Let’s talk comfort food. What is that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you bite into something that tastes like pure vanilla? Forget Apple Pie for a minute – we’re diving headfirst into my Grandma Elsie’s legendary Apple Pie. Think of it as the best parts of apple crisp swirled into a moist, tender cake. I promise, once you make it, it’ll become a fall staple. I’ve tweaked it a little over the years (Grandma Elsie always used lard, bless her heart! ), but the heart of the recipe, that unmistakable apple-cinnamon magic, is all hers. What are some of the best Apple recipes?
What is an apple crumble cake?
What is Apple Crumble Cake? What’s a spiced cake batter that gets layered with cinnamon-y apples? What is the best way to serve a streusel? Think of it as a hybrid between Coffee Cake and apple crisp. Is it as good as a pie? The beauty of it is in the textures – the soft cake, the tender apples, and that irresistible aroma. What are some crunchy topping My grandma always made it with tart Granny Smith apples, but honestly, any baking apple will work. Is it that kind of forgiving, adaptable recipe? If you have apples that need using up, this is the cake to make!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? First, the flavor is incredible. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg making everything cozy and comforting. The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and tender apples.
Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Don’t let the layers intimidate you – it’s much simpler than it looks! You basically make a batter, a filling, and a crumble, then layer them all together and bake. Seriously, even beginner bakers can nail this.
Third, it’s relatively budget-friendly. Apples are usually pretty affordable, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. Plus, it makes a big cake, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for days (if it lasts that long!).
What I love *most* about this is how nostalgic it is. Every bite takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen, filled with the smell of baking apples and cinnamon. It’s a taste of home, and I hope it becomes that for you too. This beats apple pie in my book simply because of the ease and the crumble topping. What could be better?
How do I make an apple crumble cake?
Quick Overview
What is the game plan? How do I make a simple Cake Batter, with an apple filling, and with buttery crumble? I’ll bake everything in a pan until golden brown and bubbly. What are some tips to make sure the apples are cooked through before serving? Don’t be scared – it’s easier than you think! What’s the best way to cook a turkey in the oven?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
* 2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached for a slightly nutty flavor. * 1 teaspoon baking soda: Make sure it’s fresh! * 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances sweetness. * 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Real butter is key here. * 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar: You can reduce this slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake. * 2 large eggs: Room temperature is best. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Use the good stuff! * 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. How do I make a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes?
For the Filling:
* 6 cups peeled and diced apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work great. I usually do a mix! * 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adjust to taste depending on the tartness of your apples. * 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling. Don’t skip the cinnamon! * 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, cozy flavor. * 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the apples caramelize.
For the Crumble Topping:
* 1 cup all-purpose flour: Again, unbleached is my preference. * 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Adds a caramel-y sweetness. Cold butter is essential for a crumbly topping. * 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional). Adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
What are the steps of
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it – it makes things so much easier! Make sure to get into all the corners to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. How do you whisk baking soda evenly? What is the best way to make a fluffy cake?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is the best way to make a dough with an electric mixer? Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted, otherwise your cake may be greasy.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning with salt and pepper. Mix well. And ending with the dry ingredients. How do you make a hard cake? I usually mix until there are just a few streaks of flour left, then finish mixing by hand.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter. Set aside. Toss to coat evenly. I like to use my hands for this – it’s the easiest way to make sure all the apples are coated.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do you spread the cake batter in a pan? Then, sprinkle the apple filling over the batter. Dollop the remaining batter over the apple filling and gently spread it out. It doesn’t have to be perfect! Now, sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with foil. I always check for doneness around 45 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary. When the center of the cake springs back when touched, it is done.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Can you add a glaze if you like (powdered sugar and milk), but it’s delicious without it too! If you glaze it, wait until the cake is mostly cooled so the glaze doesn’t melt completely.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Is this cake good with vanilla ice cream? I love it with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What are some ideas for making Apple Crumble Cake? What makes it special is the fact thatFor Breakfast:Serve a slice of apple slices with warm apple cider or latte. What is the best way to start a cold autumn day? I sometimes drizzle a little maple syrup over it for an extra touch of sweetness.For Brunch:Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to your favorite dessert. What are some good side dishes to serve with bacon or sausage? What are some great additions to a sparkling cider?As Dessert:What are some good ways to serve caramel ice cream with caramel sauce? What is decadence? What is the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine or herbal tea?For Cozy Snacks:Serve a slice with hot chocolate or mulled wine. What is the ultimate comfort food for a cold winter evening? My kids love to have milk after school. Isn’t it delicious? My family always serves this at Thanksgiving in place of apple pie and it disappears within minutes. What makes a house smell good?
How do I make a perfect apple crumble cake?
Want to make sure your Apple Crumble Cake turns out perfect every time? Here are a few of my top tips:
Apple Prep: Dice your apples into evenly sized pieces so they cook evenly. If you’re using a mix of apple varieties, start with the firmer ones first, as they’ll take longer to cook. I also like to toss the diced apples with a little lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
Mixing Advice:Do not overmix cake batter, as this can result in a tough cake. I don’t care for streaks of flour. Mix until just combined. How do you make buttermilk cake?Crumble Customization: For a more decadent crumble topping, add a sprinkle of rolled oats or chopped nuts. You can also experiment with different spices, like cardamom or ginger. I sometimes add a pinch of salt to the crumble topping to balance the sweetness.
Ingredient Swaps:If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use plain yogurt instead. Can you substitute butter for oil in cake batter? For a vegan version, you can use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.Baking Tips:If the topping starts to brown too quickly, keep an eye on it. If you want to protect a pan from the elements, cover it with foil. The cake is done when a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with several moist or dry ingredients. What are the crumbsGlaze Variations:For a simple glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add a splash of vanilla extract, lemon juice, or maple syrup for extra flavor. For a thicker glaze, use less milk. I tried this glaze with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to enjoy your Apple Crumble Cake for days to come? Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered tightly. After 2 days, it’s best to refrigerate it to prevent it from spoiling.
Refrigerator Storage: The cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, stored in an airtight container. Let it come to room temperature before serving, or warm it up slightly in the microwave.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cake, it’s best to wait to glaze it until after it’s thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy. You can also freeze individual slices for a quick and easy dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Apple Crumble Cake a try! It’s one of those recipes that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face and fill your home with the most amazing aroma. It’s that taste of home, and I hope it becomes that for you too. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake or my Blueberry Streusel Muffins. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any fun variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Happy baking!
Apple Recipes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups diced apples
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine apples, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Cook over medium heat until apples are tender.
