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Apple Crumb Cake
Why Make This Recipe
Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. This cake is not just easy to make, but it also uses ingredients that are often already in your pantry. The combination of diced apples, the sweet crumble topping, and a simple drizzle adds a wonderful texture and flavor. This cake is perfect for sharing with family and friends during gatherings or on a cozy afternoon with a cup of coffee or tea.
Making this Apple Crumb Cake means creating something special without the need for fancy techniques or ingredients. It’s a great choice for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a simple and satisfying treat. Plus, the aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen will make it impossible to resist!
How to Make Apple Crumb Cake
Creating the perfect Apple Crumb Cake begins with gathering the right ingredients and following the steps carefully. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need along with the exact steps to make this delicious recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for drizzle)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for drizzle)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts (if using), and an additional 1/2 cup of brown sugar to create the crumb topping. Sprinkle over the batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- For the drizzle, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.
How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake
Serving Apple Crumb Cake is simple and enjoyable. You can cut it into squares or rectangles and place them on a nice platter. It’s perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert after dinner. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve it warm for a comforting treat, using a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a classic pairing.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful finish.
- Offer a side of whipped cream for a little extra indulgence.
- Pair with tea or coffee to bring out the flavors.
How to Store Apple Crumb Cake
To keep your Apple Crumb Cake fresh, follow these storage tips:
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Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a few days, store it at room temperature in an airtight container. This keeps it moist and flavorful.
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Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake. Ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out. It can last up to a week in the fridge.
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Freezer: If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze the Apple Crumb Cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it slightly in the oven.
Tips to Make Apple Crumb Cake
Here are some tips to enhance your Apple Crumb Cake:
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Choose Good Apples: Use apples that have a good balance of sweetness and tartness, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. This will enhance the flavor and texture of your cake.
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Grate the Apples: For a different texture, consider grating the apples instead of dicing them. This can give the cake a moister and denser feel.
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Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add other spices like nutmeg or cloves to the batter for added depth of flavor.
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Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, consider reducing the amount of granulated and brown sugar slightly.
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Add a Crunch: If you love texture, try adding more nuts to the crumb topping or even mixing some into the batter.
Variation
While the classic Apple Crumb Cake is excellent as is, you can make many fun variations. Here are a few ideas:
- Fruit Mix: Replace some of the apples with other fruits like pears or berries for a twist on flavors.
- Spiced Rum: For an adult version, add a splash of spiced rum to the batter or drizzle some rum frosting on top for added flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Swap the powdered sugar drizzle for a warmed caramel drizzle to create a rich, indulgent taste.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to make the cake gluten-free. Make sure to check the other ingredients to be gluten-free, too.
FAQs
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! You can use pears, peaches, or even berries for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the sugar if the fruits are sweeter.
2. How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If it has batter on it, continue baking and check every 5 minutes.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make this cake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
4. Is it necessary to add the nuts?
No, adding nuts is optional. If you prefer a nut-free cake, simply leave them out, and the cake will still be delicious!
5. Can this cake be served cold?
Yes, you can serve it cold from the refrigerator too. However, many people enjoy it warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Apple Crumb Cake is a fantastic choice for dessert lovers. The sweet aroma, tender texture, and delightful flavor check all the boxes for a comforting treat. Whether you choose to stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, this cake is bound to impress everyone who tries it!
Print
Apple Crumb Cake
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert featuring tender cake with a sweet crumble topping and a drizzle that enhances flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for drizzle)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts (if using), and an additional 1/2 cup of brown sugar to create the crumb topping. Sprinkle over the batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- For the drizzle, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with ice cream, dust with powdered sugar, or enjoy with a side of whipped cream and your favorite beverage.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: apple cake, dessert, crumb cake, easy recipe, baking, sweet treat
