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The Ultimate Moist Apple Crumb Cake with Buttery Cinnamon Streusel

A close-up, tempting shot of a square slice of apple crumb cake showing layers of soft cake, thick apple filling, and a crunchy cinnamon topping.
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Make this irresistible, moist apple crumb cake featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and an abundant, buttery cinnamon streusel topping. This recipe is simple to follow and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apples)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for apples)
  • For the Buttery Crumb Topping:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 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 Cinnamon Drizzle:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan or a 10-inch round cake pan.
  2. Prepare the apples: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Set aside.
  3. Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 3/4 cups flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Assemble the cake: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange half of the spiced apple slices over the batter. Top with half of the remaining batter, then layer the rest of the apples on top.
  6. Make the buttery crumb topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup flour, brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt for the topping. Cut in the cold butter pieces using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Sprinkle the entire crumb topping evenly over the apples.
  8. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake (avoiding an apple piece) comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before serving.
  10. Prepare the optional cinnamon drizzle: Whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle over the slightly warm or cooled cake before serving.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith.
  • If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the brown sugar in the streusel by two tablespoons.
  • Serve this tender apple cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a satisfying dessert.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/apple-crumb-cake-moist-cinnamon-streusel-recipe/