Name: Apple Crumble Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk; 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji); 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; Optional: 1/4 cup rolled oats or chopped nuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is a triple win: soft cake base, juicy apple pieces, and a crispy crumble topping that adds irresistible texture and flavor. It’s incredibly easy to make and uses simple pantry staples. Apple Crumble Cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s just as good fresh out of the oven as it is the next day, making it great for entertaining or baking ahead.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg (optional)
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Milk or buttermilk
Apples (peeled and chopped; Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)

For the crumble topping:

All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Cold unsalted butter (cubed)
Optional: rolled oats or chopped nuts

Directions

Preheat the oven and grease a square or round cake pan. Line with parchment paper if desired.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped apples and pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
For the crumble, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly. Mix in oats or nuts if using.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cake batter.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Let cool before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 9 to 12 servings. Prep time is approximately 20 minutes, baking time is 40 to 45 minutes. Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Variations

Add a glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze or caramel sauce after baking.
Use whole wheat flour: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a slightly heartier texture.
Add raisins or cranberries: Mix dried fruit into the batter or topping for added flavor.
Spiced version: Increase cinnamon and add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for extra warmth.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan: Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives, and egg replacers like flaxseed or applesauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. You can also freeze the cake (whole or sliced) for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

What kind of apples work best for crumble cake?

Tart-firm apples like Granny Smith or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji hold their shape and flavor during baking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well and tastes great the next day. It’s a perfect make-ahead option for brunch or gatherings.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave the peels on for a more rustic look.

Can I use oil instead of butter in the cake?

Yes, neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil can be used, though butter gives better flavor.

Is the crumble supposed to be crunchy?

Yes, the crumble should be golden and slightly crisp. It adds texture contrast to the soft cake.

Can I bake this in a loaf pan?

Yes, but adjust the baking time—loaf cakes may need up to 55–60 minutes to bake through.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Check for doneness around 45–50 minutes.

Can I make muffins with this batter?

Absolutely—divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes.

How do I keep the crumble from sinking?

Make sure the crumble is well chilled before baking and avoid pressing it into the batter.

Can I use canned apples?

Fresh apples are best, but drained canned apples can work in a pinch. Reduce sugar slightly if using sweetened canned apples.

Conclusion

Apple Crumble Cake is a cozy, flavorful dessert that brings together the best parts of cake and fruit crumble. It’s versatile, simple to make, and always a hit whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed with a morning coffee. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your baking routine.