Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

The Best Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

If you’re on a quest for the perfect apple crumb cake, look no further. Anna’s Best Apple Crumb Cake is a dessert lover’s dream come true, packed with succulent apples and topped with a crumb layer that is simply irresistible. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to an elegant dinner party. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready in under an hour. Let’s dive into the details of this wonderful recipe.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon baking soda
⅛ teaspoon salt
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons milk
¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ cup + 2 teaspoons vegetable or canola oil
1 large egg
2 to 3 medium apples (washed, peeled, cored, and sliced; Red Delicious and Golden Delicious recommended)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For the Topping:

⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
1½ cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:
- Grease and flour an 8-inch round springform pan and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Make the Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and flour.
- Add the melted and cooled butter. Use a fork to mix until the mixture forms crumbs. Set aside.
Make the Cake Batter:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large measuring cup, mix the milk, vanilla extract, vegetable or canola oil, and egg. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps in the batter.
Prepare the Apples:
- In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar. Set aside.
Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.
- Arrange the apple slices evenly over the batter.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples, ensuring they are completely covered.
Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a serving plate or stand.
- Slice and serve.
Storage:
- Keep the cake in a covered container for up to 4 days.

Tips for Serving

For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce over each slice just before serving. Anna recommends her Microwave Caramel Sauce, which is both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with this cake, adding a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced flavors.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 321 kcal
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Cholesterol: 51 mg
Sodium: 215 mg
Potassium: 92 mg
Sugar: 26 g
Vitamin A: 395 IU
Calcium: 50 mg
Iron: 0.7 mg

A Deeper Dive into the Recipe

The combination of Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples provides a balance of sweetness and texture, making the cake moist and flavorful. The apple cider vinegar not only adds a subtle tang but also enhances the leavening process, resulting in a tender crumb.

The crumb topping, with its blend of light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon, adds a delightful crunch and a warm, spiced sweetness that complements the apples perfectly. The butter in the topping helps to bind the ingredients together while adding a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.

Cooking Tips

Choosing the Right Apples: While Anna uses Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples, you can experiment with other varieties such as Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness and crunch.
Mixing the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated with the wet ingredients.
Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your cake at the 30-minute mark. The cake is done when the crumb topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan to ensure it sets properly and is easier to transfer to a serving plate.

Variations

Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, consider mixing chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping.
Spices: If you love spices, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cake batter for a warm, aromatic twist.
Fruit Substitutions: While this recipe is perfect with apples, you can substitute with pears or a combination of apples and pears for a different flavor profile.

Enhancing Your Baking Experience

Baking is more than just following a recipe; it’s about understanding the ingredients and techniques that make your cake perfect every time. Here are some additional tips and insights to elevate your baking experience with Anna’s Best Apple Crumb Cake.

Understanding Your Ingredients

Flour: All-purpose flour is the backbone of this cake, providing structure. Measuring your flour correctly is crucial; too much can make the cake dense, while too little can make it fall apart.
Sugar: The combination of granulated and brown sugar in the topping creates a complex sweetness. Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses, enhancing the cake’s depth of flavor.
Cinnamon: This spice is a quintessential pairing with apples, providing warmth and a hint of spiciness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt level in the cake. Melting and cooling the butter before adding it to the topping ensures a perfect crumbly texture.
Apples: The choice of apples can greatly affect the texture and flavor of your cake. Softer apples like Red Delicious will break down more during baking, while firmer apples like Granny Smith will hold their shape.

Technique Tips

Crumb Topping: Achieving the perfect crumb topping requires a balance of wet and dry ingredients. The melted butter should be thoroughly mixed with the sugars and flour to create a mixture that resembles wet sand.
Mixing the Batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid overworking the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough cake.
Layering the Cake: Properly layering the apples over the batter ensures an even distribution of fruit throughout the cake, allowing each bite to be filled with apple goodness.
Baking: Position your oven rack in the middle of the oven for even baking. Rotate the cake halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning of the crumb topping.

Serving Suggestions

Anna’s Best Apple Crumb Cake is versatile in how it can be served. Here are some ideas to make your serving presentation as impressive as the cake itself:

Warm and Cozy: Serve the cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is delightful.
Elegant and Decadent: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cake slices just before serving. The rich, buttery caramel enhances the cake’s flavors.
Seasonal Touch: Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few apple slices or a cinnamon stick for a festive look, perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Storing and Freezing

Proper storage ensures that your cake remains fresh and delicious:

Storing: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The crumb topping may soften slightly, but the flavors will remain intact.
Freezing: To freeze the cake, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to thaw and enjoy a piece whenever the craving strikes. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Every baker encounters occasional hiccups. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems with apple crumb cake:

Dry Cake: Ensure you’re measuring your flour correctly and not overbaking the cake. Adding a bit more apple slices can also help retain moisture.
Soggy Bottom: To avoid a soggy bottom, make sure your apple slices aren’t too wet. Pat them dry after slicing and before adding to the batter.
Crumb Topping Sinking: If your crumb topping sinks into the cake, it could be due to overmixing the batter or not creating enough crumbs. Make sure the topping mixture is crumbly and not too wet.

Variations and Customizations

One of the joys of baking is making a recipe your own. Here are some variations and customizations to try with Anna’s Best Apple Crumb Cake:

Adding Nuts: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping for added crunch and flavor.
Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cloves, or allspice in both the cake batter and the topping for a more complex flavor.
Different Fruits: Swap out apples for pears or a mix of apples and pears. You can also try adding a handful of fresh cranberries for a tart contrast.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Anna’s Best Apple Crumb Cake is a recipe that promises satisfaction with every bite. Its simplicity, combined with the rich flavors of apples and cinnamon, makes it a timeless dessert. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your collection.

The beauty of this cake lies in its versatility. It’s perfect for a casual family dessert, a potluck contribution, or even a holiday centerpiece. With its moist, flavorful cake base, the sweet and spicy apple layer, and the irresistible crumb topping, it’s a treat that’s hard to beat.

Share the Joy

Baking is an act of love, and sharing your creations can bring joy to others. Whether you’re baking this cake for a special occasion or just because, take a moment to share the experience with friends and family. Enjoy the process of creating something delicious, and savor the moments spent enjoying it with loved ones.

Happy baking, and may Anna’s Best Apple Crumb Cake bring warmth and sweetness to your home!