The Best Apple Crumb Cake: A Heavenly Delight with the Perfect Crumb Topping 🍎✨

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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Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Total Time 50 mins

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Cakes & Bakes

Courses: Breakfast, Dessert

Difficulty: Beginner

Cooking Temp: 190 C

Servings: 10

Estimated Cost: 7

Best Season: Fall, holidays

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:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon baking soda
⅛ teaspoon salt
¼ cup +2 tablespoons whole milk
¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ cup +2 teaspoons vegetable or canola oil
1 large egg

For the Spiced Apple Layer:

2-3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Gala recommended)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For the Crumb Topping:

⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1½ cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.
7
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.
8
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.
9
Cool Completely: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
10
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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