1. Can I use canned apples instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can, but fresh apples provide better texture and flavor. If using canned apples, reduce added sugar to balance sweetness.

2. How can I make the crumble topping extra crunchy?

Use chilled butter and avoid overmixing. You can also add rolled oats or chopped nuts for extra crispness.

3. Can I prepare the cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake a day in advance, cool completely, and store covered at room temperature. Warm it before serving for the best texture.

4. Which apples are best for baking?

Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance the cake’s sweetness.

5. What drinks pair well with this cake?

It’s excellent with coffee, chai tea, or warm apple cider drinks that enhance the cake’s cinnamon notes.

Cinnamon Apple Crumble Cake Cozy Spiced Dessert (2025)

Description

This Cinnamon Apple Crumble Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert tender, buttery, and filled with layers of spiced apples and a golden, crunchy crumble topping. It’s the perfect treat for cozy weekends, fall gatherings, or an afternoon coffee break. Every slice brings warmth, sweetness, and the nostalgic flavor of homemade comfort.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1 tsp lemon juice

For the Crumble Topping:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
Stir in sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract.
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until smooth.
Toss apple slices with lemon juice and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Spread half the batter into the pan, layer with apples, then top with remaining batter.
Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter to make the crumble; mix with fingers until coarse crumbs form. Add nuts if desired.
Sprinkle crumble evenly over the cake.
Bake 40–45 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or ice cream.

Notes

Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
To make gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Add oats or chopped nuts to the crumble for extra crunch.
Store covered at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to restore crispness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 305
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 120 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg