Apple Crumb Cake

This Apple Crumb Cake is the ultimate dessert, perfect for any occasion. With its moist vanilla cinnamon cake, sweet cinnamon sugar apples, a crumbly topping, and a drizzle of maple glaze, it’s a treat that will make your taste buds dance. This delightful cake combines warm spices and comforting flavors, making it a go-to recipe for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile Dessert: This Apple Crumb Cake fits perfectly for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.
• Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavor and texture, this cake is simple to prepare with accessible ingredients.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and apples creates a warm and inviting taste that everyone will love.
• Moist and Tender: Thanks to the sour cream and butter, each bite of this cake is soft and moist.
• Perfectly Spiced: The warm spices elevate the cake, creating a comforting dessert that feels like home.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Apple Crumb Cake effortlessly, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process and great results every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Electric mixer
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort while ensuring that your batter is well-mixed for a light texture.
• Baking pan: A sturdy pan ensures even baking and prevents sticking, which is crucial for achieving that perfect crumb.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

• 4 small or 3 large red gala apple, diced
• 1 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping

• 120 g all-purpose flour
• 200 g dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 85 g butter, room temperature

For the Cake Batter

• 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 Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a bowl, combine diced apples with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. Toss until apples are evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping

1. In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and room-temperature butter.
2. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. Set aside.

Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
2. Layer with apple filling over the batter.
3. Top with remaining batter followed by crumb topping.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Bake in preheated oven for about 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Make the Maple Glaze

While the cake cools:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, sour cream, vanilla extract, and water until smooth.
2. Adjust consistency by adding more water if needed.

Step 8: Drizzle Glaze Over Cake

Once cooled completely on a cooling rack, drizzle maple glaze over your beautiful Apple Crumb Cake before slicing into squares for serving.

Enjoy every bite of this delicious 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 prefer it warm or at room temperature, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve a slice warm from the oven topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

• A light drizzle of maple syrup on top adds extra sweetness and enhances the cake’s flavors.

Paired with Whipped Cream

• Homemade or store-bought whipped cream provides a light and airy contrast to the dense crumb cake.

Garnished with Fresh Apples

• Fresh apple slices on the side not only add color but also enhance the apple flavor in the cake.

Served with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoying Apple Crumb Cake with a cup of coffee or tea can elevate your dessert experience, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings.

How to Perfect Apple Crumb Cake

Perfecting your Apple Crumb Cake can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you achieve bakery-level results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined prevents tough cake. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Choose Fresh Apples: Opt for firm apples like Gala for the best flavor and texture. Fresh apples hold their shape during baking.
• Add Extra Cinnamon: For an enhanced spice flavor, consider adding an additional sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter or topping.
• Cool Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool completely before drizzling with glaze; this prevents it from melting into the cake.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Crumb Cake

When serving Apple Crumb Cake, consider these tasty side dishes that complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cake creates a rich, decadent experience.
3. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad adds freshness and contrasts well with the dense texture of the crumb cake.
4. Greek Yogurt
   Plain Greek yogurt provides a tangy flavor that cuts through the sweetness while adding protein.
5. Nutty Granola
   Sprinkle some crunchy granola on top for added texture and nutty flavors that pair well with apples.
6. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese complements the sweet spices in the cake nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Apple Crumb Cake, avoiding common mistakes will ensure a perfect dessert every time. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients – Cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your cake. Always use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation and moisture.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Too much flour can lead to a dry cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping the crumb topping – The crumb topping adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step; it’s crucial for that delightful crunch!
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Opening the oven door too often – Frequent checking can cause temperature fluctuations. Keep the oven door closed during baking to ensure even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Apple Crumb Cake in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Crumb Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Apple Crumb Cake

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making an Apple Crumb Cake:

What apples are best for Apple Crumb Cake?

For the best flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Gala. A mix of both gives great depth.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition without compromising texture.

How can I make my Apple Crumb Cake more moist?

Adding extra sour cream or using oil helps keep your cake moist. Ensure not to overbake as well.

Can I make this Apple Crumb Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature, which allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumb Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or raisins, or experimenting with different spices. Its warm flavors make it perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. Try this recipe today and enjoy a slice of dessert paradise!