Apple Crumb Cake is a soft, moist cake filled with juicy apples and topped with an extra brown sugar cinnamon crumb topping. This perfect fall dessert holds a special place in my cookbook! You’ll love the perfect balance of softness and crunchiness that gives this cake its unique charm.
I enjoy fall, fall desserts and the aroma of seasonal cakes, which is why I like to share my favorite treats for this time of year. While summer is still here, fall is slowly approaching – welcome it with new recipes to enjoy this season. One of my favorites is fresh apple crumb cake.
As you already know, I prefer quick and easy recipes and this one is no exception. This Apple Crumb Cake is simple to prepare, made with basic ingredients, and requires little effort. Let’s begin by gathering the ingredients for this delicious cake.
Necessary ingredients:
- all purpose flour
- light brown sugar
- granulated sugar
- salt
- ground cinnamon
- powdered sugar
- baking soda
- unsalted butter
- egg
- vanilla extract
- sour cream
- apples
The ingredient amounts and full recipe can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Below is a shorter description of the preparation with accompanying photos.
How to prepare Apple Crumb Cake:
Step1. prepare the topping
Combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter, then mix in flour until crumbs form, using a fork .
Step 2. Prepare the cake batter
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, then add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined. Add the sour cream and beat until smooth. Next, gradually add the flour mixture and mix until incorporated. In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of flour, then fold them into the batter until evenly combined.
Step 3. Baking and cooling
Spread the batter into a 9×9-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes. Let cool for approximately 30 minutes.
Step 4. Prepare the glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cake, then cut and serve.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Apple Crumb Cake:
Make sure ingredients such as eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature.
Do not overmix the batter! Over-mixing can result in a dry and dense cake.
Use a metal or glass baking pan. If you use a ceramic pan, the cake will take longer to bake.
How to store it?
Store the Apple Crumb Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze it. Once baked and completely cooled, wrap the cake in plastic wrap, then place it in a container or freezer bag. Store in the freezer for 1–2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
If you enjoy apples and apple – based desserts, Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake, French Apple Cake and Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars are excellent choices. I also like to share good recipes from food bloggers – Apple Turnovers from the popular blogger The Chunky Chef look very delicious.
Apple Crumb Cake is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or as a dessert, served with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee or tea. Make this delicious cake and enjoy every bite.

Apple Crumb Cake
Apple Crumb Cake is a soft, moist cake filled with juicy apples and topped with an extra brown sugar cinnamon crumb topping. This perfect fall dessert holds a special place in my cookbook!
Ingredients
TOPPING
- 1 1/4 (150 g.) cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (115 g.) unsalted butter, melted
CAKE BATTER
- 2 cups (240 g.) all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226 g.) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon all purpose flour
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
TO MAKE THE CRUMB TOPPING:
- Combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter, then mix in flour until crumbs form, using a fork . Do not overmix. Set aside.
TO MAKE THE CAKE BATTER:
- Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- In a larger bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar - starting on low speed, then increasing to high - until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
- Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined. Stir in the sour cream until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl if necessary.
- Add half of the flour mixture and mix on low speed, then add the remaining flour and mix until a batter forms. Do not overmix.
- Toss the chopped apples, cinnamon and 1 teaspoon flour together. Fold the apples into the batter until evenly distributed. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter and gently press it down with a rubber spatula.
- Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 30 minutes.
TO MAKE THE GLAZE:
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Make sure ingredients such as eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature.
- Do not overmix the batter! Over-mixing can result in a dry and dense cake.
- Use a metal or glass baking pan. If you use a ceramic pan, the cake will take longer to bake.
How to store it?
Store the Apple Crumb Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze it. Once baked and completely cooled, wrap the cake in plastic wrap, then place it in a container or freezer bag. Store in the freezer for 1–2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 370Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 349mgCarbohydrates: 72gFiber: 2gSugar: 46gProtein: 5g
Deb
Thursday 21st of August 2025
Did not see amounts of ingredients for the glaze. Just wondering.
Dragana
Friday 22nd of August 2025
Thank you for the note, Deb - we’ve just added the missing ingredients.
Best regards, Dragana