Apple Crumb Cake is a classic homemade dessert that combines layers of fluffy cake, fresh apples, and a rich cinnamon crumb topping. Every slice offers tender baked apples, a moist cake base, and a crisp buttery topping that creates the perfect contrast in texture. This recipe uses everyday pantry ingredients, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers. Whether you are preparing a weekend dessert, serving guests at brunch, or baking for a holiday celebration, this cake delivers comforting homemade flavor. Enjoy it as it is, or serve it warm with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for an extra special finish.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumb Cake
This Apple Crumb Cake is simple to make and filled with fresh apple flavor. The buttery crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch, while the cake stays soft and moist from the fruit.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Beginner friendly | Easy recipe with simple steps |
| Moist and tender | Fresh apples keep the cake soft |
| Crunchy topping | Buttery cinnamon crumbs in every bite |
| Versatile dessert | Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert |
| Great for preparing ahead | Maintains its freshness for several days |
At Richy Bites, Alessia believes that homemade baking should be simple, comforting, and enjoyable. Recipes made with fresh ingredients and familiar flavors create memorable moments around the table, and this Apple Crumb Cake is a perfect example of that philosophy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All purpose flour | 3/4 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons |
| Pure vanilla extract | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Vegetable or canola oil | 1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced | 2 to 3 |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
For the Crumb Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Packed light brown sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 1/2 cup |
| All purpose flour | 1½ cups |
How to Make Apple Crumb Cake
Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare an 8 inch springform pan by greasing and lightly flouring it. Begin with the crumb topping by combining the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and flour in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and gently stir with a fork until large crumbs develop. Set the mixture aside while preparing the cake batter.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, vanilla extract, oil, and egg until smooth. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring only until combined. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar, then arrange them evenly over the batter. Finish by covering the apples with the crumb topping and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let the cake cool completely before serving.
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Grease and lightly flour an 8 inch springform pan.
- Mix the crumb topping ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
- Whisk together the dry cake ingredients.
- Blend the milk, vanilla, oil, and egg until smooth.
- Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients just until combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar.
- Arrange the apples over the cake batter.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly across the apples.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool the cake completely before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips, Nutrition, and FAQs
Helpful Tips
Measure the flour carefully using the spoon and level method to prevent a dense cake. Stir the batter only until the ingredients come together because overmixing can make the cake less tender. Select firm apples that hold their shape while baking for the best texture. Allow the cake to cool before slicing so the crumb topping has time to set. For a richer dessert, serve each slice with caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Sweet apples with warm cinnamon |
| Texture | Moist cake with crisp crumb topping |
| Course | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Calories | 321 per serving |
Optional Variations
Use apple pie spice instead of plain cinnamon for extra seasonal flavor.
Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for additional crunch.
Replace apples with pears for a delicious variation.
Finish the cooled cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
Nutrition Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 321 |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 51mg |
| Sodium | 215mg |
| Potassium | 92mg |
| Sugar | 26g |
| Vitamin A | 395 IU |
| Calcium | 50mg |
| Iron | 0.7mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What apples are best for Apple Crumb Cake?
Apples that remain firm during baking, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Golden Delicious, work especially well because they provide excellent texture and balanced flavor.
How do you keep Apple Crumb Cake moist?
Fresh apples naturally add moisture to the cake. Avoid overbaking, and keep the cooled cake covered to help maintain its soft texture.
Can you make Apple Crumb Cake ahead of time?
Yes. This cake is ideal for preparing in advance. Bake it the day before serving, allow it to cool completely, and store it in a covered container until needed.
How do you store and freeze Apple Crumb Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate it for up to four days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze them for as long as three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Apple Crumb Cake | Soft, Buttery, and Loaded with Fresh Apples
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Crumb Cake combines a soft cinnamon cake base, tender apple slices, and a generous buttery crumb topping. This easy homemade dessert is ready in about 45 minutes and works well for brunch, family gatherings, holidays, or an afternoon treat with coffee.
Ingredients
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons vegetable or canola oil
1 large egg
2 to 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Grease and lightly flour an 8 inch springform pan.
3. Whisk the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and flour for the crumb topping in a medium bowl.
4. Add the melted butter and stir with a fork until coarse crumbs form.
5. Set the crumb topping aside.
6. Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt for the cake in a separate bowl.
7. Combine the milk, vanilla extract, oil, and egg in another bowl or measuring cup.
8. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
9. Stir only until combined, leaving a few small lumps if necessary.
10. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
11. Toss the apple slices with the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar.
12. Arrange the coated apples evenly over the cake batter.
13. Cover the apples completely with the prepared crumb topping.
14. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
15. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
16. Transfer the cake to a serving plate, slice, and serve.
Notes
Use firm apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Golden Delicious.
Measure flour with the spoon and level method to avoid a dense cake.
Do not overmix the batter because gentle mixing helps preserve a tender texture.
Allow the cake to cool before slicing so the crumb layer can set.
Serve with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for a richer dessert.
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 321
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 215mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 51mg
Storage Instructions and Conclusion
After the cake has cooled completely, place it in an airtight container to help preserve its freshness. It will keep well at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to four days. To store it for a longer period, wrap individual slices securely and freeze them for up to three months. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator or let it come to room temperature before serving. You can also warm a slice briefly for a freshly baked taste.
Apple Crumb Cake is a comforting dessert that combines soft cake, juicy apples, and a buttery cinnamon topping into every bite. It is easy enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough for holiday gatherings and special occasions. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee, drizzle it with caramel sauce, or pair it with vanilla ice cream, this homemade cake is sure to become a favorite recipe you’ll return to throughout the year.