Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is the ultimate autumn treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of apples. This moist, tender cake features layers of baked apples topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble. It’s the perfect dessert for cozy gatherings or a sweet indulgence after dinner. If you’re craving a seasonal dessert that’s both simple and delicious, this Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake will surely satisfy your taste buds.
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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake
This Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The tender cake base provides the perfect foundation for the sweet, spiced apples, while the crumb topping adds a crispy, buttery crunch. It’s a dessert that’s quick to make, requires only simple ingredients, and can be enjoyed year-round but truly shines during the fall season when apples are at their best. Plus, it’s a family-friendly recipe that both kids and adults will enjoy!
Ingredients
The ingredients for this Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake are simple yet impactful, each contributing to the delicious outcome. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apples: Provides sweetness and moisture, making the cake rich and flavorful.
- Flour: Creates the cake base, giving it a tender texture.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness, perfectly balancing the tangy apples.
- Butter: Makes the crumb topping rich and buttery, contributing to the cake’s overall moistness.
- Cinnamon: The star of the show, infusing the entire cake with a warm, comforting flavor.
- Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the cake structure.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor to the cake batter.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise, making it light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you have dietary preferences or are missing an ingredient, here are some simple swaps:
- Gluten-Free Flour: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Maple Syrup: Swap out the sugar for maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
- Dairy-Free Butter: Use a dairy-free butter substitute to make this cake dairy-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake:
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. Toss them in cinnamon and a bit of sugar to coat, and set them aside.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the melted butter and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Spread the cinnamon-coated apples evenly over the batter.
- Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix together flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to create a crumbly texture. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
To make your Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake even better, keep these tips in mind:
- Check for Doneness: Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so check the cake with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s done!
- Use Firm Apples: Opt for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These will hold their shape well during baking.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to a month.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with some simple pairings:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the crumbly cake.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Nuts: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for added crunch.
Why This Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is Perfect for Fall
This cake is ideal for the fall season, thanks to the combination of cinnamon and apples. The warm, cozy flavors make it a perfect dessert for cooler weather, while the crumb topping adds an irresistible texture. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering or simply to enjoy a homemade treat, this Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is a timeless dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Its tender cake base, perfectly spiced apples, and buttery crumb topping create a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family gathering or an intimate dinner party, this cake will impress everyone with its deliciously warm aroma and comforting taste. Easy to make yet incredibly satisfying, it’s the perfect way to embrace the flavors of autumn.
So, the next time you’re looking for a seasonal treat, this Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake will undoubtedly become your go-to recipe. Bake it, enjoy it, and share the love of fall with friends and family!
FAQs About Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake
1. Can I make this Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This cake keeps well for a few days at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to a month. Thaw overnight before serving for the best texture.
2. Can I substitute other fruits for apples?
While apples are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or berries. Just be mindful that the baking time may change depending on the fruit’s moisture content.
3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake gluten-free, simply swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the blend’s instructions, as some may require additional binding agents.
4. Can I adjust the level of sweetness in the cake?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in both the batter and the crumb topping. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup as a substitute.
More Relevant Recipes
- Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze: This delicious dessert combines the warm, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls with a fresh burst of raspberry and a tangy lemon glaze. It’s a perfect treat for those who enjoy cinnamon-based desserts with a fruity twist, similar to the cinnamon flavors in the original apple crumb cake.
- Easy Banana Cinnamon Rolls: A delightful variation of cinnamon rolls, these are filled with the sweetness of ripe bananas and the rich flavor of cinnamon. The combination of bananas and cinnamon makes this recipe a great choice for those who love comforting, warm desserts like the Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake.
- Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: This decadent dessert brings together the best of two worlds — the warm, gooey cinnamon roll and creamy cheesecake. If you love cinnamon-flavored desserts, this cheesecake offers a richer, more indulgent experience while maintaining the comforting cinnamon flavor.
Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is a perfect autumn dessert that combines the flavors of cinnamon, tender apples, and a buttery crumb topping. It is a moist, flavorful cake with a delightful contrast of textures, ideal for cozy gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, for crumb topping
- 1/2 cup flour, for crumb topping
- 1/4 cup cold butter, for crumb topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine apples with 1/2 tsp cinnamon and set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Spread the batter into the prepared cake pan and top evenly with cinnamon-coated apples.
- In a small bowl, prepare the crumb topping by mixing brown sugar, flour, and remaining cinnamon, then cutting in the cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apples.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Ensure the apples are firm to hold their shape during baking.
- Leftover cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg