The best Apple Crumb Cake

The moment apple season hits, I start craving this Apple Crumb Cake. It’s that perfect blend of soft, buttery cake, tender baked apples, and a cinnamon-spiced crumb topping that tastes like the best parts of fall all rolled into one slice. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch, looking for a light fall dessert recipe, or just want something delicious to go with your morning coffee, this cake is a must-bake.

It’s got the spirit of a classic apple crisp, the structure of a breakfast cake, and the homey comfort that makes it one of the best fall desserts to make when apples are overflowing from your farmer’s market haul.

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Table of Contents

Why This Apple Crumb Cake Is the Ultimate Fall Bake

A Fall Breakfast Dessert You’ll Want All Season

Some mornings just call for something special—and this cake delivers. It’s tender and moist, loaded with real apple chunks, and that streusel crumb? Absolutely dreamy. Serve it warm with coffee and you’ve got an instant “good morning” moment.

This is one of my go-to fall simple desserts because it doesn’t require any fancy techniques or equipment. Just a few bowls, basic ingredients, and about an hour in the oven. And let’s be honest—it tastes even better the next day, so it’s great for make-ahead holiday mornings or weekend guests.

A Harvest Apple Cake That Feels Homemade in All the Right Ways

This isn’t a boxed mix situation. This is a “whip up from scratch in your favorite sweater” kind of bake. It’s loaded with chopped tart apples, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and finished with a drizzle of apple cider glaze that makes the whole thing feel like it came straight from a cozy countryside kitchen.

This cake works as both a breakfast and a dessert, making it one of my favorite things to make with apples when I’ve got a crisper full. Bonus? It also makes a beautiful addition to a Thanksgiving dessert table or a sweet send-off at a fall bake sale.

Ingredient Breakdown (And Smart Substitutions)

For the Cinnamon Streusel Crumb:

• All-purpose flour: Gives the crumb structure. For a lighter topping, sub in half almond flour.
• Brown & granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds richness, while granulated balances it.
• Cinnamon & nutmeg: These are the soul of the topping—feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom.
• Butter (melted): Helps bind the crumb and adds richness. Coconut oil works if you’re going dairy-free.
• Vanilla extract: A small touch that enhances the spice.
• Chopped tart apples: Granny Smiths or Honeycrisps hold their shape well during baking.

For the Cake:

• Butter + sugar: Classic cake base, gives richness and sweetness.
• Egg: Helps the cake rise and bind.
• Sour cream: Makes the cake super moist. Greek yogurt is a perfect sub.
• Flour, baking powder, soda, salt: The structure and lift combo.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth.

Apple Cider Glaze:

• Powdered sugar + apple cider = magic drizzle. Water can work in a pinch, but cider gives it that extra fall sparkle.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Oven & Pan

Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment. This helps with a clean release after baking.

2. Mix the Cinnamon Streusel Crumb

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 1½ cups flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

Stir in ½ cup melted butter and ½ tsp vanilla extract until crumbly and well-moistened. Fold in your peeled, chopped apples and set aside.

3. Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl:

• Cream 4 tbsp butter and ½ cup granulated sugar until fluffy (about 2–3 mins).
• Add 1 egg, mix well.
• Add 1 tsp vanilla and ½ cup sour cream. Mix again.

In another bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup flour
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking powder

Add the dry mix to the wet in batches, stirring gently. Don’t overmix.

4. Assemble the Cake

• Spread half the cake batter into the prepared pan.
• Scatter apples + 1 cup of the streusel crumb on top.
• Gently spoon the rest of the batter over the crumb layer (use an offset spatula if needed).
• Finish with the remaining crumb mixture over the top.

5. Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan 10–15 minutes, then release the springform.

6. Add That Glaze

Whisk together:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1½ to 2 tbsp apple cider

Drizzle over the cooled cake. Let it set before slicing (if you can wait that long).

Fun Variations, Serving & Storage Tips

• Make it gluten-free: Sub 1:1 GF flour blend in both the crumb and the cake.
• Make it dairy-free: Use vegan butter and plant-based yogurt or sour cream.
• Want a deeper apple flavor? Add a splash of apple cider to the cake batter or sauté the apples in cinnamon first.
• Serving tip: Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream for an apple crisp cake recipe vibe.

Storage: Keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days, or in the fridge up to 5 days.

FAQs About Apple Crumb Cake

More Cozy Fall Recipes to Try

You’ll find plenty more light fall dessert recipes, apple baked desserts, and cozy harvest bakes over on My Flavor Recipes.

• Moist Pumpkin Bread
• Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake
• Brownie Caramel Cheesecake

And don’t forget to explore even more autumn sweets, Halloween treats, and Thanksgiving table favorites at our full fall and holiday recipe

Let’s Stay Connected!

Looking for more apple recipes fall fans will adore? Follow along for cozy kitchen vibes, step-by-step tutorials, and tons of sweet inspiration:

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