The Perfect Apple Crumb Cake: A Fall Favorite That’s Irresistibly Delicious

Apple Crumb Cake is the epitome of cozy autumn baking, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and fresh apples. Picture this: it’s a crisp Saturday morning, leaves are turning golden outside your window, and you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.

This tender, moist cake topped with a buttery crumb layer delivers exactly that comfort you’re seeking. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, need a show-stopping dessert for a dinner party, or simply want to treat your family to something special, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into pure magic.

The beauty of this cake lies in its perfect balance – the tender crumb of the cake base complements the sweet-tart chunks of fresh apples, while the cinnamon crumb topping adds that irresistible textural contrast. Each bite delivers layers of flavor that dance on your palate, making it impossible to stop at just one slice.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Last fall, I discovered this recipe during a weekend visit to my grandmother’s house. She had just pulled this gorgeous cake from her vintage oven, and the entire kitchen smelled like a cozy café.

One bite transported me back to childhood memories of apple picking and lazy Sunday afternoons. What struck me most was how this seemingly sophisticated dessert came together with ingredients I already had in my pantry.

This Apple Crumb Cake has become my go-to recipe because it’s foolproof yet impressive. The cake stays incredibly moist thanks to the sour cream, while the fresh lemon juice brightens the apples and prevents browning. Explore more trending recipes here to discover similar crowd-pleasers that’ll become your new favorites.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delectable Apple Crumb Cake, organized by component for easy preparation:

Find more quick weeknight recipes here for delicious options that fit your busy schedule while still delivering incredible homemade flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

Creating this heavenly Apple Crumb Cake is surprisingly straightforward when you follow these detailed steps. The key to success lies in proper preparation and timing, so gather all your ingredients before you begin.

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. In a small bowl, toss your diced apples with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance their natural sweetness.

Step 2: Create the Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside – this golden topping will create that irresistible texture contrast.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer). Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined – overmixing will result in a tough cake. Gently fold in the lemon-tossed apples.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the entire surface. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Exact Timing to Make Apple Crumb Cake

Perfect timing ensures your Apple Crumb Cake achieves that ideal balance of moist cake and crispy topping. Here’s your complete timeline:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (including apple preparation and crumb topping)
• Baking Time: 45-50 minutes at 350°F
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes before serving (30 minutes for clean slicing)
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes from start to first bite

The cake is perfectly done when the crumb topping turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. If the topping browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile of your Apple Crumb Cake helps you enjoy this treat mindfully while making informed dietary choices.

Nutritional data based on USDA Food Composition Database and standard ingredient analysis. Values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods used.

The apples contribute beneficial fiber and vitamin C, while the sour cream provides calcium and protein. Each serving delivers approximately 20% of your daily caloric needs, making this a substantial dessert perfect for special occasions.

Healthier Alternatives

Transform your Apple Crumb Cake into a more nutritious treat without sacrificing the delicious flavors you love. These strategic ingredient swaps maintain the cake’s beloved texture while boosting its nutritional profile.

Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.

Dairy-Free Version: Substitute plant-based butter and coconut yogurt for traditional dairy ingredients. The texture remains remarkably similar with these swaps.

Explore more healthy dessert recipes here to discover additional ways to satisfy your sweet tooth while maintaining your wellness goals.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings for Any Occasion
Serve your warm Apple Crumb Cake with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. The contrast between the warm, spiced cake and cool, creamy accompaniment creates a symphony of temperatures and textures. For a more sophisticated presentation, drizzle with homemade caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Brunch and Coffee Service
This versatile cake shines as a centerpiece for weekend brunches or afternoon coffee gatherings. Pair it with freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or spiced apple cider to complement the warm cinnamon notes. Cut into generous squares and arrange on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of additional toppings like chopped pecans or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Make-Ahead Entertainment
For stress-free entertaining, bake your Apple Crumb Cake the day before your event. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices meld together, and the cake maintains its perfect texture when stored covered at room temperature. Simply warm individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before plating to recreate that fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter
The most critical error when making Apple Crumb Cake is overmixing once you add the flour. Excessive mixing develops the gluten strands, resulting in a tough, dense cake instead of the tender crumb you’re seeking. Mix just until the flour disappears into the batter, even if a few lumps remain – they’ll disappear during baking while preserving your cake’s delicate texture.

Using Cold Ingredients
Room temperature ingredients are essential for proper mixing and even baking. Cold butter won’t cream properly with sugar, cold eggs can cause the batter to curdle, and cold sour cream creates lumps that resist incorporation. Plan ahead by removing dairy products and eggs from the refrigerator 1-2 hours before baking, or quick-warm eggs in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes.

Improper Apple Preparation
Skipping the lemon juice treatment or cutting apples too large can sabotage your cake’s success. Large apple pieces create air pockets and uneven baking, while untreated apples brown and lose their fresh flavor. Dice apples into ½-inch pieces and immediately toss with lemon juice to maintain their color and enhance their natural sweetness throughout the baking process.

Storing Tips

Room Temperature Storage
Your freshly baked Apple Crumb Cake stays perfectly moist and delicious when stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the entire pan, or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. The cake actually improves in flavor during the first 24 hours as the spices meld and the moisture redistributes throughout the crumb.

Refrigeration and Freezing
For longer storage, refrigerate your covered cake for up to one week – the cool temperature helps maintain freshness while the sour cream base prevents spoilage. For maximum convenience, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Frozen slices thaw beautifully at room temperature in 30 minutes, or microwave from frozen for 45-60 seconds for an instant warm treat.

Refreshing Day-Old Cake
Revive day-old Apple Crumb Cake by warming it gently in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes, which restores the crumb topping’s crispness and enhances the spiced aroma. For individual servings, microwave slices for 15-20 seconds to recreate that fresh-baked warmth and bring out the butter and cinnamon flavors that make this dessert so irresistible.

FAQs

Apple Crumb Cake

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• Author: Julia
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Perfect Apple Crumb Cake is the ultimate fall dessert — soft, buttery cake layered with cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a golden crumb that’s simply irresistible. It’s cozy, comforting, and ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• • Cake Base:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups diced apples
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt

 

• Crumb Topping:
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, chilled

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Instructions

1. Prepare Your Oven and Apples: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Toss diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Make the Crumb Topping: In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in chilled butter using a pastry cutter or fork until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
3. Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes). Beat in egg and vanilla.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream into the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the diced apples.
5. Assemble and Bake: Spread batter evenly into the prepared dish and sprinkle crumb topping over the top. Bake 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and Serve: Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for a cozy fall treat.

Notes

This Apple Crumb Cake is soft, buttery, and bursting with cinnamon-apple flavor. It’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or gifting during the holidays — and it pairs beautifully with coffee or vanilla ice cream!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: apple crumb cake, fall dessert, cinnamon apple cake, brunch cake, apple coffee cake, easy baked dessert