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Cozy Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

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A tender, spiced apple crumb cake with a buttery, crunchy topping that captures the cozy flavors of fall. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk, whole or 2%
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • For the crumb topping:
  • 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (60 grams) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch (23 cm) square or round baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Optionally dust with flour.
  2. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them with lemon juice and cornstarch to prevent browning and thicken the filling. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
  6. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined.
  7. Gently fold the prepared apples into the batter.
  8. In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts if using. Add softened butter and rub with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  9. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
  10. Bake for 50-55 minutes until the topping is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Watch closely after 45 minutes and tent with foil if topping browns too quickly.
  11. Cool the cake on a rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Notes

Let butter soften to room temperature but remain cool for crumb topping to achieve tender, sandy texture. Use cornstarch on apples to keep filling thick and prevent sogginess. Watch oven closely last 10 minutes to avoid burning crumb topping; tent with foil if needed. Allow cake to cool before slicing for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon apple crumb cake, fall dessert, homemade cake, crumb topping, apple cake, cozy dessert

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/cozy-cinnamon-apple-crumb-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-fall-dessert/