Description
A cozy, bakery-style apple crumb cake featuring tender, buttery cake packed with juicy apples and topped with a generous cinnamon-spiced crumb layer. Perfect for fall mornings, brunches, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 medium apples (about 2 cups diced; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled and diced)
- For the crumb topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt. Pour in 1/2 cup melted butter and mix with a fork until large crumbs form. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Mix in 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt until just combined.
- Add dry mixture to wet ingredients in two parts, mixing gently after each addition. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in 2 cups peeled, diced apples using a spatula.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle crumb topping over batter, pressing lightly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and crumbs are golden brown.
- Let cake cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. If adding glaze, wait until cake is fully cool.
- For optional glaze: Whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tbsp milk or cream, and 1/4 tsp vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Notes
Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture. For extra crunch, add chopped nuts to the crumb topping. If cake browns too quickly, tent with foil for last 10 minutes. Dice apples small for even baking. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 flour blend. Cake can be made ahead and flavors deepen after a day. Store leftovers in airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: apple crumb cake, fall dessert, easy apple cake, cinnamon crumb cake, bakery style cake, brunch, holiday baking, homemade cake, apple recipe