Apple Crumble Cake with Brown Sugar Cream

Apple Crumble Cake with Brown Sugar Cream is the ultimate treat for any occasion. Imagine biting into a soft, moist cake bursting with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, topped with a buttery crumble. And let’s not forget the luscious brown sugar cream that takes this dessert to another level. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, enjoying it with a cup of coffee, or celebrating a special moment, this cake will surely impress.

What You’ll Need for Apple Crumble Cake

To create this delicious Apple Crumble Cake with Brown Sugar Cream, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 300g (2 ½ cups) plain flour
  • 10g (2 ½ tsp) baking powder
  • 3g (½ tsp) salt
  • 230g (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 300g (1 ½ cups) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 10ml (2 tsp) vanilla extract
  • 240ml (1 cup) whole milk
  • 450g (3-4 medium) apples, peeled and diced
  • 5g (1 tsp) ground cinnamon

For the Crumble:

  • 120g (1 cup) plain flour
  • 130g (⅔ cup) brown sugar
  • 115g (½ cup) cold unsalted butter, diced
  • 5g (1 tsp) ground cinnamon
  • 2g (¼ tsp) salt

For the Brown Sugar Cream:

  • 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 100g (½ cup) dark brown sugar
  • 30g (¼ cup) cornstarch
  • 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
  • 2g (¼ tsp) salt
  • 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter

Step-by-Step Apple Crumble Cake Recipe

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 24cm (9-inch) springform pan to ensure an easy release once baked.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.

  3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until it’s creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

  4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.

  5. Combine Flour and Milk: Now, alternate adding the flour mixture and whole milk in three portions, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until you see no more flour, then gently fold in the diced apples and ground cinnamon.

  6. Prepare the Crumble: For the crumble topping, mix the plain flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate this crumble until ready to use.

  7. Make the Brown Sugar Cream: In a saucepan, bring the whole milk to a gentle simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, dark brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Temper the egg mixture by slowly whisking in the hot milk, then return it to the saucepan. Cook this mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Once thick, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth.

  8. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the batter. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  9. Cool Down: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before carefully removing it from the springform pan.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cake

Serving this delightful Apple Crumble Cake with Brown Sugar Cream is as simple as it is delicious. Slice the cake into wedges; it’s perfect served warm or at room temperature. Drizzle the brown sugar cream over each slice for extra indulgence. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent experience.

Recipe Tips & Variations

  • Apple Variety: For an excellent flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
  • Cinnamon Lovers: Sprinkle a bit more cinnamon into the cake batter for an extra kick.
  • Nuts: For added texture, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the apples.

Apple Crumble Cake FAQs

Can I use other fruits?
Yes! This recipe also works well with pears or peaches if you want to mix things up.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick treat!

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it at room temperature. Prepare the brown sugar cream on the day you plan to serve.

Thank you for joining me in this delightful journey to create an Apple Crumble Cake with Brown Sugar Cream. I hope you give this recipe a try; it’s sure to bring smiles to everyone who tastes it! Enjoy every sweet, crumbly bite!