Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

There’s something magical about the first cool morning when fall whispers its arrival, and suddenly you’re craving everything apple-flavored. Apple crumb cake captures that feeling perfectly—it’s like autumn wrapped in buttery, cinnamon-scented layers. This isn’t just any ordinary cake; it’s a breakfast indulgence that doubles as dessert, loaded with tender cinnamon apples and an absolutely generous helping of crumb topping that’ll make your neighbors peek over the fence.

Think of it as the sophisticated cousin of coffee cake, but with personality. The kind of cake that makes you want to brew a strong cup of coffee, find a cozy spot by the window, and savor every single crumb. And trust me, there will be plenty of crumbs to savor.

What Makes Apple Crumb Cake So Special?

Unlike regular apple cake where fruit gets mixed into the batter, this beauty takes a different approach. The apples sit proudly on top of a rich, sour cream-based cake, creating distinct layers of flavor and texture. You get the moist, buttery cake base, then a layer of warm cinnamon apples, and finally—the star of the show—a mountain of crumb topping that’s practically a dessert unto itself.

This New York-style approach means every bite gives you something different. Sometimes you’ll get a forkful of tender cake, other times you’ll hit the apple jackpot, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get that perfect bite with all three layers working in harmony. It’s like a flavor symphony, and honestly, it never gets old.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

The beauty of this apple crumb cake lies in its straightforward ingredient list. You probably have most of these items in your kitchen right now, which makes this recipe perfect for those spontaneous baking moments when apple cravings strike.

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cake:

• 2 and 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 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups peeled, chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional but Recommended:

• Maple icing, vanilla icing, or caramel icing for drizzling

Which Apples Work Best for This Recipe?

Here’s where you can get a little creative, though some apples definitely shine brighter than others in this cake. You’ll need about two medium apples, and the variety you choose can really influence the final flavor profile.

If you love a bit of tartness to balance the sweet crumb topping, go for Granny Smith apples. They hold their shape beautifully during baking and provide that perfect sweet-tart contrast. Braeburn and Jonathan apples also fall into this category and work wonderfully.

On the sweeter side, Jazz, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady apples bring their own charm. Gala and Fuji apples are reliable choices too—mild, sweet, and they bake up tender without turning mushy. The key is using apples you actually enjoy eating fresh, because that flavor will only intensify when they’re baked with cinnamon and nestled into this cake.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake?

Don’t let the multiple components intimidate you—this cake comes together more easily than you might think. The process is straightforward, and each step builds naturally into the next. Plus, most of the work happens before the oven does its magic.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly, or line it with parchment paper if you prefer easy removal. Set this aside while you work on the components. Trust me, having everything ready before you start mixing makes the whole process much smoother.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. The mixture should look evenly combined—no streaks of cinnamon hiding anywhere. Pour in that melted butter and stir until everything looks wet and slightly clumpy.

Now comes the fun part: add the flour and use a fork to gently mix until you get those coveted crumbles. Don’t overmix here—you want some larger chunks and some smaller pieces. This variety in crumb size is what creates interesting texture in the finished cake.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture can sit patiently while you work on the wet ingredients, so set it aside for now.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using either a handheld mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat that softened butter and granulated sugar together on high speed. You’re looking for smooth and creamy—this usually takes about 2 minutes. Don’t rush this step; proper creaming creates the cake’s foundation.

Step 5: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Beat everything on medium-high speed until combined. Here’s where things might look a little scary—the mixture could appear curdled or separated. Don’t panic! This is completely normal and will smooth out once you add the dry ingredients.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Switch your mixer to low speed and gradually mix in those dry ingredients. Mix just until the batter looks smooth—overmixing leads to tough cake, and nobody wants that. The batter will be thick, almost like a very soft cookie dough. This thickness is exactly what you want for supporting all those apple and crumb layers.

Step 7: Prepare the Apples

Toss your chopped apples with that quarter teaspoon of cinnamon. This light coating helps distribute flavor and gives the apples a head start on their cinnamon magic. The pieces should look evenly coated—not drowning in cinnamon, just lightly dusted.

Step 8: Layer Everything in the Pan

Spread the thick batter evenly in your prepared pan. It’ll take some coaxing with a spatula, but don’t worry about making it perfectly smooth. Next, distribute those cinnamon-coated apples evenly over the batter surface.

Finally, the grand finale: sprinkle that gorgeous crumb topping over everything. Here’s a crucial tip—use a rubber spatula or the back of a large spoon to gently press the crumb topping into the cake. This helps it stick during baking instead of sliding around.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your cake into that preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it, especially toward the end. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.

Step 10: Cool and Finish

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30-45 minutes before slicing. This cooling time helps everything set properly. If you’re adding icing, wait until the cake has cooled to avoid melting it instantly.

How Long Does Apple Crumb Cake Stay Fresh?

Properly stored apple crumb cake keeps beautifully for up to five days in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent it from picking up other flavors from your fridge.

The cake actually improves after a day or two as the flavors meld together. The apples soften slightly more, and the crumb topping settles into the cake just enough while still maintaining its delightful texture contrast.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to three months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can grab a single serving whenever that apple crumb cake craving hits. Just thaw at room temperature for about an hour, and it’s ready to enjoy.

Tips

Room temperature ingredients matter more than you might think. Cold eggs and sour cream don’t incorporate well into the batter, leading to lumpy, unevenly mixed cake. Take everything out of the fridge about an hour before you start baking.

When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly from the bag. Scooping packs too much flour into your measuring cup, resulting in dense, heavy cake. Spoon flour lightly into your measuring cup, then level it off with a knife.

Don’t skip pressing the crumb topping into the cake before baking. This simple step prevents the crumbs from sliding around during baking and ensures they stay put when you slice the cake later.

If your cake starts browning too quickly on top but isn’t quite done in the center, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This allows the center to finish cooking without over-browning the surface.

Let the cake cool properly before slicing. I know it’s tempting to dig in immediately, but cutting into hot cake results in crumbly, messy slices. Patience pays off with clean, beautiful pieces that showcase all those lovely layers.

What’s the Best Time to Serve This Cake?

Apple crumb cake breaks all the traditional dessert rules in the most delightful way. It’s perfectly acceptable for breakfast with your morning coffee, especially on weekend mornings when you have time to savor each bite. The cake provides enough substance to feel like a real breakfast while delivering the sweet satisfaction usually reserved for dessert.

Afternoon tea or coffee calls for apple crumb cake too. It pairs beautifully with hot beverages, and the portion sizes work well for casual entertaining. Guests can easily help themselves to squares without needing plates and forks for a more formal dessert presentation.

Evening dessert is obviously fair game, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The warmth of the cinnamon and apples makes it particularly appealing during cooler months when you want something comforting after dinner.

Holiday brunches showcase this cake perfectly. It feeds a crowd, looks impressive on a buffet table, and appeals to both the cake lovers and the fruit dessert enthusiasts in your family. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, which reduces morning-of preparation stress.

This apple crumb cake represents everything wonderful about home baking—it’s generous, comforting, and brings people together around the table. The combination of tender cake, sweet-tart apples, and that incredible crumb topping creates something truly special. Whether you’re treating yourself to a quiet morning indulgence or sharing it with a crowd, every slice delivers pure autumn bliss wrapped in buttery, cinnamon-scented perfection.