Apple Crumble Cake Recipe

The Coziest Apple Crumble Cake Recipe For Fall Gatherings

Baking a delightful apple crumble cake brings comfort and joy to any kitchen gathering.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and fresh apples will dance through your home while preparing this classic dessert.

Warm, buttery layers combine perfectly with tender fruit chunks nestled inside a golden-brown crust.

Crisp crumble topping adds a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake underneath.

Seasonal ingredients make this recipe a wonderful way to celebrate autumn’s bounty.

Each slice promises a delectable experience that connects you with traditional home cooking.

Dive into this simple yet irresistible treat that will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.

Apple Crumble Cake Goodness

  • Bake with Ease: This apple crumble cake requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners who want to impress family and friends.
  • Savor Seasonal Comfort: Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, this cake delivers cozy autumn vibes that everyone will love.
  • Versatile Delight: Great for breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, this cake adapts to any mealtime and suits casual gatherings or special celebrations.
  • No-Fuss Preparation: Using simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, this recipe saves time without compromising on delicious homemade flavor.

Apple Crumble Cake Grocery Guide

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The main structure and foundation of the cake.
  • Yogurt: Adds moisture and creates a tender cake texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains soft and prevents dryness.
  • White Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake browning.
  • Brown Sugar: Contributes rich caramel-like flavor and moisture.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.
Spice Ingredients:
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg: Create warm, aromatic flavor and complement the apple's natural sweetness.
Fruit and Topping Ingredients:
  • Fresh Apples: Adds natural sweetness and texture to the cake.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Cold Butter: Creates a crumbly, crisp topping with rich flavor.

Crumble Cake Baking Basics

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab your 9-inch round baking pan and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter.

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350F (175C) so it’s ready for your delicious cake.

Step 2: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine these goodies:
  • Yogurt
  • Vegetable oil
  • White sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix these dry components:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground ginger
  • Ground nutmeg

Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Gently stir in freshly diced apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Craft Crumble Topping

In another bowl, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Flour
  • Ground cinnamon

Toss these ingredients together.

Step 6: Finish Crumble Texture

Add cold butter to the sugar-flour mixture.

Use your fingers or a fork to blend until the mixture looks like sandy, coarse crumbs.

Step 7: Fill Baking Pan

Pour the apple-studded batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 8: Add Crumbly Crown

Sprinkle the buttery crumble topping generously over the entire surface of the cake.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and checking with a toothpick that comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Rest

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Slice and Savor

Cut into generous slices and pair with a steaming mug of tea or coffee for the ultimate comfort treat!

Tips for Apple Crumble Success

  • Select firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
  • Pat diced apples dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy and dense.
  • Adjust spice quantities to your taste, but keep the ratio consistent to maintain the cake's warm, aromatic profile.
  • Ensure eggs and yogurt are at room temperature for smoother batter and more even baking results.
  • Freeze butter for 10 minutes before mixing to create a more defined, crispy crumble topping.

Apple Crumble Mix-In Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a light and tender texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Apple Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and choose plant-based yogurt to create a dairy-free, egg-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Comfort: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of white sugar, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's rich apple flavor.
  • Nutty Apple Adventure: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch and a deeper, more complex nutty flavor profile.

Plating Apple Crumble Cake

  • Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair this warm apple crumble cake with a steaming mug of vanilla latte or classic black coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
  • Elegant Dessert Plating: Dust the cake with powdered sugar, add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream, and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
  • Breakfast Transformation: Transform leftover cake into a morning delight by toasting a slice and spreading a thin layer of cream cheese or almond butter for extra richness.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Serve alongside fresh berries and whipped cream, creating a stunning centerpiece that will impress family and friends during weekend gatherings.

Apple Crumble Storage Tips

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual slices or whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm slices at 300F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning. This method helps restore the cake's moisture and keeps the crumble crisp.
  • Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the cake tough and dry.

FAQs

  • What are the key spices used in this Apple Crumble Cake?

The key spices are cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. These warm spices add depth and complexity to the cake’s flavor profile, creating a cozy and aromatic dessert.

  • Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart to balance the sweetness of the cake and provide a nice texture.

  • Is yogurt important in this recipe?

Yogurt is crucial as it adds moisture and helps create a tender, soft cake texture. It also contributes to the cake’s rich and tangy flavor while keeping it light and fluffy.

Print
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Apple Crumble Cake Recipe

Apple Crumble Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful Apple Crumble Cake brings warmth and comfort from traditional English baking traditions. Cinnamon-spiced apples nestled beneath a buttery crumble topping promise a sweet escape that beckons you to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup (125 grams) yogurt
  • 1/2 cup (108 grams) oil
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) white sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups diced apples
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices:

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Crumble Topping:

  • 2/3 cup (135 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 8 tablespoons (125 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a 9-inch round baking pan with grease for optimal cake release.
  2. Create a smooth wet mixture by whisking yogurt, oil, white and brown sugars, eggs, and vanilla until fully incorporated and free of lumps.
  3. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, maintaining a light texture and avoiding overmixing.
  5. Carefully incorporate diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
  6. Craft the crumble topping by combining brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.
  7. Cut cold butter into the dry crumble ingredients, using fingertips or a fork to create a coarse, sandy texture with small butter chunks.
  8. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent baking.
  9. Generously scatter the crumble mixture across the cake’s surface, covering it completely.
  10. Bake for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
  11. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  12. Serve at room temperature, optionally accompanied by a warm beverage for enhanced enjoyment.

Notes

  • Use ripe, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance in the cake.
  • Replace dairy yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt to make the recipe vegan-friendly and accommodate lactose-sensitive diets.
  • Swap white flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring the cake remains moist and tender.
  • Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch and nutty depth, enhancing the overall taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 412
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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