Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (180ml) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons whole milk (if needed)
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala)

Ingredients for the Crumb Topping

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Optional Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan or square baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine:

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Add the cold butter cubes.

Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.

Place the crumb topping in the refrigerator while preparing the cake batter.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Set aside.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine the Batter

Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed.

Stir in the sour cream.

Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix just until combined.

If the batter seems very thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk.

Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Sprinkle the chilled crumb topping generously over the batter, covering the entire surface.

Press the topping down lightly so it adheres to the batter.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

If the topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and let it cool completely before glazing or slicing.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)

Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Drizzle over the cooled cake just before serving.

Optional Variations

Caramel Apple Crumb Cake

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the finished cake for a rich, indulgent dessert.

Apple Walnut Crumb Cake

Fold ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra crunch.

Apple Cranberry Crumb Cake

Add ½ cup fresh or dried cranberries for a sweet-tart twist.

Maple Apple Crumb Cake

Replace the vanilla glaze with a maple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Apple Cake

Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese over the batter before adding the crumb topping for an extra creamy filling.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Crumb Cake is delicious served with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Vanilla yogurt
• Hot coffee
• Chai tea
• Apple cider
• Hot chocolate
• Fresh berries

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slightly before serving.

Tips for the Best Apple Crumb Cake

• Use firm baking apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn for the best texture.
• Keep the butter for the crumb topping cold to create a crisp, crumbly streusel.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
• Dice the apples into small, even pieces so they bake evenly.
• Let the cake cool before slicing to help it set properly.
• Add chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch.
• For an extra bakery-style finish, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 395
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 32g