Apple Crumb Cake

This Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful way to bring the flavors of autumn right into your kitchen. Picture this: a moist, spiced cake layered with caramelized apples and a buttery crumb topping that gives each bite a wonderful crunch. Whether you’re at a family gathering or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, this cake makes everything feel just a bit more special. Plus, the combination of warm spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, adds a cozy aroma that wafts through your home, inviting everyone to join in. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a warm hug on a plate and a perfect way to celebrate simple pleasures. Let’s get started on making this delightful treat together!

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Why This Recipe Works

This Apple Crumb Cake combines delicious caramelized apples with a rich, buttery crumb topping, making it a delightful treat that evokes the comforts of fall. The balance of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg provides warmth and depth, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples. The crumb topping not only adds a lovely texture but also enriches each bite. It’s hard to resist the combination, especially when it fills your home with mouthwatering aromas as it bakes.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumb Cake

You’ll fall in love with this Apple Crumb Cake for its soft, moist texture and the impressive layers of flavor. Each slice offers a delightful contrast between the tender cake, the spiced apple filling, and the crunchy crumble topping. It’s perfect for gatherings or even just a soothing afternoon snack. The way all the elements come together creates an unforgettable experience sure to please everyone, making this cake an absolute favorite.

Ingredients

• For the Crumb Topping:
• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp allspice

• Pinch of salt

• For the Spiced Apples:

• 2 cups (268 g) apples, peeled and diced into ½ inch pieces (about 2 apples)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of allspice

• 2 tbsp (28 g) brown sugar

• For the Apple Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups (219 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (244 g) unsweetened apple butter

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature

• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 2 oz (56 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) pure maple syrup
• 3-4 tbsp (25-32 g) powdered sugar (adjust for sweetness)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) whole milk

Make the Crumb Topping

To start, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix until you achieve thick, coarse crumbs. This crumb topping is the star of the show, so make sure it’s just right! Once done, refrigerate while preparing the other components.

Prepare the Spiced Apples

Next, grab a medium pan and toss in your diced apples. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, for about 10 minutes. You want the juices to thicken and the apples to soften. Once ready, remove from heat and let cool.

Make the Apple Cake Batter

Now, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking soda, and salt. It really helps to have the dry ingredients mixed to kick things off!

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until you get a light and fluffy blend. Add the eggs and vanilla extract; mix until it becomes pale and smooth. It’s a good time to integrate the apple butter and buttermilk, even if the batter seems a bit curdled at this stage.

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. It’s key not to overmix here. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, then evenly layer those spiced apples on top. Finally, don’t forget the crumble topping—it deserves its place on the cake!

Bake the Cake

Pop the cake in the oven and bake for 65-80 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it’s browning too quickly, just cover loosely with aluminum foil. After it’s baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, let’s whip up some cream cheese frosting! In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and maple syrup. Using an electric mixer, blend until smooth. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Finish by blending in milk until well combined.

Drizzle and Serve

Once the cake is completely cool, cut it into 16 slices. Drizzle that delicious cream cheese frosting over the top and get ready to serve! Each bite will make you want more.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra special touch, serve your Apple Crumb Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Maybe even add a dollop of whipped cream for indulgence. Pair it with a hot cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee for that cozy dessert atmosphere.

Tips for Success

• Always make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• When mixing the batter, don’t overdo it. Just mix until combined for a light cake.
• Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a little more cinnamon if you prefer a warm flavor, or experiment with others if you feel adventurous.

Variations

Do you want to switch things up? Consider substituting pears for the apples for a unique flavor twist. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans can give it even more texture and taste. You could also use gluten-free flour blends to cater to dietary preferences.

Storage Tips

After enjoying your Apple Crumb Cake, store any leftovers in an airtight container within your fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly, and thaw them out when you’re ready for more.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! Tart Granny Smith apples or sweet Fuji apples work beautifully in this recipe.

2. How can I make this dairy-free?
You can swap in dairy-free butter and use almond or oat milk instead of buttermilk.

3. Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes, you can mix the batter the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Just bake it fresh the next day.

4. What can I use instead of apple butter?
Unsweetened applesauce is a great substitute for apple butter.

5. How do I know when the cake is done?
Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean or only have a few moist crumbs.

This decadent Apple Crumb Cake is not just a recipe; it’s a heartfelt dish perfect for celebrating cozy moments. Each slice combines rich flavors and comforting warmth, making your kitchen the heart of every gathering. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with loved ones, this cake offers a taste of home that will linger sweetly in your memory.

Print