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Easy Moist Apple Crumb Cake with Buttery Streusel

Close-up of a moist slice of apple crumb cake showing tender cake, baked apple pieces, and a thick, sugary crumble topping.
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A simple recipe for a tender apple cake topped with a thick, buttery cinnamon crumb topping. This cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups)
  • For the Crumb Topping: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • For the Optional Drizzle: 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
  2. Prepare the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 3/4 cups flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the diced apples. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  6. Prepare the crumb topping: In a separate bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups flour, brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  7. Cut in the cold butter pieces using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  8. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
  9. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
  11. If using the drizzle, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cake before serving.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • If you prefer a thicker topping, chill the crumb mixture for 10 minutes before sprinkling it over the batter.
  • This cake keeps well covered at room temperature for up to three days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/apple-crumb-cake-easy-moist-recipe/