Easy Apple Crumb Cake Recipe Moist Streusel Topping

Name: Apple Crumb Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 cups all-purpose flour; – 1 tsp baking powder for rising; – 1/2 tsp salt for balancing; – 1 cup granulated sugar for sweetening; – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened for moist crumb; – 2 large eggs for binding; – 1 tsp vanilla extract for aroma; – 1 cup sour cream for moisture; – 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick for tartness; – 1 tbsp granulated sugar for caramelization; – 1 tsp ground cinnamon for apples; – 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour for streusel; – 3/4 cup brown sugar for streusel; – 1 tsp ground cinnamon for streusel; – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed for streusel

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumb Cake

Picture a warm slice of apple crumb cake fresh from the oven, with tender moist cake, juicy apple slices, and that irresistible buttery streusel topping crunching under your fork. This apple crumb cake recipe stands out as an easy apple crumb cake that busy home cooks adore. It brings comfort food to your table without hours in the kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it fits right into life for parents, students, and baking fans.

Here are the top reasons this moist apple crumb cake wins hearts every time:

Ease of preparation: Whip up this simple apple crumb cake recipe in under 20 minutes of active time. With basic steps like mixing batter and crumbling topping, even beginners succeed. Bake for 45-50 minutes total, freeing you for family moments. No fancy tools needed, just a bowl and 9×13 pan.

Health benefits: Loaded with fresh apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, it packs fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Check out these health benefits of apples that make this treat a smart indulgence. Sour cream adds protein, while the streusel offers controlled sweetness.
Versatility: Adapt to vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie needs with easy swaps. Serve plain or with ice cream. Scale for crowds or muffins. Ideal for fall gatherings or weeknight wins.
Distinctive flavor: Tart apples cut through sweet crumb cake layers. Cinnamon-spiced streusel delivers crunch against soft moist cake. Warm spices and brown sugar create fall magic in every bite.

This apple cake recipe with streusel topping captures joy around the table, just like my passion at Recipes Isabella.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumb Cake
2. Essential Ingredients for Apple Crumb Cake
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Apple Crumb Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Apple Crumb Cake
5. Mastering Apple Crumb Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Apple Crumb Cake: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crumb Cake
8. Apple Crumb Cake

Essential Ingredients for Apple Crumb Cake

Gather these pantry staples for your apple crumb cake. Each plays a key role in texture and taste. Yields 12 servings in a 9×13 pan.

Main Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the tender base of the moist cake batter.
1 tsp baking powder – Helps the cake rise light and fluffy.
1/2 tsp salt – Balances flavors for perfect taste.
1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter smoothly.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Creates rich, moist crumb in the cake.

2 large eggs – Binds and adds structure.
1 tsp vanilla extract – Boosts warm aroma.
1 cup sour cream – Keeps the cake ultra-moist and tender.
3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick – Adds tart juiciness and natural sweetness.
1 tbsp granulated sugar – Tossed with apples for caramelization.

1 tsp ground cinnamon (for apples) – Enhances apple flavor.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for streusel) – Builds the crunchy topping.
3/4 cup brown sugar – Gives chewy sweetness to streusel topping.

1 tsp ground cinnamon (for streusel) – Adds spicy warmth.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel) – Ensures buttery, crumbly texture.

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan

Replace butter with plant-based butter or coconut oil.
Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water each) for eggs.

Swap sour cream for vegan sour cream or coconut yogurt.

Gluten-free

Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for all flour amounts.
Add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum if blend lacks it.

Low-calorie

Reduce sugar to 3/4 cup in batter, use light brown sugar in streusel.
Swap half butter for Greek yogurt or applesauce.
Choose low-fat sour cream.

Quick Ingredient Swap Table
Original	Vegan Swap	GF Swap	Low-Cal Swap
Butter	Plant butter	Same	Half yogurt
Eggs	Flax eggs	Same	Same
Flour	Same	GF blend	Same

How to Prepare the Perfect Apple Crumb Cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these clear steps for moist apple crumb cake success. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan. Total time: 1 hour.

First Step: Prepare the batter dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Set aside. This ensures even rising and no lumps later.

Second Step: Mix the wet batter ingredients

In a large bowl, beat 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup softened butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add 2 eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in 1 tsp vanilla and 1 cup sour cream until smooth. The mixture should be creamy.

Third Step: Combine batter Fold dry ingredients into wet just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. Batter will be thick, like muffin batter.

Prepare the Apples

Fourth Step: Prep apples

Peel and slice 3 medium apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Toss with 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. This prevents browning and adds flavor. Set aside. Firm apples like Granny Smith hold shape best.

Make the Streusel Topping

Fifth Step: Create streusel

In another bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Cut in 1/2 cup cold butter cubes with a fork or pastry blender until pebbly and crumbly. Chill 10 minutes if soft.

Sixth Step: Assemble the cake

Spread half the batter in the prepared pan. Layer apple slices evenly. Top with remaining batter, gently spreading. Sprinkle all streusel over top, pressing lightly.

