Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful treat that brings together the warmth of fresh apples, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the comforting crunch of a crumbly topping. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an afternoon coffee break, a family gathering, or a cozy dessert after dinner. The blend of soft, tender cake with the slight tartness of apples makes it hard to resist a second slice!
What Goes into This Apple Crumb Cake
To whip up this delicious dessert, here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (100 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml)
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (50 g)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
Creating this lovely cake is easier than it seems! Just follow these simple steps:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan to make sure your cake comes out smoothly.
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In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
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In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s nice and fluffy.
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Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well until everything is combined.
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Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until everything is just combined; be careful not to over-mix!
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Gently fold in the chopped apples and ground cinnamon, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
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For the delicious crumb topping, in a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts if using, and a sprinkle of sugar. Crumble this mixture over the top of the cake batter.
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Bake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your cake once it’s cooled down!
Serve & Enjoy Apple Crumb Cake
When ready to serve, consider slicing the Apple Crumb Cake into generous wedges. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top can also add a lovely touch! This cake is also great with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect choice for brunch or an afternoon snack.
Helpful Tricks for Apple Crumb Cake
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Choose the Right Apples: For added flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. This will provide a wonderful balance in taste!
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Add Spices: Feel free to get creative with spices! A pinch of nutmeg or allspice in the batter can elevate the flavor even more.
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Storage: This cake stays fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature and can also be refrigerated for longer shelf life.
Apple Crumb Cake FAQs
Can I use different nuts in the topping?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans work great, and you can switch them up based on your preference.
How do I know when the cake is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If it comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy!
Give this Apple Crumb Cake a try; it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!