Apple Cinnamon Crumble Cake (Easy & Perfect for Fall!)
Warm Comfort in Every Bite
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:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
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Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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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.
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Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
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Apple Filling: In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with the sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
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Spread the apple filling evenly over the cake batter.
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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.
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Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apple filling.
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Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the crumble topping is golden brown.
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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.