Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate treat to greet a crisp morning or cap off a cozy evening, you’re in for a real delight with this Apple Crumb Cake. Imagine tender chunks of apple nestled in a softly spiced cake, all crowned with the buttery magic of brown sugar crumble and finished with a luscious vanilla glaze. Whether you serve it for brunch, dessert, or anytime snacking, this bake will hit that magical spot between classic comfort and irresistible indulgence.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Apple Crumb Cake is that it stars familiar pantry staples, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in building flavor, texture, and that signature golden crumb. Here’s your must-have list, plus quick tips for best results:

• Apples: Choose crisp, sweet apples like Gala for the perfect juicy bite without becoming mushy.
• All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy-yet-tender base and gives structure to both the cake and crumb.
• Baking soda: A touch gives the cake nice lift and a soft crumb.
• Salt: A pinch sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Cinnamon: This classic spice brings warmth and depth to both the cake and topping.
• Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and moisture to the crumb and cake layers.
• Granulated sugar: For sweet, clean flavor and perfect cake crumb.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and enrich the texture for a tender bite.
• Vegetable oil: Gives the cake lasting moistness—no dry slices here!
• Vanilla extract: Lifts and rounds out all the warm spice and apple flavors.
• Sour cream: Adds a lovely tang and ensures the crumb stays luscious and soft.
• Butter: The base of the irresistible crunchy crumb on top (use real butter for best flavor).
• Powdered sugar: This is for the finishing glaze; fine and sweet for a silky drizzle.
• Milk: Just enough to thin the glaze for that beautiful drizzle effect.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Preheat Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite baking pan (8×8 or 9-inch works beautifully). Grease it generously and line the bottom with parchment paper for guaranteed easy release—no one wants to leave crumbly corners behind!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, blend your all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Take a quick moment to inhale the cozy cinnamon aroma—it’s a preview of deliciousness to come! Mixing these first ensures even spice distribution in every bite.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients and Apples

In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth and luscious. Gently fold these wet ingredients into the flour mixture for a thick, inviting batter. Then, peel and chop your apples into bite-size chunks and fold them in. The apples should be evenly distributed so every slice boasts juicy, fruity bits.

Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping

Let’s make magic! Stir together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping, then pour in the melted butter. Mix with a fork until large, clumpy crumbs form. Scatter them generously over the batter in your pan—don’t skimp, as this is what makes your Apple Crumb Cake completely irresistible!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden brown crumb on top and a cake that springs back lightly when touched. The scent filling your kitchen at this stage is pure heaven.

Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze

While your cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Once the cake is just warm (not hot), drizzle the vanilla glaze over the crumbly top in swoops and zig-zags. It adds sweetness and a bakery-style finish to your Apple Crumb Cake.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake

Garnishes

The beauty of this cake shines with a few simple accents. For an elegant touch, add a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving, or scatter a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for lovely crunch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns every slice into pure Apple Crumb Cake bliss.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this for brunch or dessert, pair it with a mug of strong coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or even a spiced chai latte. For more heartiness, try it alongside yogurt, crisp bacon, or a platter of seasonal fruit—the sweet-tart notes of the apples harmonize with almost anything!

Creative Ways to Present

To make Apple Crumb Cake extra special, cut it into squares and wrap them in parchment for sweet picnic treats, or layer it in Mason jars with extra apples and glaze for show-stopping individual trifles. It’s even perfect for a celebratory brunch centerpiece—just slice, plate, and watch it disappear.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Apple Crumb Cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, pop it in the fridge, where it will keep beautifully for up to 4 days. This cake stays wonderfully moist thanks to the apples and sour cream.

Freezing

Want to savor Apple Crumb Cake longer? It freezes like a dream! Wrap cooled slices in plastic and foil, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature—your future self will thank you for baking ahead.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or slide the whole (un-glazed) cake into a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Add the glaze after reheating if you want the icing to stay smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in this Apple Crumb Cake?

Absolutely! While Gala apples are a lovely balance of sweet and crisp, feel free to sub in Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for a tart punch. Just avoid mealy varieties for best texture.

Is it possible to make Apple Crumb Cake gluten free?

Yes, just swap the regular flour for a reliable 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend. The cake will still be moist and delicious, with the crumb topping just as hearty.

What size pan works best for this Apple Crumb Cake recipe?

An 8×8-inch or 9-inch square pan is perfect. If you want thinner slices for a crowd, you can use a 9×13-inch pan—just keep an eye on baking time since the cake will be slightly thinner and may bake faster.

Can I make this cake ahead for a party?

Definitely! Bake the Apple Crumb Cake a day ahead, cover tightly, and glaze just before serving for the best texture and freshness. This makes party prep a breeze.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

You can trim a little sugar from the batter or topping, though the crumb won’t be quite as rich. If you’re looking for a less-sweet cake, you can rely on the apples’ natural sugars and skip the glaze or cut it in half.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumb Cake is pure homemade comfort, easy to whip up, and always a hit whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself. Give it a try next time you crave something cozy—you’ll love the fragrant apples, crunchy crumb, and beautiful vanilla drizzle in every sweet slice!