Indulge in The Best Apple Crumb Cake, a truly irresistible dessert that promises a symphony of flavors and textures. This recipe delivers a moist apple cake generously studded with tender, spiced apples, crowned with an abundance of the best crumb topping you’ll ever taste. Perfect for fall baking, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy weekend treat, this homemade apple crumb cake is designed to be your new go-to recipe. Learn how to create this easy apple dessert that will have everyone asking for more!
❤️ Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
- Abundant Crumb Topping: If you’re a crumb topping enthusiast, this recipe is for you! We prioritize a generous, buttery crumb topping that perfectly complements the soft cake.
- Perfectly Spiced Apples: Discover the secret to tender, flavorful apples nestled within the cake, enhanced with cinnamon and a touch of apple cider vinegar for depth.
- Moist & Flavorful Cake Base: The cake itself is incredibly moist and tender, providing the ideal foundation for the apples and crumb.
- Foolproof Method: This recipe uses a unique melted butter crumb topping technique, making it virtually impossible to fail and ensuring a perfect crumb every time.
- Versatile Serving: Delicious on its own, or elevated with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.
🛠 Essential Tools for Crafting Your Apple Crumb Cake
- Mixing Bowls (2): One for the cake batter, one for the crumb topping.
- Whisk: For combining dry ingredients and wet ingredients smoothly.
- Fork: Your secret weapon for creating the perfect crumb topping texture.
- 8-inch Round Springform Pan: Ideal for easy release and a beautifully shaped cake. A regular 8-inch round cake pan can also be used.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements, crucial for baking success.
- Paring Knife & Apple Corer: For preparing the apples efficiently.
- Cutting Board: For safe and easy apple slicing.
🥄 Key Ingredients for an Unforgettable Apple Crumb Cake
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for both the moist cake and the crunchy crumb topping.
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Providing sweetness and contributing to the rich flavor of the cake and crumb.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Leavening agents for a light and airy cake texture.
- Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for apple desserts, enhancing both the apples and the crumb.
- Vegetable or Canola Oil: Contributes to the moistness of the cake.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note to the cake.
- Large Egg: Binds the cake ingredients and adds richness.
- Whole Milk: For a tender cake crumb.
- Apples (Granny Smith or Gala recommended): The star of the show! Choose firm, slightly tart apples for the best flavor and texture in your baked apple dessert.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A touch of acidity that helps the apples cook perfectly and brightens their flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (Melted & Cooled): The key to our foolproof crumb topping.
🍪 How to Bake The Best Apple Crumb Cake (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Prepare Your Pan & Preheat Oven: Grease and flour an 8-inch round springform pan. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your apple crumb cake bakes evenly and releases easily.
- Craft the Perfect Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour. Pour in ½ cup of melted and cooled unsalted butter. Using a fork, mix until the ingredients come together to form delightful crumbs. Set this golden crumb topping aside.
- Prepare the Cake Batter (Dry Ingredients): In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon baking soda, and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare the Cake Batter (Wet Ingredients): In a large measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons of milk, ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ¼ cup + 2 teaspoons vegetable or canola oil, and 1 large egg until smooth.
- Combine Cake Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few small lumps are perfectly fine for a tender cake.
- Prepare the Spiced Apples: Wash, peel, core, and slice 2 to 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Gala work best). In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Assemble Your Apple Crumb Cake: Pour the prepared cake batter into your greased and floured springform pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange the spiced apple slices over the cake batter in a single layer. Finally, generously sprinkle the entire crumb topping mixture over the apples, ensuring they are completely covered.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the apple crumb cake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Slice and Serve: Once fully cooled, carefully remove the springform pan sides. Transfer the best apple crumb cake onto a serving plate or stand. Slice into generous portions and enjoy.
💡 Expert Tips for Your Best Apple Crumb Cake
- Choose the Right Apples.
- Cool Melted Butter.
- Prevent Over-Browning.
- Patience is Key for Cooling.
- Elevate with Toppings: Caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or toasted pecans.
🆘 Apple Crumb Cake Troubleshooting Guide
- Problem: Cake is dry or dense.
Likely Cause: Overmixing or overbaking.
Solution: Mix just until combined and monitor baking time. - Problem: Crumb topping is greasy or melts.
Likely Cause: Butter too warm.
Solution: Ensure butter is fully cooled. - Problem: Apples are too mushy or too firm.
Likely Cause: Wrong variety or uneven slicing.
Solution: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Gala, and slice evenly.
👩🍳 Pro Baker Tips for Your Apple Crumb Cake
- Make-Ahead Crumb Topping.
- Freezing Instructions: Wrap tightly, freeze up to 3 months.
- Serving Temperature: Best slightly warmed with ice cream.
- Garnish Ideas: Powdered sugar, whipped cream, caramel, or pecans.
☕ Perfect Pairings: What to Enjoy with Your Apple Crumb Cake
- Hot Coffee or Tea ☕
- Vanilla Ice Cream 🍨
- Caramel Sauce 🍯
- Whipped Cream 🍦
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese 🧀
📦 How to Store Your Delicious Apple Crumb Cake
- Room Temperature: Airtight container, up to 3–4 days.
- Refrigeration: Optional, bring to room temp before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap slices or whole cake tightly, up to 3 months.
🍰 More Cloud-Cakes to Bake Next
👉 🍫 Classic German Chocolate Cake (With a Twist!) 🇩🇪✨
👉 Ultimate Unicorn Cake Recipe: A Magical, Rainbow-Topped Dessert 🦄🍰
👉 💗 Pink Velvet Cake Recipe: The Dreamiest Blush-Colored Dessert Ever 💕
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The Best Apple Crumb Cake: A Heavenly Delight with the Perfect Crumb Topping 🍎✨
Description
This easy apple crumb cake recipe delivers a moist, tender cake filled with perfectly spiced apples and topped with an irresistible, buttery crumb topping. Ideal for fall desserts, holiday baking, or any occasion that calls for a comforting and delicious homemade treat. This recipe is designed to be simple to follow for home bakers of all levels, ensuring a perfect apple crumb cake every time.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
For the Spiced Apple Layer:
For the Crumb Topping:
Instructions
-
Prepare Your Pan & Preheat Oven: Grease and flour an 8-inch round springform pan. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your apple crumb cake bakes evenly and releases easily.
-
Craft the Perfect Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour. Pour in ½ cup of melted and cooled unsalted butter. Using a fork, mix until the ingredients come together to form delightful crumbs. Set this golden crumb topping aside.
-
Prepare the Cake Batter (Dry Ingredients): In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon baking soda, and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined.
-
Prepare the Cake Batter (Wet Ingredients): In a large measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons of milk, ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ¼ cup + 2 teaspoons vegetable or canola oil, and 1 large egg until smooth.
-
Combine Cake Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few small lumps are perfectly fine for a tender cake.
-
Prepare the Spiced Apples: Wash, peel, core, and slice 2 to 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Gala work best). In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
-
Assemble Your Apple Crumb Cake: Pour the prepared cake batter into your greased and floured springform pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange the spiced apple slices over the cake batter in a single layer. Finally, generously sprinkle the entire crumb topping mixture over the apples, ensuring they are completely covered.
-
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the apple crumb cake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean.
-
Cool Completely: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
-
Slice and Serve: Once fully cooled, carefully remove the springform pan sides. Transfer the best apple crumb cake onto a serving plate or stand. Slice into generous portions and enjoy.
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