This Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake is the kind of cozy homemade dessert that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. It’s soft, buttery, and filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, then finished with a generous layer of golden crumb topping.
Every bite has a wonderful combination of fluffy cake, juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and buttery crumbs. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee in the morning, as an afternoon treat, or served slightly warm for dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake
This cake is simple to make but tastes like something you picked up from a favorite bakery. The apples keep the cake moist while cinnamon adds that classic warm flavor. The crumb topping gives it a delicious buttery crunch that makes it extra special.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
For the Apple Cinnamon Filling
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Crumb Topping
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake
1. Prepare the oven and pan.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the apples.
Place the diced apples in a bowl and toss them with the sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Set aside while you prepare the cake batter.
3. Make the crumb topping.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until coarse, buttery crumbs form. Set aside.
4. Mix the dry ingredients.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Cream the butter and sugar.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
6. Finish the batter.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two additions, alternating with the sour cream. Mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing so the cake stays soft.
7. Add the apples.
Gently fold the prepared apples into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed.
8. Add the crumb topping.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the crumb mixture generously over the top.
9. Bake.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool and serve.
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra special treat, add a light drizzle of vanilla glaze.
Tips for the Best Apple Crumb Cake
- Use firm apples that hold their shape during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
- Dice the apples into small, even pieces so they soften properly while the cake bakes.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added.
- Make sure the butter for the crumb topping is melted but not extremely hot.
- Let the cake cool slightly before cutting so the crumb topping stays nicely in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of apples are best for this cake?
Firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady work especially well. You can also use a combination of sweet and tart apples for more flavor.
Can I use applesauce instead of sour cream?
Yes, unsweetened applesauce can be used, although it will slightly change the texture and flavor of the cake. Sour cream gives the cake a particularly tender and rich crumb.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. The cake can be baked a day ahead and stored tightly covered at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container.
Can I freeze Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake?
Yes. Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Be careful not to overbake it, as this can make the cake dry.
Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake
<h2 style="margin-top:0;">Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake</h2>
<p>
<strong>Prep Time:</strong> 20 minutes<br>
<strong>Cook Time:</strong> 45 minutes<br>
<strong>Total Time:</strong> 1 hour 5 minutes<br>
<strong>Servings:</strong> 9 slices
</p>
<h3>Ingredients</h3>
<h4>For the Cake</h4>
<ul>
<li>2 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li>1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li>
<li>1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened</li>
<li>3/4 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li>2 large eggs</li>
<li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li>
<li>3/4 cup sour cream</li>
<li>2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced</li>
</ul>
<h4>For the Apple Filling</h4>
<ul>
<li>1 tablespoon granulated sugar</li>
<li>1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li>
<li>1 tablespoon all-purpose flour</li>
</ul>
<h4>For the Crumb Topping</h4>
<ul>
<li>3/4 cup all-purpose flour</li>
<li>1/3 cup packed brown sugar</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li>
<li>1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted</li>
<li>Pinch of salt</li>
</ul>
<h3>Instructions</h3>
<ol>
<li>Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.</li>
<li>Toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Set aside.</li>
<li>Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.</li>
<li>Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.</li>
<li>Beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.</li>
<li>Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture. Mix just until combined.</li>
<li>Gently fold in the prepared apples.</li>
<li>Spread the batter into the prepared pan and cover evenly with the crumb topping.</li>
<li>Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.</li>
<li>Cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Notes</h3>
<p>For an extra cozy finish, drizzle the cooled cake with a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a small splash of milk. The cake is especially delicious served slightly warm with coffee or tea.</p>
