The fall season is synonymous with comfort foods that bring warmth and coziness to your home, and there’s no dessert more fitting than a Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a holiday dinner, or simply looking to indulge on a cozy weeknight, this cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweet tartness of apples, the warming spice of cinnamon, and the buttery goodness of a crumb topping. This cake not only makes your house smell amazing as it bakes, but it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks stunning on the table.
Ingredients Breakdown
To make this irresistible Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake, you’ll need:
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or a square baking pan and set it aside.
2. Make the Crumb Topping:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the ingredients form a crumbly texture. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Using an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the batter.
- Spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer, then smooth it out again.
- Finally, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake.
5. Bake:
Bake the cake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the crumb topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
6. Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!
Helpful Tips and Substitutions
- Apples: If you don’t have Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, feel free to use your favorite variety. Just make sure the apples are firm to hold up well during baking.
- Buttermilk Substitute: No buttermilk? No problem! You can substitute it by mixing ½ cup of milk with ½ tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
- Crumb Topping: For a nuttier version, add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.
- Gluten-Free Variation: To make this cake gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make-Ahead: This cake can be baked a day in advance. Store it at room temperature covered in plastic wrap or foil. The flavors actually develop overnight, making it even tastier!
- Storage: The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw and warm in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even mulled cider. For a more indulgent treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Its soft, moist interior and crisp crumb topping make it an ideal dessert for any occasion, from a simple weeknight family dinner to a grand holiday celebration.
Why You’ll Love Making This Recipe
This cake is the perfect balance between simple and special. It doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, but the result feels like a gourmet bakery treat. The combination of juicy apples and cinnamon is nostalgic, making this cake both comforting and irresistible. Plus, the crumb topping adds just the right amount of crunch to complement the tender cake base. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and yields consistently impressive results.
FAQs and Variations
Can I use a different fruit?
Yes! Pears, peaches, or even berries would work beautifully in place of apples. Just make sure to adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
Can I make this cake vegan?
To make this cake vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons of water per egg), and use a non-dairy milk such as almond or soy milk with lemon juice in place of buttermilk.
What can I do if I don’t have a springform pan?
A square or round 9-inch pan will work just fine. If you want to double the recipe, you can use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time as needed.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar in both the crumb topping and the cake if you prefer a less sweet version. Cutting back ¼ cup of sugar from the batter and a couple of tablespoons from the topping won’t compromise the structure of the cake.
Why This Recipe Will Be a Hit
Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, hosting a brunch, or just looking for a comforting fall dessert, this Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake checks all the boxes. It’s simple enough to make on a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve at a festive gathering. The flavor of cinnamon-infused apples combined with the buttery crumb topping makes this cake an absolute showstopper. Everyone who tastes it will be asking for the recipe, and you’ll love how easy it is to whip up this crowd-pleasing dessert.