Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients — fresh, crisp apples and quality butter make all the difference. I always reach for tart apples like Granny Smith for that bright contrast against the sweet crumb topping. Using real butter here is a must; it gives the cake that rich, comforting flavor I remember from my mom’s kitchen. If you’re short on time, pre-cut apples work fine, but peeling and slicing them yourself adds a personal touch that kids love to help with.
- 3 cups peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra moisture)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Set aside to macerate while you prepare the batter and crumb topping.
- For the crumb topping, combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and the cold cubed butter in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract. Add the remaining granulated sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Mix in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and stir until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the remaining 1 cup flour, baking powder, salt, remaining cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined — don’t overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Layer the macerated apples evenly over the batter.
- Top the apples with the remaining batter, gently spreading it over the fruit. Then sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the entire surface.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the crumb topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on the top during the last 10 minutes to avoid burning.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld and the crumb topping set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Apple Crumb Cake, recipe, cooking, food
