Apple Crumb Cake
Why Make This Recipe
Who doesn’t love a warm slice of Apple Crumb Cake? 🍏 It’s the magical combination of moist cake, spiced apples, and a crumbly topping that brings happiness in every bite. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or that afternoon pick-me-up, this cake checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those apples that have been staring at you from the fruit bowl! Seriously, they deserve to shine in this delightful recipe.
How to Make Apple Crumb Cake
Making this Apple Crumb Cake is easier than you think, and it’s really just a matter of a few simple steps. Here’s how you can whip it up:
Prep the Apples: Start by throwing those diced gala apples into a bowl. Sprinkle them with granulated sugar and cinnamon. Let them sit for a bit to get all cozy.
Make the Crumble: Combine butter, flour, and sugar until you have a crumbly mix that’s ready to top your cake. Just a few quick movements with a fork or your hands and it’s done!
Cake Batter Time: In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients like eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Then, combine your flour mixture and mix until just right. Fold in those delicious cinnamon-spiced apples.
Layer It Up: Pour half the batter into your greased pan, sprinkle some of that glorious crumble, then add the rest of the batter and finish with more crumble on top.
Bake: Pop it in the oven and let your kitchen fill with the smell of fall. You might need to keep an eye on it, though, because everyone will be hovering around the oven!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this scrumptious cake:
- 4 small or 3 large red gala apples (diced)
- 1 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 120 g all-purpose flour (for the apple filling)
- 200 g dark brown sugar (for the crumble)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for the crumble)
- 85 g butter (room temperature, for the crumble)
- 340 g all-purpose flour (for the cake)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for the cake)
- 2 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 125 g butter (room temperature, for the cake)
- 225 g granulated sugar (for the cake)
- 3 eggs (room temperature)
- 225 g sour cream 14-18% (room temperature)
- 40 g vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 125 g powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp sour cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for the glaze)
- 1-2 tsp water (to adjust glaze consistency)
Directions
Cinnamon Apples
- Mix diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
Crumble
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter using a fork until crumbly.
Vanilla Cinnamon Cake
- Beat together the sugar and butter in a larger bowl. Add eggs, sour cream, oil, and vanilla. Combine well.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the cinnamon apples gently.
Maple Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, sour cream, vanilla extract, and water until smooth.
How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake
Serve your Apple Crumb Cake warm or at room temperature. Slice generous pieces and drizzle the maple glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. It’s like giving your cake a cozy sweater! 🎉 Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra fancy. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
How to Store Apple Crumb Cake
After all that hard work, you key might be wondering how to keep your cake deliciously fresh. Store it in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to stretch its life, toss it in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze it for later, just wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.
Tips to Make Apple Crumb Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter—the fluffiness is key!
- Experiment with different apples for unique flavor profiles. Honeycrisp or Fuji can also knock your socks off!
- Adding nuts to the crumble gives a nice crunch, too!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the apples for pears, or throw in some dried cranberries for a tart twist. Yes, I see your wheels turning! The possibilities are endless, so go ahead and get creative.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While gala apples are delicious, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Just choose ones that can hold up well in baking.
2. How do I know when my cake is done?
Stick a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs), it’s done! If it’s gooey, give it a few more minutes.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just reheat individual slices in the microwave when ready to serve.
Now that you have all the juicy details, it’s time to get baking! Enjoy the process because an Apple Crumb Cake is waiting to bring some cozy vibes into your life. 🍰✨

Apple Crumb Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Mix diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter using a fork until crumbly.
- Beat together the sugar and butter in a larger bowl. Add eggs, sour cream, oil, and vanilla. Combine well.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the cinnamon apples gently.
- Pour half the batter into your greased pan, sprinkle some of the crumble, then add the rest of the batter and finish with more crumble on top.
- Pop it in the oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, sour cream, vanilla extract, and water until smooth.






