If you dream of that perfect fall treat packed with juicy apples, warm spices, and a buttery crumb topping, this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe is the one you’ll return to again and again. Every bite is the best of both worlds: tender cake bursting with tart apples and a generous, golden crumb perched on top. Finished with a glossy apple cider glaze, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, cozy weekends, or whenever your sweet tooth demands something special. Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe for every apple season—and beyond!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe is refreshingly simple, but each one brings something truly irreplaceable to the table. From the tart snap of apples to the creamy richness of sour cream and the warmth of cinnamon, every element works together to create a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and truly memorable.

Flour: Provides structure and softness to both the cake and the crumb topping—use all-purpose for best results.
Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of molasses richness to the crumb, helping it bake up golden and flavorful.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the topping and the cake batter, creating balance and tenderness.
Salt (both regular and Kosher): Brings all the flavors into focus and keeps the cake from tasting bland.
Cinnamon: Essential for warmth and that “apple pie” aroma wafting from your oven.
Nutmeg: Gives subtle depth and a cozy spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
Unsalted Butter: Melted for the crumb, creamed for the cake—this is what gives the recipe its irresistible texture.
Vanilla Extract: Lends sweetness and complexity to both the crumb and cake layers.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Work together for just the right amount of lift in the crumb cake.
Eggs: Bind the batter, keep it light, and add richness.
Full Fat Sour Cream: Delivers unbeatable moisture and tang, so the cake stays tender for days.
Tart Apples: Peel and chop Granny Smith or similar varieties for a sweet-tart bite that doesn’t turn mushy.
Powdered Sugar: The secret to that dreamy apple cider glaze.
Apple Cider or Milk: Just enough liquid to whisk the glaze to velvety perfection.
Additional Melted Butter (for glaze): Adds flavor and shine to the finish.
Fat Pinch of Kosher Salt (for glaze): Enhances the overall sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees so it’s good and hot when you’re ready to bake. Grease a 9×13-inch pan thoroughly, making sure to get the corners—this helps your Apple Crumb Cake Recipe come out easily and keeps those edges golden and delicious.

Step 2: Mix the Crumb Topping

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, then stir everything until it’s fully moistened. Use your fingers to pinch the mixture into big, chunky crumbs. Don’t overmix—those rustic pieces create the best texture for your crumb topping!

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk to distribute the leavening agents evenly. In a stand mixer, cream softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time until incorporated, followed by vanilla extract and sour cream. On low speed, gradually mix in the dry ingredients just until combined. The batter will be thick—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Spread half of your thick cake batter in a thin layer across the bottom of your greased pan. If it resists, dampen your hands and gently pat it into place. Scatter the tart, chopped apples evenly over the surface. Sprinkle half of those luscious crumbs over the apples. Drop the remaining cake batter in dollops over the crumbs (again, wetting your hands helps), then finish with the last layer of crumb topping. Imperfections and bare spots are just fine—they bake into mouth-watering magic.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 38 to 45 minutes. Start checking around the 30-minute mark: if your crumb is getting too dark, drape the top with foil for the remainder of baking. You’ll know your Apple Crumb Cake Recipe is ready when a tester in the center comes out clean and the aroma fills your kitchen with pure comfort.

Step 6: Make the Apple Cider Glaze

While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider (or milk), melted butter, and a big pinch of kosher salt in a bowl until the glaze is thick but pourable. This simple, tangy drizzle is the finishing touch that brings everything together.

Step 7: Serve Warm with Drizzle

Let your cake cool just slightly, then slice generous squares and serve warm. Pour that dreamy glaze over each piece, and get ready for applause—this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe is pure joy on a plate.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate every slice with a few finishing touches! A dusting of extra cinnamon, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or even a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a special flourish to your Apple Crumb Cake Recipe. For a little pop of color, thinly sliced apple fans or a drizzle of caramel make your cake look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with something cool and creamy: a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a spoonful of crème fraîche, or thick Greek yogurt. For a brunch spread, it also sings alongside crisp bacon, fresh fruit salad, or a mug of apple cider. The Apple Crumb Cake Recipe’s tender crumb and tangy-sweet flavors marry perfectly with these breakfast and dessert favorites.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get festive—serve the Apple Crumb Cake Recipe cut into mini squares as part of a dessert tray or pile up rustic wedges in a linen-lined basket for a cozy buffet. For special occasions, you can even bake it in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own personal cake (and extra crumb topping). Warm or room temperature, it’s always a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Apple Crumb Cake Recipe fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge, where it will stay moist and flavorful for several days.

Freezing

This cake freezes like a dream! Simply wrap individual squares or the whole (cooled) cake in layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store the Apple Crumb Cake Recipe in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving for best results.

Reheating

For that freshly-baked magic, warm leftovers in a 300-degree oven for about 10 minutes or microwave slices in 20-second intervals until just heated through. If you’ve stored the glaze separately, pour it over after reheating for the full just-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! Tart varieties like Granny Smith work best, but feel free to try Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady for a slightly sweeter twist. Softer apples work too, but they may break down more during baking.

Can I make the Apple Crumb Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind the texture may differ slightly, but the delicious flavor will remain!

What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, full-fat Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute in this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe. It keeps the cake moist and tender with a subtle tang.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

Definitely. The Apple Crumb Cake Recipe actually tastes wonderful after sitting for a day, making it ideal for prepping in advance. Just wait to add the glaze until before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

Why is my crumb topping sinking into the cake?

Usually, this happens if the batter is too thin or warm. Be sure to use a thick batter and gently layer the crumb on top without pressing down. Chilling the crumb topping for a few minutes before assembling may also help.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a bake that will instantly win over hearts, this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe deserves a spot in your regular baking rotation. It’s simple, soul-warming, and certain to be requested again and again. Don’t wait—gather some apples and treat yourself (and everyone you love) to a slice of pure autumn comfort!

Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 28 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 9×13-inch cake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Crumb Cake recipe is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances tender cake, sweet apples, and a buttery crumb topping. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.

For the crumb: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the melted butter and vanilla extracts and stir with a spatula until the mixture is evenly moist. Use your fingers to pinch the mixture into crumbs of varying sizes.

For the batter:

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and sour cream. Add the flour mixture to the bowl, beating on low speed until the ingredients are just combined. The batter will be very thick.

To assemble:

Spread half the batter into a thin layer at the bottom of the pan. If the batter is difficult to spread, wet your hands and use them to spread the batter. Sprinkle the apple chunks evenly over the batter, then top with half of the crumbs. Place dollops of the remaining batter over the crumbs, again using wet hands to spread it as best you can. It’s ok if it’s thin or there are a few bare spots. Top with the remaining crumbs.

Bake for 38-45 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

If the top is getting too brown at the 30-minute mark, cover with foil for the last 10-15 minutes. While the coffee cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, cider, butter, and salt until it’s thick but pourable. Serve the cake warm with the cider drizzle.

Notes

If you prefer a sweeter cake, add more sugar to the batter.
Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruits to the crumb topping for added texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American