If you love the warm, comforting flavours of apple pie and the soft texture of coffee cake, this Apple Crumb Cake is the perfect treat for you.
With its soft, moist base, lightly spiced with cinnamon, and a sweet apple layer in the middle topped with a crunchy, sugary crumb, this cake is perfect for breakfast, teatime, or dessert. It’s ideal when paired with a hot cup of chai or coffee.
Made with simple ingredients like apples, yogurt, maple syrup, and cinnamon, this cake brings together cosy flavours that will feel like a warm hug on a cool day. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious treat at home!
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2/3 cup yogurt (plain, vanilla, Greek yogurt, or buttermilk/sour cream)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 medium apples (peeled and cored)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
How to Make Apple Crumb Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8-inch (20cm) square cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix with a fork. Then, add the flour and stir just until combined. Set aside the crumb mixture.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, mix the yogurt, brown sugar, oil, and maple syrup.
Finely chop or grate one of the apples and mix it into the wet ingredients. Slice the other apple thinly, toss it with lemon juice, and set it aside to use as a topping.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently. The batter will be thick, but that’s okay—it’s supposed to be like that. Be sure not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Step 5: Add Apple Slices and Crumb Topping
Layer the thin apple slices evenly over the top of the batter. Then, sprinkle the crumb mixture generously over the apples.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cake for around 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature.
A Perfect Anytime Cake—Soft, Spiced, and Full of Apple Goodness
This Apple Crumb Cake is the best of both worlds—the cozy, spiced flavours of apple pie and the soft, tender texture of a coffee cake. Whether you serve it for breakfast, as a sweet treat for a family tea party, or as a light dessert after dinner, this cake will always be a hit.
The spiced apples and crumbly topping make it warm and comforting—perfect for any time of the year.
FAQs
What type of apples should I use for this cake?
You can use any sweet or slightly tart apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well and give a nice flavour.
Can I use curd instead of yogurt?
Yes, plain Indian curd can be used as a substitute for yogurt. Just make sure it’s not too watery.
Can I make this cake without maple syrup?
Yes, you can use honey or just increase the brown sugar slightly if you don’t have maple syrup.
How do I store leftover apple crumb cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate and reheat before serving.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, once the cake is completely cooled, wrap it well and freeze for up to a month. Thaw and warm slightly before eating.
Super thank you