Apple Crumble Cake is a delicious and comforting dessert that combines the moistness of a spiced apple cake with the buttery goodness of a crumble topping. This cake is perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a warm, fruity treat. With tender apples, warm spices, and a crispy crumble, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- 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.
- Fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Serve
- Once cooled, slice the cake and serve. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Apples: Use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture. They hold up well during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Crumble Topping: Make sure the butter is cold when making the crumble topping, as this helps create a crispy texture.
- Sour Cream Substitute: If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt.
Variations
- Nutty Crumble: Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
- Caramel Apple Crumble Cake: Drizzle the cake with caramel sauce before serving for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Apple Cake: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves or ginger for an extra layer of warm spice.
- Glaze Topping: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake for added sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature, and it will stay moist and delicious.
2. How Do I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.
3. Can I Freeze Apple Crumble Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Apples?
Yes, you can substitute apples with pears or peaches for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent finish.
- Breakfast Treat: Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat.
Apple Crumble Cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, combining the comforting flavors of spiced apples and a buttery crumble topping. Easy to make and full of warm, cozy flavors, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat, and enjoy every bite of this deliciously moist and crumbly cake!
