Description
This Best Apple Crumb Cake recipe combines tender, cinnamon-spiced cake with juicy apple slices and a buttery, crunchy crumb topping. Perfectly moist and flavorful, this dessert is ideal for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting apple treat.
Ingredients
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)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Cake Batter
- 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 milk
- ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup + 2 teaspoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 large egg
Apple Layer
- 2 to 3 medium apples (washed, peeled, cored and sliced; varieties used: Red Delicious and Golden Delicious)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Grease and flour an 8-inch round springform pan thoroughly. This will ensure your cake doesn't stick and can be removed easily once baked.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375℉ (190℃) to reach the ideal baking temperature while preparing the batter.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together light brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and flour. Pour in the melted and cooled butter, then use a fork to fluff the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs. Set this crumb topping aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Cake: In another medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, vegetable or canola oil, and egg until smooth and uniform.
- Make Cake Batter: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently stir with a wooden spoon. Mix just until combined; it's okay to have a few lumps to keep the cake tender and moist. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the cake batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Prepare Apples: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with 2 tablespoons sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. This mixture will add sweetness and a subtle tang to the apples.
- Arrange Apples on Batter: Spread the apple slices evenly over the cake batter in the pan, ensuring good coverage.
- Add Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping generously and evenly over the apple layer, covering completely.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crumb topping turns a golden brown and the cake is cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan to allow the flavors to set and to make removing easier.
- Serve: Release the springform pan sides, transfer the cake to a serving plate or stand, slice, and serve for a delightful dessert.
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in a covered container at room temperature for up to 4 days to retain freshness.
Notes
- Use firm varieties of apples like Red Delicious and Golden Delicious for the best texture and sweet flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb.
- Make sure the melted butter for the topping is cooled to avoid melting the sugars prematurely.
- Springform pan is recommended for easy removal of the cake.
- Storing the cake in a covered container helps maintain moisture and flavor.