Apple Cinnamon Crumble Cake (Easy & Perfect for Fall!)

Craving a cozy fall treat that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Apple Crumble Cake. This beauty features a tender cake base layered with juicy apples and a delightful crumble topping, offering a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite.

Effortless Elegance:

Don’t be intimidated by fancy baking techniques. This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal mixing and readily available ingredients. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or busy weeknights when you still deserve a homemade treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Simple to Bake: No complicated steps or special equipment are needed. This recipe is all about enjoying the delicious results without the hassle.
• Fall Flavors at their Finest: Warm cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg mingle with the sweetness of apples, creating a taste bud party reminiscent of crisp autumn days.
• Endless Variations: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties, add chopped nuts for extra crunch, or drizzle a simple glaze over the finished cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Perfect for Sharing: This cake is generous enough to share with loved ones, making it ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or simply enjoying a delightful dessert with family and friends.
• Warm or Chilled Delight: This cake is equally satisfying served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed chilled for a refreshing afternoon treat.

Ingredients (for a 9×13 inch baking pan):

• Cake Base: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, ½ cup softened butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 cup buttermilk
• Apple Filling: 4-5 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work well), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• Crumble Topping: ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup rolled oats (old-fashioned preferred), ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup cold and cubed unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.

2. Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

6. Apple Filling: In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with the sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).

7. Spread the apple filling evenly over the cake batter.

8. Crumble Topping: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, combine the flour, oats, and brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

9. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apple filling.

10. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the crumble topping is golden brown.

11. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• Thicker apple filling? Add a tablespoon of cornstarch or quick-cooking tapioca to the apple mixture.
• Juicy apples? To prevent excess moisture, sprinkle them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the filling.
• Prevent topping from burning: Tent the cake loosely with foil for the first 20-25 minutes of baking.

Final Thoughts:

This Apple Crumble Cake is a celebration of fall flavors in a delightfully simple dessert. With its tender cake, juicy apples, and irresistible crumble topping, it’s sure to become a new favorite for cozy gatherings or a heartwarming personal treat.