Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake Delightful and Easy Recipe

Craving a sweet treat that’s easy to make? Look no further! This Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake recipe offers a delightful blend of spices and fresh apples. You can impress friends and family with this tasty dessert in no time. I’ll guide you through each simple step, from mixing ingredients to baking the perfect cake. Let’s dive into this cozy, delicious recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

List of Ingredients

– 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

– 1 teaspoon lemon juice

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– ½ teaspoon salt

– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

– 2 large eggs

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– ½ cup whole milk

– 1 cup rolled oats

– 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

When I make Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake, I like to use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They bring the right mix of sweet and tart. A splash of lemon juice keeps the apples fresh and bright.

You will need a mix of common pantry items. Start with two cups of all-purpose flour and one cup of granulated sugar. These form the cake base. Baking powder helps the cake rise. The ground cinnamon adds that warm, cozy flavor we all love. Just half a teaspoon of salt balances the sweetness.

For the rich texture, use half a cup of softened unsalted butter. You will also need two large eggs, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and half a cup of whole milk to bind it all. The rolled oats create a lovely crumb topping. I like to add ground ginger for extra warmth, but it’s not a must.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to try different fruits, you can swap the apples. Pears or peaches work well too. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or oat milk in place of whole milk. If you’re looking to cut sugar, coconut sugar or agave syrup can be great alternatives. Each change can give your cake a unique twist!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Apples

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your cake bakes evenly. Next, prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can grease it or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the cake later.

Now, let’s work on the apples. Take 2 large apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Peel them and dice them into small pieces. Toss the diced apples in a small bowl with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. This keeps them fresh and bright.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. If you like, you can also add ½ teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of ground ginger for extra warmth. Mix everything well until it’s evenly combined.

Combining Wet Ingredients

Now, it’s time for the wet ingredients. In another bowl, mix together 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ cup of whole milk. Beat these ingredients until they are well blended. This mixture adds moisture to your cake.

Folding the Mixtures

Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix them gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make your cake tough. Now, gently fold in the diced apples. Make sure they are evenly distributed in the batter.

Assembling the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly so it bakes nicely. Now, let’s make the crumb topping. Take the reserved crumb mixture from the dry ingredients and add 1 cup of rolled oats. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the pan. This topping gives a nice crunch.

Baking the Cake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready! Once baked, let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy this delightful treat!

Tips & Tricks for Perfecting Your Cake

Avoiding Overmixing

Mixing your cake batter is key. If you mix too much, your cake can become tough. You want the batter just blended. This keeps the cake light and fluffy. Remember to fold in the apples gently. This helps keep their shape and gives the cake great texture.

Choosing the Right Apples

Not all apples are the same for baking. I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well and add a nice tartness. This balance of sweet and tart makes your cake pop with flavor. You can also try Fuji or Braeburn for a sweeter taste.

Variations for Extra Flavor

Want to mix things up? Add nuts or dried fruits to the cake. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Dried cranberries or raisins bring a sweet chewiness. These additions give your cake extra layers of flavor. Feel free to experiment with what you love!

Serving Suggestions

Serving your cake warm makes it even better. A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy touch. Vanilla ice cream is another great choice. The cold ice cream melts into the warm cake, making it extra special. Dust with powdered sugar for a nice finish. Enjoy!

Variations of Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

Gluten-Free Version

You can make this cake gluten-free. Use gluten-free flour blends. Look for blends made from brown rice flour, almond flour, or oat flour. They work well in this recipe and keep the texture light.

Vegan Adaptation

To make this cake vegan, skip the eggs and dairy. Replace eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water, let it sit for five minutes, and use it as an egg. For milk, choose almond milk or oat milk. These options keep the cake moist and delicious.

Adding Spices

Want to spice things up? Add nutmeg or allspice to the mix. Just a pinch can give your cake a warm, cozy flavor. Try one teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice for a delightful twist. You can even mix different spices for more depth.

Storage Info for Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

Short-term Storage

To store leftover cake, let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This way, the cake stays moist for up to three days. Keep it on the counter for easy access.

Long-term Storage

For long-term storage, freeze the cake. First, slice it into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Press out extra air to prevent freezer burn. The cake can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, take a slice and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can warm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

Shelf Life

Cinnamon apple crumb cake stays fresh for a few days at room temperature. To keep it tasting great, avoid direct sunlight and heat. If you notice any mold or strange smells, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your cake while it’s fresh for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs about Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen apples. They work well in this cake. Just thaw them first. Drain any extra liquid to keep the cake from getting soggy. Frozen apples bring great flavor and sweetness, too.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

Check for doneness by using a toothpick. Insert it in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Another sign is a golden-brown top. The edges may also pull away from the pan slightly.

What is the best way to reheat the cake?

To reheat the cake, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake in for about 10 minutes. This warms it up without drying it out. You can also microwave it. Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds to avoid overcooking.

Can I make the crumb topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the crumb topping in advance. Just store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready, sprinkle it on the batter before baking. It will still have that nice crunch!

In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake. We explored the best ingredients, provided step-by-step mixing and baking instructions, and shared tips for perfecting your cake. We also looked at variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Enjoying this cake is simple, whether you bake it gluten-free or vegan. Remember, using the right apples and not overmixing will help you create a tasty treat. Now, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking!

Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

Indulge in a delicious Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake that's perfect for any occasion! This easy-to-follow recipe features tender apples, a buttery crumb topping, and a hint of cinnamon for the ultimate cozy dessert. In just an hour, you can serve a warm slice topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

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Ingredients

  

2 large apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup whole milk

1 cup rolled oats

1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for extra warmth)

Instructions

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and ground ginger (if using).

Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly, either by hand or using a pastry cutter. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the crumb topping.

In another bowl, beat together the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.

Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix. Gently fold in the diced apples.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

In the reserved crumb mixture, add the rolled oats and sprinkle it evenly over the batter in the pan.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent treat. Enjoy!