There’s something about the combination of spiced apples and buttery crumb topping that just oozes comfort. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this Apple Crumb Cake will bring cozy vibes to your table.
What is Apple Crumb Cake?
Apple crumb cake is a delightful hybrid of a classic coffee cake and a warm apple pie. Imagine tender chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples nestled inside a soft, buttery cake with a crunchy, sugary crumb topping. It’s the kind of dessert that feels familiar yet special, with layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
The crumb topping adds a sweet crunch, while the cake itself stays light and moist thanks to ingredients like sour cream and applesauce. And let’s not forget the real star: those juicy, tart Granny Smith apples that bring a refreshing pop of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or as an after-dinner dessert, this cake is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients You Need
- Packed Light Brown Sugar – Brown sugar adds a rich molasses flavor that deepens the sweetness of the topping. It also helps the crumb hold together.
- Granulated Sugar – We love this for adding that classic, simple sweetness to balance out the tart apples.
- Ground Cinnamon – This spice is a great way to add warm flavor to both the cake and the crumb topping.
- Sea Salt – Just a touch helps bring out all the other flavors in this recipe.
- Unsalted Butter – This gives the crumb topping its signature buttery richness. It also helps to give the cake its moist texture.
- All-Purpose Flour – We add this to both the cake and crumb topping for structure and texture.
- Baking Soda – This leavening agent works with the baking powder to give the cake its light, airy texture.
- Baking Powder – Baking powder is a key ingredient that helps the cake rise.
- Salt – Just a pinch of salt enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors in the cake.
- Full-Fat Sour Cream – This adds richness and moisture to the cake, making every bite soft and tender!
- Applesauce – We use applesauce to add moisture and sweetness to the cake without needing too much fat.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – We love using this ingredient because it gives the cake a warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
- Granny Smith Apples – These tart apples balance the sweetness of the cake perfectly. Peel and chop them for the best texture.
- Ground Cinnamon – A second helping of cinnamon in the apples adds even more cozy warmth.
How to Make Apple Crumb Cake
1. Prepare the topping. Add the sugars, cinnamon, and salt to a mixing bowl and stir to combine. Pour in the melted butter and combine it with the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Then, delicately mix in the flour until large, coarse crumbs form.
2. Prep the dry ingredients. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to a separate bowl and whisk to combine.
3. Combine the butter and sugar. Add the softened butter and granulated sugar to a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or use a hand mixer). Beat until cream while scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
4. Add wet ingredients. Mix in the eggs, sour cream, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients while mixing on low. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Coat the apples. Toss the chopped apples with cinnamon in a small bowl until they’re fully coated in the warm, spicy goodness.
7. Assemble. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle the cinnamon-coated apples on top, and finish with the crumb topping.
8. Bake and cool. Bake until the cake is golden and it passes the toothpick test. Let it cool before slicing to allow all the flavors to meld.
Variations
- Pears – Swap the apples for ripe pears.
- Nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty richness to the topping.
- Spices – Try adding nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon for a deeper, more complex spice blend.
- Caramel – A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce takes this cake to another level of indulgence.
- Lemon Zest – This adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the apples beautifully. Add it to the batter or the topping.
- Mix of Apples – Combine Granny Smith with a sweeter variety like Honeycrisp for a balance of tart and sweet.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, but be mindful that the crumb topping may lose its crunch after a day or two. Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Refrigerating the cake will help extend its shelf life for about a week.
For longer storage, freeze individual slices and thaw them when you’re ready to enjoy.
More Apple Recipes
Searching for more sweets that put apples front and center? Take a peek at more of our favorites that use this delicious fruit!
Apple Crumb Cake
Equipment
- 1 (9×13 inch) Baking Pan
Ingredients
Crumb Topping
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Cake
- 2 and 1/3 cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream at room temperature
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples about 2 medium apples
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until combined. Add the flour and gently mix with a fork until crumbly. Be careful not to overmix; you want clumps.3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 3/4 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups all-purpose flour
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.2 and 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on high speed until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.3/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- Add the eggs, sour cream, applesauce, and vanilla to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until everything is well combined. The mixture may look curdled—this is normal. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.4 large eggs, 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream, 1/4 cup applesauce, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth. Do not overmix—the batter should be thick.
- In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples with cinnamon until evenly coated.2 cups peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Evenly distribute the cinnamon-coated apples on top of the batter. Finally, sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples, pressing it down lightly with the back of a spoon so it adheres to the batter.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top or edges begin browning too quickly, cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let it cool for at least 30-45 minutes before slicing and serving.