When fall arrives, nothing beats the comforting aroma of apple crumb cake baking in the oven. With a soft, moist cake base layered with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a thick, buttery crumble, this recipe is a cozy treat that works for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you enjoy it with morning coffee or serve it warm with ice cream after dinner, this crumb cake delivers pure autumn comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and flavorful thanks to fresh apples and warm spices.
• Thick buttery crumb topping for the ultimate texture contrast.
• Works for breakfast, brunch, snack, or dessert.
• Make-ahead friendly for holidays and gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups peeled, diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2 – Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugars, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. Set aside.

Step 3 – Prepare the Cake Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Mix in sour cream until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 4 – Assemble the Cake

Spread half the batter into the prepared pan. Layer with apples. Add remaining batter and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the top.

Step 5 – Bake

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Tips for the Best Apple Crumb Cake

• Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
• Add a drizzle of warm caramel before serving for extra indulgence.
• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair with coffee or spiced tea for a cozy autumn morning. This cake also makes a great addition to holiday brunch tables.

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