Name: Apple Crumb Cake That’s Perfect for Easy Dessert Recipes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Topping:; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

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There’s just something about apple cake that makes you feel at home—maybe it’s the warm smell of cinnamon, or maybe it’s the way the apples melt right into the soft, buttery crumb. Either way, this Apple Crumb Cake has all the things I love in a dessert: cozy flavors, simple prep, and a topping that makes people sneak back for seconds when they think no one’s watching. I first made this cake one lazy Sunday afternoon after finding a few sad apples at the back of the fridge—you know the ones, a little bruised, maybe questioning their purpose. Turns out, they were born to be baked into this cake. It’s part coffee cake, part old-school crumb cake, and 100% worth every crumb you’ll find on your shirt after inhaling a slice warm from the oven. If you’re a fan of easy dessert recipes that don’t require a mixer or any fancy ingredients, you’ll probably love this as much as I do. It’s a solid go-to when you want to bake something that feels like a hug. And let’s be honest—cake that works for breakfast too? That’s my kind of multitasking.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
3) Ingredients for Apple Crumb Cake
4) How to Make Apple Crumb Cake
5) Tips for Making Apple Crumb Cake
6) Making Apple Crumb Cake Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Apple Crumb Cake
8) Try these Cakes next!
9) Apple Crumb Cake
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This apple crumb cake is soft, buttery, and packed with spiced apples
The crumb topping adds a golden, slightly crisp layer with cinnamon warmth
Perfect for fall gatherings, lazy brunches, or easy dessert recipes any time
No mixer needed, just a bowl and a wooden spoon

2) Easy Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

When I think of easy dessert recipes, this apple crumb cake always comes to mind. It’s got everything I want in a bake: tender fruit, warm spices, and that glorious crumbly topping. I make this whenever apples are starting to look tired on the counter and I’m craving something sweet without a fuss.

What makes this cake shine is how approachable it is. You don’t need a mixer. You don’t even need to plan ahead. If you’ve got a couple of apples and pantry staples, you’re halfway there. That’s why it’s become one of my go-tos for potlucks or a spontaneous weekend treat. The smell alone makes it worth it.

The main keyword here is easy dessert recipes, and it delivers. The batter comes together in minutes, and the topping turns golden and just crisp enough to contrast with the soft crumb underneath. It’s a hug in cake form.

3) Ingredients for Apple Crumb Cake

Apples I use two medium apples, peeled and chopped. Slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith add nice balance, but go with what you have. Just make sure they’re not mushy.

All-purpose flour This forms the structure of both the cake and the crumb topping. Measure it with care, no scooping straight from the bag.

Granulated sugar Brings the sweetness to the cake batter. I find it blends best with the melted butter and doesn’t overpower the apples.

Light brown sugar I use this in both the cake and the crumb topping. It has that bit of molasses depth I love in fall baking.

Baking soda This gives our cake a light rise. Just half a teaspoon, but don’t skip it.

Salt Balances all the sweetness. A small pinch makes everything pop.

Cinnamon and nutmeg These are the spices that make the cake sing. Go easy on the nutmeg—a little goes a long way.

Unsalted butter You’ll melt it for the cake, and cube it cold for the topping. That contrast makes both parts better.

Sour cream Adds moisture and a subtle tang that plays well with the apples. It keeps the cake tender for days.

Egg Just one large egg to help hold everything together. Room temp is best, but I’ve used cold in a pinch.

Vanilla extract A splash for warmth. It’s the background note that ties everything together.

4) How to Make Apple Crumb Cake

Step 1 Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8-inch pan and either grease it or line it with parchment. I always go parchment—it’s less cleanup and I can lift the cake right out.

Step 2 In a big bowl, whisk the flour, both sugars, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This gets your dry stuff nice and even.

Step 3 Add in the melted butter, sour cream, egg, and vanilla. Stir just until smooth. Don’t overmix. The goal is a thick batter, not a workout.

Step 4 Fold in your chopped apples. Try not to mash them. They should stay in little juicy chunks so you get some in every bite.

Step 5 Spread the batter into your prepared pan. It won’t look super high—that’s okay, it rises just enough while staying dense and cozy.

Step 6 Mix the crumb topping: combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter with a fork, pastry cutter, or your fingers until you get chunky crumbs.

Step 7 Sprinkle the crumb topping all over the batter. Try to cover the top evenly, but don’t stress—imperfection is charm here.

Step 8 Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean and the top looks golden. Let it cool a bit before slicing. Or don’t. I usually don’t.

5) Tips for Making Apple Crumb Cake

Start with firm apples. If they’re too soft, they’ll turn to mush during baking. I like something with a little bite, like Honeycrisp or Gala. They hold up well and don’t lose flavor.

Use real butter in both the cake and the topping. Margarine doesn’t cut it here. The crumb topping is one of the best parts, and butter makes it sing.

Let the cake rest once it’s out of the oven. I know the smell is wild, but giving it 20 minutes helps the crumb set and makes slicing way easier. Plus, you won’t burn your tongue. Learned that one the hard way.

6) Making Apple Crumb Cake Ahead of Time

This cake actually gets better the next day. I usually make it in the evening and cover it overnight. The flavors settle, and the crumb topping stays crisp if you keep it uncovered or lightly tented with foil.

If you’re hosting brunch or need an easy dessert recipe to bring somewhere, bake it the day before. Just don’t refrigerate it—it dries out. Room temp works just fine.

Want to freeze it? Go ahead. Wrap it tight in plastic and then foil. It’ll keep for about a month. When you’re ready, warm it gently in the oven. Your kitchen will smell like you baked it fresh that day.

7) Storing Leftover Apple Crumb Cake

If you’ve got leftovers, wrap them loosely with foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays good for up to three days. After that, it starts to lose a bit of its magic, but still tastes solid.

Skip the fridge unless you live in a very humid spot. Cold air dries cake out faster than you can say “easy dessert recipes.” Room temp is your friend here.

You can also reheat slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you want that just-baked warmth again. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and suddenly you’re having cake for dessert… again. Not a bad problem to have.

8) Try these Cakes next!

9) Apple Crumb Cake