Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Crumb Cake because it’s the perfect combination of fluffy cake, juicy apples, and a rich streusel topping. The warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors pair beautifully with the sweet apples, while the apple cider cinnamon glaze adds a delicious finishing touch. This cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, especially when I want something comforting and full of autumn flavors. It’s a treat that everyone will love, and it’s a great way to showcase fresh apples!

Ingredients

Streusel Crumb

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (76 grams)

• 3 tbsp white sugar (42 grams)

• 3 tbsp light brown sugar (42 grams)

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (75 grams)

Apples

• 2 1/2 cups chopped apples (about 2 medium apples, 312 grams)

• 2 tsp cinnamon powder

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder

Cake Batter

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (191 grams)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (170 grams)

• 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)

• 3 large eggs

• 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup buttermilk (78 ml)

Apple Cider Cinnamon Glaze

• 1/4 cup cream cheese, room temperature (56 grams)

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (14 grams)

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (31 grams)

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder

• 1-3 tbsp apple cider

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

Directions

For the Streusel Crumb:

1. I start by combining the flour, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.

2. Then, I add the room-temperature butter and use my hands or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms a crumbly texture. I set it aside.

For the Apples:

1. I chop the apples into small pieces and toss them in cinnamon and nutmeg powder. This adds extra flavor to the apples before adding them to the cake batter.

For the Cake Batter:

1. In a medium bowl, I combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

2. In a separate large bowl, I cream together the room-temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. I add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Gradually, I add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. I mix until just combined.

5. I gently fold the spiced apples into the batter.

Assembling the Cake:

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.

2. I pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.

3. I sprinkle the streusel crumb topping over the batter.

4. I bake the cake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

For the Apple Cider Cinnamon Glaze:

1. While the cake is baking, I prepare the glaze by whisking together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and apple cider in a small bowl until smooth and well-combined. I adjust the consistency with more cider if needed.

Serving:

1. Once the cake is done baking, I let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Once the cake is cool, I drizzle the apple cider cinnamon glaze over the top, and it’s ready to serve!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 45-55 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: I can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if I prefer a gluten-free option.

• Spices: If I want to change up the spices, I can add a pinch of cloves or ginger for a different flavor profile.

• Nuts: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel or cake batter could give it an extra crunch and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: I store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want it to last longer, I can refrigerate it for up to a week.

• Reheating: If I prefer the cake warm, I can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple?

Yes, I can use any apple variety I prefer, but tart apples like Granny Smith work best for a balance of sweetness and tartness in the cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! I can bake the cake ahead of time, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. I can also prepare the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.

Can I make this cake without the glaze?

Yes, the cake is delicious even without the glaze, but the apple cider cinnamon glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor that elevates the cake.

How do I make the streusel crumb extra crunchy?

If I want the streusel topping to be crunchier, I can add a bit more butter or even a handful of oats to the mixture to create more texture.

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, I can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. I make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To serve, I thaw it at room temperature and drizzle with the glaze.

Conclusion

This Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the goodness of fresh apples, a soft and fluffy cake, and a sweet apple cider cinnamon glaze. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon treat, I know this cake will impress anyone who tries it. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and the perfect way to enjoy the taste of fall in every bite!

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