Learn how to make delicious Apple Crumb Cake. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Author:Jenny
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Cooking
Cuisine:International
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra moisture, optional)
3-4 medium apples (Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith work beautifully)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning of apples)
For the Crumb Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Substitution Suggestions:
If you prefer a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or margarine for the crumb topping and cake batter.
For added flavor, sprinkle a little nutmeg or allspice into the cake batter or crumb topping.
Instead of sour cream, you can use applesauce for a lighter, dairy-free option.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan or a similar baking dish. I always line mine with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
Prepare the apples. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
Make the crumb topping. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Mix the cake batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the melted butter, vanilla, and sour cream (or applesauce). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Assemble the cake. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange the apple slices on top of the batter in concentric circles or random layers, pressing lightly into the batter.
Add the crumb topping. Sprinkle the prepared crumb mixture evenly over the apples, covering the entire surface.
Bake the cake. Place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake after about 45 minutes; if the topping is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
Cooling and serving. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool slightly — I love serving mine warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.