Apple Crumb Cake

This Apple Crumb Cake is an irresistible dessert that combines a moist vanilla cinnamon cake with warm, cinnamon sugar apples and a delightful crumb topping. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or just a cozy night in, this cake brings comfort and joy with every bite. The addition of a luscious maple glaze elevates it to dessert paradise, making it a standout treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and warm spices creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this delicious cake with confidence.
• Versatile Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a family gathering, this cake fits perfectly for any event.
• Mouthwatering Topping: The crumb topping adds texture and taste, making each slice even more enjoyable.
• Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the sour cream and butter, the cake remains moist and tender throughout.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started on your Apple Crumb Cake, gather your tools and equipment. These essentials will help ensure your baking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling or mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time.
• Whisk: Perfect for incorporating air into the batter for fluffiness.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan helps distribute heat evenly for perfect baking.

Ingredients

For this delightful Apple Crumb Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Apple Filling

• 4 small or 3 large red gala apples (diced)
• 1 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cake Batter

• 120 g all-purpose flour
• 200 g dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 85 g butter (room temperature)
• 340 g all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 125 g butter (room temperature)
• 225 g granulated sugar
• 3 eggs (room temperature)
• 225 g sour cream (14-18%, room temperature)
• 40 g vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil)
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze

• 125 g powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp sour cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tsp water

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the diced apples with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Toss them well to coat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, mix together dark brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and softened butter. Use your hands or a fork to blend until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together room temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Spread half of the cake batter into a greased baking pan. Layer with spiced apples followed by the remaining batter on top. Finish with an even layer of crumb topping.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Bake in preheated oven for about 70 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling before glazing.

Step 7: Prepare Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, sour cream, vanilla extract, and enough water to achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle over cooled cake before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Crumb Cake!

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake

Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture and balances the rich flavors of the cake.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• The creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the warm crumb cake, creating a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

• Enhance the sweetness by drizzling pure maple syrup over each slice for an extra touch of flavor.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Pairing slices of apple crumb cake with fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, offers a refreshing addition.

Accompanied by Tea or Coffee

• Enjoying a slice with a warm cup of tea or coffee complements the spices in the cake beautifully.

How to Perfect Apple Crumb Cake

Perfecting your Apple Crumb Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out just right every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing eggs, butter, and sour cream to room temperature helps them mix more evenly, producing a better texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.

• Choose Fresh Apples: Using crisp, fresh apples enhances the flavor and texture. Gala apples are sweet and hold up well during baking.

• Add Extra Cinnamon for Flavor: If you love cinnamon, consider adding an extra sprinkle to both the apple filling and the crumb topping for added depth.

• Let It Cool Before Slicing: Allowing the cake to cool completely helps it set up properly and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Crumb Cake

Apple Crumb Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy yogurt adds tanginess that contrasts nicely with the sweet cake.

2. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice creates an indulgent treat sure to please any sweet tooth.

3. Mixed Nuts: A handful of lightly salted mixed nuts provides crunch and balance against the moist cake.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: These crispy treats echo the cinnamon flavor in the cake while adding a fun texture.

5. Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits brings freshness and brightness that complements the rich dessert.

6. Chai Tea: This spiced tea enhances the warm flavors in the cake and makes for a cozy pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Apple Crumb Cake can be a challenge. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring apple variety: Not all apples are created equal. Use sweet and tart varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp for the best flavor.
• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix only until ingredients are combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Skipping the crumb topping: The crumb topping adds texture and flavor. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for that classic crumb cake experience.
• Not letting the cake cool: Cutting into a warm cake can make it fall apart. Allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing for clean pieces.
• Improper measuring of flour: Too much flour can make your cake dry. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accurate measurements.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Apple Crumb Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Apple Crumb Cake

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Crumb Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat each slice on medium power for about 30-45 seconds, checking regularly to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes, allowing the cake to warm evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Apple Crumb Cake:

Can I use different types of apples in my Apple Crumb Cake?

Yes, you can experiment with different apple varieties. Mixing sweet and tart apples enhances the flavor profile of your cake.

How do I know when my Apple Crumb Cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based sour cream and butter alternatives to create a vegan version of this delicious dessert.

What if I don’t have dark brown sugar?

Light brown sugar can be used as a substitute. You may also add a little molasses to mimic the flavor of dark brown sugar.

How do I store leftover Apple Crumb Cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumb Cake recipe is not only delightful but also versatile. With its moist vanilla base, spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping, it’s sure to impress at any gathering. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or experimenting with different spices!