Easy Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple crumb cake is everything you want in a cozy dessert. The browned butter crumble adds a nutty, caramel-like depth of flavor, while the soft cake base and spiced apples bring warmth and richness. It’s simple to make, yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings. Perfect for fall, holidays, or just when you’re craving something sweet and homemade.

Ingredients

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

Brown Butter Crumble:

• 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour (227g)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200g)
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (170g)

Cake:

• ⅔ cup granulated or light brown sugar (133g)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (56g)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (30g)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup sour cream, room temperature (180g)
• 1 ⅓ cup all purpose flour (173g)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp baking soda

Cinnamon Apples:

• 2 cups peeled and cubed apples, ideally a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith (+ more for decoration, optional)
• ¼ tsp cinnamon

Optional simple icing:

• ½ cup icing sugar
• 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (conventional, no fan) and line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the brown butter crumble: melt butter in a nonstick pan over medium-low heat, stirring until browned and nutty. Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl, then stir in browned butter until crumbly. Refrigerate.

3. Make the cake: whisk sugar, melted butter, and oil for 2–3 minutes. Add vanilla and eggs, whisking until smooth and lighter in color. Stir in sour cream.

4. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda into the bowl. Fold gently until just combined.

5. Toss peeled and cubed apples with cinnamon. Spread half the batter in the prepared pan, layer apples on top, then cover with the remaining batter.

6. Sprinkle the chilled brown butter crumble evenly over the cake.

7. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool before slicing. If desired, drizzle with simple icing made by whisking icing sugar with cream or milk.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 10–12 servings.
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch.

• Swap apples for pears for a slightly different flavor.

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.

• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the apples for more spice.

• Turn it into muffins by baking in a muffin tin with liners.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake it a day in advance and store it covered. The flavors often deepen overnight.

What apples work best for this recipe?

A mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith works beautifully, but you can use any firm, tart apples.

Can I skip browning the butter?

You can, but browned butter adds a nutty depth that really enhances the crumble topping.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may vary slightly.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time slightly, adding 5–10 minutes as needed.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave the peel on if you prefer more bite.

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt works as a great substitute.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Can I add other fruits?

Yes, pears, peaches, or even blueberries can be added for variety.

Conclusion

This easy apple crumb cake is a delightful dessert that brings together tender apples, a soft cake base, and a buttery, crispy topping. It’s simple to prepare, versatile, and perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a cozy night at home. Whether served warm with a drizzle of icing or on its own, it’s sure to become a favorite.

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