When the weather cools and fall’s in the air, nothing beats the comfort of a freshly baked apple crumb cake. With a buttery crumb topping, spiced apples, and a soft, moist base, this recipe captures the warm, cozy flavors of the season. In this article, I’ll walk you through every delicious detail of making the perfect apple crumb cake—plus answer your top questions and share pro baking tips.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Apple Crumb Cake is a Must-Bake Favorite
A Slice of Home: My First Apple Crumb Cake Moment
I still remember the first time I baked an apple crumb cake. It was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and my kids were curled up on the couch watching their favorite movie. I wanted to surprise them with something sweet and seasonal—and when the scent of cinnamon, brown sugar, and apples began to fill the kitchen, they came running. We didn’t even wait for the cake to fully cool. Warm slices topped with a drizzle of caramel quickly became our new fall tradition.
This apple crumb cake isn’t just another dessert—it’s a memory-maker. It’s soft, rich, and layered with the perfect crumb topping. The apples bring that juicy, tart sweetness that cuts through the buttery cake, and that cinnamon crumble? Let’s just say you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful.
Whether you’re baking for a family brunch or bringing a treat to a holiday gathering, this cake never fails to impress. It’s made with simple ingredients but tastes like it came from a bakery.
If you love fruity fall desserts, you’ll also want to try the salted caramel apple bars or apple cobbler for more cozy options.
What Makes This Apple Crumb Cake So Special?
The magic is in the balance—crunchy topping, moist cake, and tender apples all in one bite. It’s made entirely from scratch using pantry staples like flour, brown sugar, sour cream, and cinnamon. And those fresh chopped apples? They stay juicy and flavorful after baking, thanks to the gentle spice and the way they’re layered into the batter.
Even better, this apple crumb cake works for both casual breakfasts and elegant desserts. Serve it plain, warm, or chilled, or top it with a drizzle of maple or vanilla icing. It stores well in the fridge for up to five days, but trust me—it rarely lasts that long.
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Apple Crumb Cake Recipe That’s Soft, Moist, and Packed With Flavor
This apple crumb cake is soft, moist, and bursting with spiced apple flavor. Topped with buttery brown sugar crumble, it’s the perfect cozy fall dessert.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
Crumb Topping:
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups peeled, chopped apples (about 2–3 large apples)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: maple, vanilla, or caramel icing
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Make crumb topping: mix sugars, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Add flour gently until crumbles form. Chill until needed.
3. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix well.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until just combined.
6. Toss apples with cinnamon.
7. Spread batter into prepared pan. Layer apples evenly, then add crumb topping. Press topping down gently.
8. Bake 45–55 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly.
9. Let cool for at least 30–45 minutes. Add icing if desired. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
Cake stores well in the fridge up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
How to Make the Perfect Apple Crumb Cake from Scratch
Gather the Ingredients: Pantry Staples + Fresh Apples
Before you start, make sure you’ve got everything ready on the counter—because once you mix the batter, this recipe moves fast. Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate apple crumb cake:
Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (16 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
Cake Base:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled, chopped apples (about 2–3 large apples)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional: a drizzle of maple, vanilla, or caramel icing
Want something with a creamy twist? You might also enjoy the creamy apple cottage cheese bake as a fun variation.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Success
- Prep the pan and oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the crumb topping: Stir together the sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add melted butter, then gently mix in the flour with a fork to form crumbles. Chill until ready to use.
- Mix the dry cake ingredients: In one bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the wet ingredients: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Don’t worry if it looks curdled.
- Combine: Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until smooth.
- Assemble: Toss chopped apples with cinnamon. Spread batter in pan, top with apples, then the crumb topping. Press the topping down gently.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick comes out clean. If browning too fast, tent loosely with foil.
- Cool and serve: Let it cool 30–45 minutes before slicing. Drizzle icing, if desired.
For another fall-friendly recipe that’s a hit at gatherings, try these caramel apple cheesecake bars.
Expert Tips and Easy Apple Crumb Cake Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Crumb Cake Every Time
Making a bakery-style apple crumb cake at home isn’t difficult, but a few simple tips can take it from good to unforgettable.
1. Don’t skip chilling the crumb topping.
This keeps it from melting into the cake as it bakes. Cold crumb topping holds its shape and delivers that irresistible crunch on top.
2. Use room temperature ingredients.
Eggs, sour cream, and butter mix more evenly when they’re not cold. This leads to a smoother batter and a lighter crumb.
3. Choose the right apples.
Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold up beautifully during baking and balance the sweetness of the cake.
4. Press the crumb topping down.
After adding it to the top of the batter, press it lightly with a spatula. This helps the topping stick and bake into a crunchy, golden layer.
Want more tips for crumb-based treats? The apple crumble cottage cheese bake is another creative and protein-packed twist you’ll love.
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, try one of these fun apple crumb cake spins:
1. Add chopped nuts to the topping—walnuts or pecans bring crunch and nutty depth.
2. Swap the apples for pears in late fall. Pears pair beautifully with cinnamon and caramel.
3. Add a layer of salted caramel before the crumb topping for extra indulgence. This mirrors the sweet and salty vibe of the caramel apple dump cake, which also makes a crowd-pleasing potluck dessert.
No matter which variation you choose, the base cake remains soft, spiced, and full of cozy fall flavor.
Serving, Storing, and FAQ Tips for Apple Crumb Cake
How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake Like a Pro
Apple crumb cake is incredibly versatile, which is one reason it’s become a favorite in my home. Whether you’re making it for brunch, dessert, or a midweek treat, you have a lot of options.
You can serve it:
- Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Room temp with coffee for a cozy breakfast
- Chilled with a drizzle of maple or vanilla glaze
For a fall dessert table, pair it with something rich and comforting like vegan apple fritter bread or cottage cheese apple pie bites for balance. These are all crowd-pleasers with familiar flavors that feel homemade and nostalgic.
Drizzling icing after the cake cools adds an elegant touch. A simple vanilla glaze or maple icing turns it into a bakery-level dessert without extra work.
How to Store It Right (and Keep It Moist!)
To keep your apple crumb cake tasting fresh:
- Cool completely before storing.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate. It stays moist for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.
If you want to freeze it:
- Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm before serving.
FAQ: Apple Crumb Cake
Can I make apple crumb cake ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Make it the night before and store it tightly covered in the fridge.
What apples are best for apple crumb cake?
Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. They hold their shape and won’t turn mushy.
Can I add oats to the crumb topping?
Absolutely. Swap ½ cup of the flour in the topping with rolled oats for added texture.
Is apple crumb cake the same as coffee cake?
They’re similar. Apple crumb cake usually has more fruit and a larger layer of crumb topping, while coffee cake often skips the fruit entirely.
Conclusion
This apple crumb cake brings together everything we love about fall baking: warm spices, juicy apples, and a buttery crumble on top. Whether you’re making it for family brunch or saving a slice for yourself with coffee, it’s one of those recipes that always hits the spot. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular part of your seasonal baking tradition—just like it did in my home.
Looking for more fall favorites? Try the salted caramel apple bars or apple cobbler next.
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