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Apple Crumb Cake

Apple Crumb Cake – Moist, Spiced, and Perfectly Crunchy

There’s nothing like a slice of Apple Crumb Cake to make your morning coffee feel extra special. Tender, cinnamon-spiced cake is layered with fresh apples and topped with a buttery, crunchy crumb topping. It’s the perfect dessert for fall, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat that feels like homemade comfort in every bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 330
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced
For the Crumb Topping:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Spatula
  • Fork or pastry cutter (for crumb topping)

Method
 

Preheat Oven
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
Make the Cake Batter
  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Mix in sour cream until smooth. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in diced apples.
Prepare the Crumb Topping
  1. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Spread cake batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
  1. Allow cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Notes

Apple tips: Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for best texture.
Make ahead: Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Add-ins: Walnuts or pecans in the crumb topping add extra crunch and flavor.