Ingredients You’ll Need
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk or yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups diced apples (small cubes)
Crumb Topping (Streusel)
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup cold butter (cubed)
Optional:
- Nuts
- Caramel drizzle
- Powdered sugar
## Why Small Apple Pieces Matter
Big chunks stay hard.
Small cubes become:
Soft
Jammy
Sweet
And melt into cake while baking.
So dice apples small.
About blueberry size.
Trust me — texture is WAY better.
## Step 1 – Prep the Pan
Preheat oven:
175°C / 350°F
Grease square or rectangular pan (9×9 or 9×13).
Line with parchment if you want easy removal.
This cake slices best in squares.
Bars style.
## Step 2 – Make the Crumble Topping First
In bowl mix:
- Flour
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Cold butter
Rub with fingers until crumbly.
Looks like wet sand.
Small chunks are perfect.
Put in fridge while making batter.
Cold butter = crispier topping.
## Step 3 – Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
Set aside.
## Step 4 – Cream Butter & Sugar
Beat butter + sugar until light and fluffy.
About 2–3 minutes.
This traps air and makes cake soft.
Don’t skip.
Soft cake starts here.
## Step 5 – Add Wet Ingredients
Add:
- Eggs
- Vanilla
- Milk or yogurt
Mix until smooth.
Yogurt makes cake extra moist and tender.
Highly recommended.
## Step 6 – Combine Everything
Add dry ingredients slowly.
Mix gently.
Then fold in apples.
Don’t overmix.
Overmixing makes cake tough.
Gentle mixing keeps it fluffy.
Batter will look thick and chunky.
Perfect.
## Step 7 – Assemble
Spread batter evenly in pan.
Now sprinkle crumb topping generously.
Cover everything.
Don’t be shy.
More crumble = more crunch 😍
Press lightly so it sticks.
## Step 8 – Bake
Bake:
35–45 minutes
Until:
Golden top
Crumble crispy
Toothpick clean
Kitchen will smell like apple pie + cookies.
Seriously addictive aroma.
Hard to wait 😂
## Step 9 – Cool & Slice
Let cool 20–30 minutes.
Cut into squares.
You’ll see:
Crunchy top
Soft fluffy middle
Juicy apple pockets
So satisfying to slice.
## Texture & Taste Breakdown
Let’s talk bite:
Top → crisp cinnamon crumble
Cake → soft & buttery
Apples → sweet & juicy
Sweet but not heavy.
Perfect everyday cake.
Feels homemade and cozy.
## Flavor Variations You Can Try
Easy twists:
Caramel Apple
Drizzle caramel sauce
Walnut
Add chopped walnuts or pecans
Lemon
Add lemon zest
Chocolate Chip
Add chocolate chunks
Cream Cheese
Swirl cream cheese layer
Oat Crumble
Add oats to topping
Same base. New vibe.
## Pro Tips for Perfect Crumb Cake
Tip 1
Use cold butter for crumble
Tip 2
Dice apples small
Tip 3
Don’t overmix batter
Tip 4
Let cool before slicing
Tip 5
Store covered to keep soft
Tiny details = bakery results.
## Storage Tips
Room temp:
3 days covered
Fridge:
5–6 days
Freezer:
2 months
Microwave 10 seconds = fresh again.
Perfect make-ahead snack.
## When to Serve This
Perfect for:
- Breakfast
- Coffee time
- School snacks
- Guests
- Ramadan sweets
- Cozy evenings
- Potlucks
Basically anytime you want “simple but amazing” dessert.
## Final Thoughts
Apple crumb cake is one of those recipes that feels basic…