Apple Crumb Cake: A Delicious Recipe for Fall Baking

Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly marries the sweetness of apples with a buttery, crumbly topping. As I take a bite, I am instantly transported to cozy autumn afternoons, where the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air. This recipe has its roots in traditional American baking, often enjoyed during family gatherings and festive celebrations. The combination of tender cake and crunchy crumb topping creates a texture that is simply irresistible.

People love Apple Crumb Cake not just for its delicious flavor, but also for its versatility. It can be served as a comforting breakfast, a delightful dessert, or even a sweet snack throughout the day. The ease of preparation makes it a favorite among home bakers, allowing anyone to whip up this scrumptious cake with minimal effort. Join me as we explore the steps to create this mouthwatering Apple Crumb Cake that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups peeled and diced apples (about 3 medium apples)
• For the Crumb Topping:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparing the Cake Batter

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully. 2. **Prepare the Baking Pan**: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal later. 3. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these together until they are well combined. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the flour. 4. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In another bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. 5. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**: Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until everything is well incorporated. 6. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. 7. **Fold in Apples**: Gently fold in the 3 cups of peeled and diced apples using a spatula. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Preparing the Crumb Topping

8. **Mix Crumb Topping Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed. 9. **Add Melted Butter**: Pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter into the dry mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want some larger clumps for that perfect crumb topping texture.

Assembling the Cake

10. **Pour Batter into Pan**: Pour the apple batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. 11. **Add Crumb Topping**: Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the apple batter. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a deliciously crunchy topping.

Baking the Cake

12. **Bake the Cake**: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. 13. **Cool the Cake**: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to cut. 14. **Transfer to a Wire Rack**: After cooling slightly, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. If you used parchment paper, you can lift the cake out of the pan easily.

Serving the Cake

15. **Slice and Serve**: Once the cake is completely cool, slice it into squares. I love serving it warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra

Conclusion:

In summary, this Apple Crumb Cake is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves the warm, comforting flavors of fall. The combination of tender, spiced apples and a buttery crumb topping creates a delightful texture and taste that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy dessert after dinner, a sweet treat for brunch, or even as a snack with your afternoon coffee, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. For a fun twist, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts for an extra crunch, or a sprinkle of cinnamon in the batter for an added layer of flavor. You could also swap out the apples for pears or even berries, depending on what you have on hand or your personal preference. The versatility of this Apple Crumb Cake makes it a fantastic recipe to keep in your baking repertoire. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you’ve baked it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the joy of baking together! Happy baking! Print