Irresistible Apple Crumb Cake Recipe in Just 1 Hour

Name: Irresistible Apple Crumb Cake Recipe in Just 1 Hour
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup milk; 2 medium apples, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

By:

Laura

June 14, 2025

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There’s something magical about pulling a warm apple crumb cake from the oven – that sweet cinnamon aroma filling the kitchen, the tender apples peeking through the golden crumb topping. This recipe has been my go-to dessert for years because it’s so simple yet always feels special. The first time I made it, I was amazed how basic pantry ingredients transform into this perfect balance of moist cake, juicy apples, and that irresistible crunchy topping.

My neighbor shared this apple crumb cake recipe with me when I first moved into my apartment, and it quickly became my signature dish for potlucks and cozy Sunday mornings. What I love most is how forgiving it is – even when I’m rushing, it turns out delicious every time. The secret? Using tart apples (my favorite are Granny Smith) that hold their shape while baking and create pockets of fruity goodness throughout the tender cake.

This isn’t just any apple cake – the brown sugar and oat crumb topping adds this wonderful texture contrast that makes people ask for seconds. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears fast at gatherings, with everyone scraping their plates to get every last crumb. Perfect with coffee in the morning or as a sweet ending to dinner, this apple crumb cake has earned its spot as my most-requested recipe.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumb Cake

This isn’t just another apple cake – it’s the one you’ll make again and again because:

The cake stays incredibly moist thanks to fresh apples releasing their juices while baking
It comes together in under an hour with simple ingredients you probably already have
That buttery crumb topping with oats and brown sugar? Absolute perfection – crunchy, sweet, and irresistible
Works equally well for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon tea – I’ve served it for all three!
The recipe is super forgiving – I’ve made it sleep-deprived with a toddler clinging to my leg and it still turned out amazing

Trust me, after one bite of this warm, cinnamon-spiced beauty, you’ll understand why it’s my most-baked recipe.

Ingredients for Apple Crumb Cake

What I love about this recipe is how basic the ingredients are – nothing fancy, just good pantry staples coming together magically. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

For the cake base:

2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled – no packing!)
1/2 cup granulated sugar – just regular white sugar works great
1 tsp baking powder – make sure yours is fresh
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher salt
1 tsp cinnamon – the good stuff, none of that stale spice jar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – leave it out for about 30 minutes first
1 large egg – room temperature blends better
1/2 cup milk – whole milk gives best texture but any works

For the apple layer:

2 medium apples, peeled and diced (about 2 cups) – Granny Smith are my go-to

For that amazing crumb topping:

1/2 cup brown sugar – packed lightly
1/2 cup rolled oats – not quick oats
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional but recommended!)

See? Nothing weird or hard to find. Just simple ingredients that create magic together!

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake

Okay, let’s get baking! This apple crumb cake comes together so easily – I’ll walk you through each step to make sure yours turns out perfectly. Just follow along, and in less than an hour, you’ll have a gorgeous cake ready to enjoy.

Preparing the Cake Batter

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite 9-inch baking pan (I use a square one, but round works too) and grease it well. Nothing worse than your beautiful cake sticking!

Now for the batter – in a big mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Get those nice and combined. Then add the softened butter (it should dent when you press it), egg, and milk. Here’s my trick – mix by hand with a wooden spoon just until everything comes together. Don’t overmix! A few small lumps are totally fine – they’ll bake out and keep your cake tender.

Layering the Apples and Crumb Topping

Spread that lovely batter evenly in your prepared pan – it’ll be thick, so use a spatula to smooth it out. Now the fun part – scatter those peeled, diced apples all over the top. I like to arrange them somewhat evenly so every slice gets apple goodness.

For the crumb topping, mix your brown sugar, oats, and walnuts (if using) in a small bowl. Then sprinkle this magical mixture over the apples – I use my fingers to distribute it evenly and get some nice clumps in there. Those clumps turn into the best crunchy bits!

Baking and Testing for Doneness

Pop your masterpiece in the oven and set a timer for 35 minutes. Around that time, start checking – the top should be golden brown, and when you gently press it, the cake should spring back. The real test? Insert a toothpick near the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

If the top is browning too fast (sometimes my oven runs hot), just loosely tent some foil over it for the last 5-10 minutes. Total baking time is usually 35-40 minutes, but ovens vary, so keep an eye on it. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before diving in – I know it’s hard to wait, but it’s worth it!

Tips for the Best Apple Crumb Cake

After making this apple crumb cake dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve learned a few secrets for perfect results every time:

Apple choice matters! Tart Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape best. Avoid mushy varieties – you want little pockets of apple, not applesauce!
Don’t overmix the batter – stir just until combined. Overworking = tough cake.
Watch that oven! Start checking at 35 minutes. A few moist crumbs on the toothpick means it’s done – it’ll keep cooking as it cools.
Foil is your friend if the topping browns too quickly – just drape it loosely over the top.
For extra crunch, toast the walnuts first – it makes that crumb topping next-level amazing.

Follow these little tricks, and you’ll have cake perfection!

Apple Crumb Cake Variations

The beauty of this apple crumb cake is how easily you can make it your own! While I adore the classic version, here are some fun twists I’ve tried over the years:

Nut swap: Try pecans or almonds instead of walnuts – each brings its own special crunch
Caramel lover? Drizzle warm caramel sauce over slices right before serving (heavenly!)
Berry boost: Toss in a handful of fresh cranberries with the apples for tart contrast
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the crumb topping for extra warmth
Crumble change: Swap half the oats for crushed graham crackers or gingersnaps

Don’t be afraid to experiment – this recipe welcomes creativity!

Serving and Storing Apple Crumb Cake

Oh, that magical moment when you slice into a still-warm apple crumb cake – the steam rising, the crumb topping crackling under your fork! I always serve this beauty slightly warm because that’s when the flavors really sing. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top? Perfection. But honestly, it’s just as delicious at room temperature with your morning coffee.

For storing, let it cool completely first (if there’s any left!). I tuck mine into an airtight container at room temperature where it stays fresh for about 3 days. The crumb topping loses some crunch by day two, so I like to reheat slices briefly in the toaster oven to revive that wonderful texture. Pro tip: If you want to keep it longer, this cake freezes beautifully for up to 2 months – just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic before freezing.

Apple Crumb Cake Nutritional Information

Here’s what you’re looking at nutrition-wise per generous slice (based on 8 servings): about 320 calories, with 12g fat (7g saturated), 50g carbs (2g fiber, 25g sugar), and 4g protein. Keep in mind these are estimates – actual numbers can vary slightly based on your exact ingredients and how you slice it!

FAQs About Apple Crumb Cake

Q1. What are the best apples to use for apple crumb cake?
Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best – they hold their shape during baking and balance the sweetness perfectly. Avoid mushy varieties like Red Delicious that turn to applesauce when cooked.

Q2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend (I’ve had great results with cup-for-cup blends). The texture comes out nearly identical – just maybe slightly more crumbly.

Q3. How do I freeze apple crumb cake?
Freeze it in slices for easy portions! Let the cake cool completely, then wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or pop directly in the toaster oven to reheat.

Q4. Why did my crumb topping sink into the cake?
This usually happens if the batter was too thin (overmixed or too much liquid) or if you didn’t bake it long enough. Next time, make sure your batter is thick and bake until a toothpick shows just a few moist crumbs.

Now that you’re armed with all the secrets, it’s time to bake your own apple crumb cake masterpiece! Tag me on Instagram with your creations – I love seeing your delicious results!