Seventh Step: Bake

Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes. Check with toothpick in center; it should come out clean or with moist crumbs. Cool in pan 20 minutes on wire rack.

Final Step: Serve

Cut into squares. Enjoy warm with coffee or topped with vanilla ice cream. Store leftovers as below. For extra shine, dust with powdered sugar.

This easy cake recipe shines with practice. Check this incredible apple crumb cake recipe for more inspiration.

Tips during baking: Rotate pan halfway for even browning. If edges brown fast, tent with foil. Perfect for fall baking!

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Apple Crumb Cake

Batter and Main Component Alternatives

Swap all-purpose flour for almond flour in a 1:1 ratio for nutty flavor and lower carbs. Use buttermilk instead of sour cream for tangier moist cake. For egg-free, aquafaba works great. These keep the crumb cake structure intact.

Fruit, Spice, and Sweetener Modifications

Replace apples with pears or berries for seasonal twists. Use Honeycrisp for sweeter notes or Braeburn for crispness. Skip peeling for more fiber. Adjust cinnamon to pumpkin pie spice for warmth. Reduce brown sugar in streusel by 1/4 cup, add oats for chew. Low-sugar? Stevia blend equals 3/4 cup.

These changes suit diet-conscious eaters or picky kids. Test one swap first to nail texture.

Mastering Apple Crumb Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations

Take your apple crumb cake to pro level with these ideas.

Pro cooking techniques: Chill streusel 15 minutes before baking for extra crunch. Use room-temp ingredients for smoother batter. Bake on middle rack for even heat.

Flavor variations: Add chopped pecans to streusel. Infuse batter with apple cider. Try maple syrup in place of some sugar. For chocolate lovers, mix in chips.

Love crumb toppings? Try my blueberry cream cheese crumb cake or cake mix coffee cake for more ideas.

Presentation tips: Serve on a platter dusted with cinnamon sugar. Drizzle caramel sauce. Cut into bars for parties.

Make-ahead options: Assemble 24 hours ahead, bake fresh. Freeze baked cake up to 3 months. Flavors improve next day.

How to Store Apple Crumb Cake: Best Practices

Keep your apple crumb cake fresh with these tips.

Refrigeration: Cool fully, store in airtight container up to 5 days. Crumb stays crisp if not stacked.

Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic and foil, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.

Reheating: Oven at 300°F for 10 minutes restores texture. Microwave 20 seconds max.

Meal prep considerations: Bake batch for week. Label dates. Apples moisten over time, eat within week.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crumb Cake

What is apple crumb cake?

Apple crumb cake is a moist coffee cake topped with a thick layer of buttery cinnamon crumb streusel and filled or topped with fresh apples. It combines tender cake batter, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, and a crunchy topping made from flour, brown sugar, butter, and spices. Perfect for fall baking, it serves 8-12 people and takes about 1 hour total. Unlike smooth cheesecakes, the crumb adds texture contrast. Bake at 350°F for even results. Pair with vanilla ice cream for dessert or enjoy warm for breakfast. This treat highlights seasonal apples while keeping prep simple with basic pantry staples.

What are the best apples for apple crumb cake?

Choose firm, tart apples that hold shape during baking to avoid mushy texture. Top picks include Granny Smith for bright acidity, Honeycrisp for sweet-tart balance, or Braeburn for crispness. Peel and slice into 1/4-inch pieces, about 3-4 medium apples for a 9×13 pan. Toss slices in lemon juice and cinnamon before layering to prevent browning and boost flavor. Avoid soft varieties like Red Delicious, which turn soggy. For variety, mix two types. This ensures juicy bites in every forkful. Prep tip: Core and slice apples right before assembly to maintain freshness.

How do I store apple crumb cake?

Store cooled apple crumb cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate in a covered dish up to 5 days; the crumb stays crisp if you avoid stacking. Freeze slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 300°F for 10 minutes to revive texture. Microwave briefly for quick warm-up, but oven is best for even heating. Note: Apples release moisture over time, so consume within a week. Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Can I make apple crumb cake in advance?

Yes, assemble the cake up to 24 hours ahead: prepare batter and crumb topping separately, store in fridge, then bake fresh. Or bake fully and cool completely before wrapping tightly for up to 2 days at room temp. Freezing unbaked or baked cake works too—thaw before baking or serving. This method saves time for gatherings. Pro tip: Chill crumb topping briefly if it softens, ensuring it bakes golden and crunchy. Flavors deepen after a day, making it ideal for potlucks. Always bring to room temp before slicing for clean cuts.

What’s an easy apple crumb cake recipe for beginners?

Start with a 9×13 pan greased and floured. Whisk 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt for batter. Beat 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 cup sour cream; fold in dry ingredients. Spread half in pan, add 3 sliced apples tossed in 1 tbsp sugar and cinnamon, top with remaining batter. For crumb: mix 1.5 cups flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup butter until pebbly; sprinkle over. Bake 350°F for 45-50 minutes until toothpick clean. Cool 20 minutes before cutting. Yields 12 servings, ready in under an hour.

Apple Crumb Cake Recipe Easy Moist Streusel Topping