and savory sides. Pair it with a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt at breakfast, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or a spicy chai latte for a cozy afternoon treat—the flavors really sing alongside warm spices or tangy dairy.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Apple Crumb Cake into elegant cubes for a tea party, tuck thick slices into lunchboxes, or stack mini pieces onto a tiered platter for a brunch buffet. For something truly special, try baking in individual ramekins for personal “crumb cake cups” everyone will rave about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Apple Crumb Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days—it won’t dry out thanks to the moist crumb and apples. For longer storage, pop any extra slices in the refrigerator for up to five days; just let them come to room temp for best flavor.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Apple Crumb Cake! Wrap individual slices snugly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying—just like freshly baked.

Reheating

For the most irresistible flavor, rewarm slices in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes (or microwave for 20 seconds); the crumbs crisp up and the apples get wonderfully juicy again. You’ll think it just came out of the oven!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a show-stopping, easy-to-love treat, this Apple Crumb Cake will absolutely win you over. With homespun charm and bakery-worthy flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share—ideally over mugs of coffee with someone special! You deserve a little indulgence, so preheat your oven and get ready for that first, perfect bite.

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