There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a homemade Apple Crumb Cake baking in the oven. It’s one of those comforting scents that can brighten any day. In our busy household, this recipe has become a weekend staple. My kids love it so much that I often find them peeking through the oven door, eagerly waiting for that first scrumptious slice. The combination of sweet apples and crunchy crumb topping strikes the perfect balance that’s simply irresistible.
Another treat for your taste buds might be our crescent roll breakfast recipes .
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Apple Crumb Cake is like a warm hug from the oven. It’s simple to make yet results in a luscious delicacy that pairs beautifully with a coffee or tea break. The cake’s dense, buttery texture with the sweet-tangy apples is enhanced by the perfect crumbly top. Trust me, just one bite and you’re transported to a cozy café, even while at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) peeled chopped apples (about 2–3 large apples)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: maple icing, vanilla icing, or caramel icing from apple cinnamon rolls
Step-by-step instructions
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. Set it aside.
To make the crumb topping, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter. Using a fork, mix in the flour until crumbles form. Refrigerate or freeze it.
For the cake, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside as well.
Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat together the butter and granulated sugar on high speed until light and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla, beating until combined.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients until everything is smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
Now, toss the chopped apples with cinnamon. Spread the batter into your prepared pan. Top it with the cinnamon-coated apples and press down the crumb mixture.
Bake in your preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Cover the cake with aluminum foil if you notice it browning too quickly.
Once baked, let it cool on a rack for at least 30-45 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with your choice of icing if desired.
Recipe tips & variations
Want more crunch in your crumb topping? Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. For an additional flavor twist, consider folding in dried cranberries or raisins with the apples. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try using a mix of sweet and tart apples for a complex flavor profile.
Storage & reheating
To store your Apple Crumb Cake , cover it tightly and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to store it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to retain its freshness. For reheating, simply pop a slice into the microwave for a few seconds, or if you’re not in a rush, warm it up in the oven at a low temperature.
FAQs
Absolutely! Feel free to use any apple variety you enjoy, but remember, a mix of sweet and tart apples adds depth to the flavors.
Yes, you can freeze this cake! Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll last for up to three months.
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if you prefer. It gives a similar texture and flavor profile.
Recipes you may like
If you’re a fan of hearty and easy creations, you might like our easy, crispy breakfast potatoes . For a savory twist, try the easy, cheesy breakfast pizza , perfect for a weekend brunch.
Print
Apple Crumb Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously comforting homemade Apple Crumb Cake that combines sweet apples and crunchy crumb topping.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) peeled chopped apples (about 2–3 large apples)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: maple icing, vanilla icing, or caramel icing from apple cinnamon rolls
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. Set it aside.
- To make the crumb topping, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter. Using a fork, mix in the flour until crumbles form. Refrigerate or freeze it.
- For the cake, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside as well.
- Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat together the butter and granulated sugar on high speed until light and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla, beating until combined.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients until everything is smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
- Toss the chopped apples with cinnamon. Spread the batter into your prepared pan. Top it with the cinnamon-coated apples and press down the crumb mixture.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Cover the cake with aluminum foil if you notice it browning too quickly.
- Once baked, let it cool on a rack for at least 30-45 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with your choice of icing if desired.
Notes
- For a crunchier topping, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- Consider folding in dried cranberries or raisins with the apples for additional flavor.
- A mix of sweet and tart apples can create a more complex flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg