Apple Crumb Cake Recipe (Moist, Buttery, and Full of Cinnamon Apples)

There’s nothing cozier than a warm Apple Crumb Cake fresh from the oven. With layers of tender cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery cake, and a thick crumb topping, this dessert feels like a hug on a plate. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight treats, or when you just need something sweet with your coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumb Cake

Apple Crumb Cake is the ultimate comfort bake because it combines the best parts of pie and cake. You get juicy apples nestled into a moist, buttery base, plus a crunchy topping that’s sweet, spiced, and a little addictive. The crumb layer is generous, making every slice indulgent. You can enjoy it plain, but a drizzle of caramel or vanilla icing turns it into a bakery-worthy dessert. It’s also versatile—use tart apples for a bright flavor or sweet ones for extra richness. Plus, the recipe is simple, easy to follow, and uses pantry staples. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, prepping for brunch, or sneaking a midnight snack, this cake delivers a crowd-pleasing result every single time.

Apple Crumb Cake Ingredients

For the Crumb Topping

You’ll need both brown sugar and granulated sugar for sweetness, along with cinnamon and salt to balance the flavors. Melted butter brings everything together, and flour creates that chunky crumb texture we all love. Since the crumb topping makes up more than half the cake, it’s what makes this dessert stand out.

For the Cake Batter

The base uses all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Butter and sugar create a light, fluffy texture, while eggs add richness. Sour cream is essential here—it keeps the cake moist and tender. Vanilla rounds out the flavor, and chopped apples tossed with cinnamon bring freshness and sweetness.

Optional Icing Toppings

A drizzle of maple icing, vanilla glaze, or caramel icing adds a bakery-style finish. While optional, these toppings highlight the cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully.

Best Apples for Apple Crumb Cake

Tart varieties like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Jonathan balance the sweetness. If you prefer a naturally sweet cake, try Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples. Two medium apples, peeled and chopped, are just right for this recipe.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Crumb Cake

Step 1 – Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2 – Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, stir together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and mix. Add flour last, gently stirring until clumps form. Don’t overmix—you want large crumbs.

Step 3 – Mix the Cake Batter

Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. In another, beat softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream and vanilla. The batter might look curdled, but that’s normal. Mix in the dry ingredients until just smooth. The batter will be thick.

Step 4 – Add the Apples

Peel, chop, and toss apples with cinnamon. Spread the cake batter into the prepared pan. Layer the apples evenly across the surface.

Step 5 – Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples, pressing lightly so it sticks. Bake for 45–55 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 6 – Cool and Add Icing (Optional)

Let the cake cool on a wire rack for 30–45 minutes before slicing. If you’re adding icing, drizzle it once the cake has cooled slightly.

Tips for the Best Results

Choosing the Right Apples

Mix tart and sweet apples for the best balance. This gives your cake both brightness and natural sweetness.

Using Room Temperature Ingredients

Room temperature eggs, butter, and sour cream mix more evenly, helping the cake rise properly and stay fluffy.

Preventing Over-Browning

If the crumbs start to darken before the cake is done, loosely tent the pan with foil. This keeps the topping crunchy without burning.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing

You can assemble the cake ahead and refrigerate it up to 2 days before baking. Once baked, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap and freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. This makes it a great choice for holidays when you want dessert ready with less last-minute stress.

Texture and Flavor: What to Expect

Every bite of Apple Crumb Cake offers contrast: soft, buttery cake, tender cinnamon apples, and a crumb topping that’s crisp and sweet. The sour cream ensures the base stays moist, while the apples add a fresh, juicy layer. The topping is thick and spiced, almost like a crunchy cookie on top. Whether served warm or at room temperature, the cake feels both cozy and indulgent.

Apple Crumb Cake FAQ

Conclusion

Apple Crumb Cake is a simple yet irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its thick crumb topping, moist cake, and spiced apples, it feels both comforting and impressive. Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with caramel, this cake will quickly become a family favorite. Try it for your next gathering, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds. For more festive ideas, check out these Thanksgiving recipes or browse our recent posts for seasonal inspiration. And if you love collecting cozy recipes, you’ll find endless ideas on Pinterest.

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