Apple Crumb Cake Recipe: The Ultimate Fall Comfort

Is there anything that screams autumn quite like the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon wafting from your oven? This Apple Crumb Cake is the epitome of fall baking, a delightful combination of moist, tender cake studded with tart apples and topped with a buttery, golden crumb. It’s the perfect treat for a crisp afternoon, a cozy breakfast, or a delightful dessert after dinner. This recipe is easy enough for beginner bakers, yet impressive enough to serve to company. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade goodness with every bite!

Why This Recipe Works

This Apple Crumb Cake recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also meticulously crafted to ensure success every time. Here’s why it works:

• Balanced Flavors: The tartness of the apples is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the cake and the rich, buttery crumb topping.
• Moist Cake: Using both butter and sour cream in the cake batter ensures a supremely moist and tender crumb. The sour cream adds a subtle tang that complements the apples beautifully.
• Perfect Crumb Topping: The ratio of flour, sugar, and butter in the crumb topping is crucial for achieving that perfect sandy texture that melts in your mouth. Cold butter is key to creating those distinct crumbs.
• Easy to Adapt: This recipe is easily customizable. You can swap out the apples for other fruits, add nuts to the crumb topping, or experiment with different spices.
• Foolproof Instructions: The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, making it easy for bakers of all skill levels to follow along.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients (Cake): In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Fold in Apples and Cinnamon: Gently fold in the diced apples and cinnamon.
7. Prepare Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
8. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
9. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Tips for Success

• Use Cold Butter for Crumb Topping: Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly texture. Make sure your butter is very cold before cutting it into the dry ingredients.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Choose the Right Apples: Use apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala.
• Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Check the cake for doneness after 35 minutes.
• Let it Cool: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before cutting will prevent it from crumbling.
• Spice it Up: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cake batter or crumb topping for extra warmth and flavor.

Storage Instructions

To store the Apple Crumb Cake, let it cool completely. You can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of apple? Yes, you can use other types of apples, but it’s best to choose varieties that hold their shape well during baking. Braeburn, Fuji, and Pink Lady are also good options.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
• Can I add nuts to the crumb topping? Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the crumb topping. Add about 1/4 cup of chopped nuts to the dry ingredients.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cake batter and crumb topping ahead of time. Store the batter in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and the crumb topping in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble and bake just before serving.
• My crumb topping is too dry. What can I do? Add a tablespoon of melted butter to the crumb topping and mix well. This will help to moisten the mixture and create better crumbs.
• My crumb topping is sinking into the cake. What can I do? Make sure your crumb topping is evenly distributed and not too heavy in any one area. Also, ensure that your cake batter is not too thin.

Conclusion

This Apple Crumb Cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting treat, this cake is the perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade Apple Crumb Cake. Enjoy!