Name: Apple Crumb Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the cake:; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup milk or buttermilk; 2 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced; For the crumb topping:; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic crumb cake texture with a seasonal apple twist
Made with simple pantry ingredients
The crumb topping is buttery, sweet, and irresistible
Perfect for brunch, dessert, or snacking
A great way to use up extra apples
Can be served warm or cold
Freezes well for later enjoyment
Moist, tender crumb that stays fresh for days
Pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea
Crowd-pleasing for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Milk or buttermilk
Apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced

For the crumb topping:

All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Unsalted butter, melted
A pinch of salt

Optional:

Powdered sugar for dusting after baking

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Make the crumb topping: In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until the mixture forms large crumbs. Set aside.
Prepare the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing just until combined.
Gently fold in the diced apples.
Assemble the cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 9 large or 12 smaller servings.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch
Use whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier twist
Mix in a touch of nutmeg or allspice for deeper fall flavor
Add a layer of thinly sliced apples on top before the crumb for a pretty finish
Swap in pears for apples for a different seasonal fruit
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert
Stir in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil, or store the whole cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes for a just-baked feel.

FAQs

What kind of apples are best for crumb cake?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work well and hold their shape when baked.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Just store it covered.

Can I use oil instead of butter in the cake?

Yes, a neutral oil like canola can be used in place of butter for the cake base, but the topping is best with butter.

Is this cake overly sweet?

No, it has a nice balance. The crumb topping is sweet, but the cake and apples balance it well.

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, you can use an 8×8 for a thicker cake or a 9×13 for a thinner one—adjust the baking time accordingly.

What’s the difference between crumb cake and coffee cake?

Crumb cake typically has a thicker crumb topping, while coffee cake may have less topping and sometimes includes a swirl inside.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free 1:1 flour substitute and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I keep the crumb topping from sinking?

Make sure the topping is crumbly and not too wet. Sprinkle it lightly and evenly over the batter before baking.

Should I peel the apples?

Yes, peeling the apples gives a softer texture in the cake, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer a rustic feel.

Can I add a glaze instead of powdered sugar?

Absolutely. A simple vanilla or maple glaze drizzled over the top is a delicious upgrade.

Conclusion

Apple Crumb Cake is the ultimate cozy dessert for any time you’re craving something sweet, spiced, and full of homemade charm. With its tender cake base, buttery crumble, and juicy apple bites, it’s a perfect addition to your fall baking list—or anytime you want a comforting treat. Serve it warm, cold, or with your favorite hot drink for a slice of pure comfort.