This Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake is the perfect combination of tender, moist cake, juicy apples, and a crunchy cinnamon crumb topping. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy fall dessert or a special breakfast treat, this cake brings all the warmth and comfort of the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Perfect Fall Flavors: The warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of apples make this cake a fall favorite.
- Moist and Tender: The sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake, ensuring a soft and tender crumb.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this crumb cake is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- Versatile Treat: Serve it as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or as a morning coffee cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking dish, ensuring the cake will easily release after baking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients for the Cake:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving your cake a light and fluffy texture.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the batter is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser cake. Gently fold in the diced apples to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
5. Pour the Batter into the Pan:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
6. Make the Crumb Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crumb topping. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together in large clumps.
7. Top the Cake:
Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the cake batter, ensuring it covers the entire surface for a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar finish.
8. Bake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The topping should be golden and crisp.
9. Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.
Helpful Tips:
- Choosing the Right Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the cake and give it a nice texture. Softer apples may become too mushy when baked.
- Sour Cream Substitute: If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
- Making Ahead: You can make this cake a day in advance. Just cover it tightly after cooling and store it at room temperature until ready to serve.
Details:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes:
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. To serve after freezing, allow the cake to thaw at room temperature.
- Optional Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the cooled cake with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different size pan? Yes, you can use an 8×8-inch pan for a slightly thicker cake or even a round 9-inch cake pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time and check for doneness as it may bake faster or slower depending on the pan size.
What kind of apples work best in this recipe? Firm and tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal as they hold up well during baking and offer a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Be sure to check that the other ingredients you’re using are gluten-free as well.
Can I freeze the cake? Absolutely! To freeze, allow the cake to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Storage Instructions:
Store the Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, refrigerate it to extend its freshness for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other apple-filled delights:
- Cinnamon Apple Muffins: Soft and flavorful muffins packed with apples and topped with a cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Apple Crisp: A simple and delicious dessert with tender baked apples and a crunchy oat topping.
- Apple Pie Bars: All the flavors of a classic apple pie in an easy-to-make bar form.
Conclusion:
This Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake is a delightful, cozy dessert that captures the flavors of fall in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it with a hot cup of coffee for breakfast or serving it with ice cream for dessert, it’s sure to become a family favorite!