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To make the perfect Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake, gather these key ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup buttermilk - 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced - ¼ cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon lemon juice For the crumb topping, you'll need: - ½ cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup brown sugar - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - ¼ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed - ¼ cup old-fashioned oats Each ingredient plays a role in creating a rich flavor and soft texture. The apples bring moisture and sweetness. The cinnamon adds warmth and comfort. The crumb topping gives a nice crunchy texture. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step makes sure the cake bakes evenly. 2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This helps the cake come out easily. 3. Toss 2 large diced apples with ¼ cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. This makes the apples sweet and tangy. Set the apples aside for a bit. 1. In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This mix adds structure and flavor. 2. In a large bowl, cream together ¾ cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar. Mix until it becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. 3. Add 2 large eggs one by one, mixing well after each. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. This adds richness to our batter. 4. Gradually add the dry mix to the butter mix, alternating with 1 cup buttermilk. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. 5. Gently fold in the apple mixture into the batter. This helps distribute the apples evenly. 1. To make the crumb topping, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl. 2. Add ¼ cup chilled and cubed unsalted butter. Use your fingers to mix until it looks crumbly. Stir in ¼ cup old-fashioned oats for a nice texture. 3. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter. 4. Bake for 35-40 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. 5. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set before you slice. Enjoy your warm cake! - Importance of ingredient temperature: Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smooth batter. Cold ingredients can create lumps and toughen the cake. - How to check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes. - Preventing a dry cake: Avoid over-mixing your batter. Mix until just combined. Also, keep an eye on the baking time to prevent drying out. - Dusting with powdered sugar: After cooling, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. This adds a lovely touch and sweetness. - Serving with whipped cream or ice cream: Pair slices with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The coolness contrasts well with the warm cake. - Garnishing options: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few apple slices for a pretty finish. This makes the cake even more inviting. {{image_2}} You can make this cake gluten-free! Use 2 cups of a gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends that include xanthan gum. This will help the cake rise and stay together. To make a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes. For dairy, use plant-based milk and vegan butter. These swaps keep the cake moist and tasty. You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries add sweetness. For apples, try different types. Fuji apples bring a sweet taste, while Granny Smith adds a tartness. Mixing apple types can give your cake a fun twist! To keep your Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake fresh, use a few simple steps. First, let the cake cool completely after baking. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents it from drying out. You can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to five days. The cold will help maintain its flavor and texture. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Start by slicing the cake into pieces. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them fresh and easy to grab. The cake can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, just take out a slice and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds for a fresh-baked taste. How do you store a cake with crumb topping? To store your cake, cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap. This keeps the crumb topping soft. Place it in a cool place. You can also refrigerate it for longer freshness. Can I use other fruits instead of apples? Yes, you can swap apples for pears or berries. Each fruit gives a unique taste. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness. How can I make this cake moist? To keep your cake moist, measure your flour correctly. Too much flour makes it dry. Also, do not overmix the batter. This keeps the cake light and fluffy. What can I use instead of buttermilk? You can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes. This gives a similar tangy flavor to buttermilk. Is it possible to make the crumb topping ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the crumb topping a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. How long will the cake last at room temperature? The cake stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. If you cover it well, it will remain tasty and moist. This blog post provided a clear guide to making a delicious Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake. We discussed the key ingredients and detailed steps for preparation and baking. I shared tips for baking success and ways to enhance presentation. The variations section allowed you to explore gluten-free and vegan options. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste. Enjoy trying new flavors and serving ideas. Baking can be fun, and this cake is a great choice for any occasion. Happy baking!

Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

Delight your taste buds with this irresistible Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake recipe! Bursting with warm cinnamon flavors and fresh apples, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and simply delicious, it's sure to become a family favorite. Follow our simple steps to create this mouthwatering dessert that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

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

¼ cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Crumb Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup brown sugar

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

¼ cup old-fashioned oats

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and set aside.

    Prepare the Apples: In a bowl, toss the diced apples with ¼ cup brown sugar and lemon juice. Set aside to let them soften slightly.

      Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.

        Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

          Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

            Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

              Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the apple mixture into the batter.

                Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Add the chilled butter, using your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. Stir in the oats.

                  Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter.

                    Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                      Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

                        Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 12

                          - Presentation Tips: Dust the top of the cooled cake with powdered sugar and serve with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few apple slices.