Name: Apple Crumb Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (cake); 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup sugar; 3/4 cup plant-based milk or dairy milk; 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups apples, peeled and chopped; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (crumb topping); 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup melted butter

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Apple crumb cake is a moist, tender cake layered with juicy apples and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb that melts in my mouth. It’s a perfect blend of comforting flavors and textures—soft cake, sweet-tart apples, and a crisp topping—that makes every bite irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this cake brings together the warmth of fall spices and the freshness of apples. It’s simple to make, but it feels like something special every time I serve it. The crumb topping adds the perfect crunch, and the cake itself stays soft for days. Whether I enjoy it for breakfast, a midday snack, or dessert with a cup of tea or coffee, it always hits the spot. Plus, it fills my kitchen with the most amazing smell while it bakes. Apple Crumb Cake

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Sugar
Plant-based milk or dairy milk
Vegetable oil or melted butter
Apples (peeled and chopped)
Vanilla extract

For the crumb topping:

All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Melted butter

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square or round baking dish.
I mix the dry cake ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and sugar—in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, I combine the milk, oil (or butter), and vanilla extract, then pour it into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
I gently fold in the chopped apples and spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
For the crumb topping, I stir together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then mix in the melted butter until crumbly.
I sprinkle the crumb topping over the cake batter.
I bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
I let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. It’s amazing warm, but just as good at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This cake makes about 9 generous squares or 8 slices if using a round pan. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 40–45 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in about an hour.

Variations

I sometimes add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
For a more indulgent treat, I drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and plant milk.
I’ve also made this with a mix of apples and pears for a twist on the classic.
A touch of nutmeg or allspice gives the cake an extra autumnal flavor.
If I want a richer base, I substitute some of the milk with sour cream or yogurt.

storage/reheating

I store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered tightly. After that, I move it to the fridge, where it stays fresh for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. It also freezes well—just wrap it tightly and thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving. Apple Crumb Cake

FAQs

What kind of apples are best for apple crumb cake?

I like to use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake it a day ahead. It actually tastes even better after sitting overnight, as the flavors deepen.

How do I keep the crumb topping crunchy?

I make sure not to overmix the crumb topping and bake the cake uncovered so it stays crisp. Reheating in the oven rather than the microwave helps preserve the crunch too.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, I substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It turns out great with minimal changes to texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I double all the ingredients and bake it in a 9×13 inch pan. It may need an extra 5–10 minutes in the oven.

Conclusion

Apple crumb cake is one of those timeless, crowd-pleasing recipes I can make again and again. With its tender crumb, fresh apples, and spiced topping, it’s a comforting treat for any season. Whether I serve it warm from the oven or enjoy a slice the next day with coffee, it always brings a little joy to the table.