Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake

$- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced - 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) These ingredients create a moist and flavorful cake. The Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness. The buttermilk makes the cake tender. The spices bring warmth and depth to each bite. You can change a few ingredients to suit your taste. If you want a nut-free cake, skip the walnuts. You can also use other apple types, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a sweeter flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. To make this cake, gather these tools: - A large mixing bowl - A medium-sized bowl - An electric mixer - A whisk - A 9x13 inch baking pan - Parchment paper (optional) - A spatula - A measuring cup and spoons These tools will help you mix, bake, and serve your cake with ease. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and fun. Enjoy the journey of making this delicious dessert! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9x13 inch baking pan. Grease it with butter and dust it with flour. This helps the cake come out easily. You can also line it with parchment paper if you prefer. In a medium bowl, toss 2 large diced Granny Smith apples. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let the apples sit for about 10 minutes. This lets their flavor shine and softens them a bit. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy. Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients in three parts. Alternate with 1 cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the seasoned apples, ensuring they are well mixed without breaking them. To make the crumb topping, mix 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar in a small bowl. Cut in cold butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. If you want, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for crunch. Now, pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the crumb topping over this layer. Pour the rest of the batter on top, finishing with the remaining crumb topping. Bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy your cake warm or at room temperature! To get a great crumb texture, use cold butter for the topping. Cold butter helps form small chunks that will bake into a crunchy topping. Mix it until it looks like coarse crumbs, not smooth. Also, do not overmix your batter. Combine just until you see no dry flour. This keeps the cake light and fluffy. One common mistake is not prepping your apples enough. Always dust them with sugar and cinnamon before adding to the batter. If you skip this step, your apples might not stand out in flavor. Another mistake is overbaking. Keep an eye on the cake in the oven. Check it with a toothpick at 35 minutes. If it comes out clean, take it out right away. For a lovely presentation, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar. You can also add thin apple slices on top for color. A dollop of whipped cream makes it even better. Serve it warm for the best taste. This cake pairs well with coffee or tea, making it a perfect treat for guests. {{image_4}} To make this cake gluten-free, swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that work well in baking. These often include rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. Ensure the blend has a binding agent like xanthan gum for good texture. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb more moisture. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may differ. You can change up the fruit in this cake for a new twist. Try using pears or peaches for a sweeter taste. Berries, like blueberries or raspberries, add a tart flavor. You can even mix fruits. Just remember to chop them into small pieces, like the apples, to keep the texture smooth. This way, every bite remains light and enjoyable. Get creative with your crumb topping for added flavor. Instead of walnuts, try pecans or almonds for a nutty crunch. You can also mix in some dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, to the topping. For a sweeter finish, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top before baking. This adds a nice sweetness and a beautiful golden color to the crust, making it look as good as it tastes. To keep your apple cinnamon crumb cake fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, refrigeration works too. Just remember to cover it tightly. You can freeze the cake if you have extra. First, let it cool completely. Then, slice it into pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, it can last for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your apple cinnamon crumb cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes. If you want it warm and cozy, you can also use the microwave. Heat it for about 20-30 seconds, just enough to warm it up. Enjoy it fresh and tasty! Yes, you can use other apples. Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work well. Tart apples like Granny Smith give a nice balance. Mixing different types adds depth to the flavor. To make this cake dairy-free, swap buttermilk for almond milk or oat milk. Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil instead of unsalted butter. These options keep it tasty and moist. You can serve the cake warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a sweet touch. Fresh fruit like berries or a cup of coffee pairs nicely too. Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake stays fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance. Just cool it completely and store it covered. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a warm treat later. In this post, we explored how to make a tasty Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake. We covered key ingredients, including options and tools to use. You learned how to layer the cake, bake it perfectly, and avoid common mistakes. I also shared tips for storing and freezing leftovers, offering tweaks for gluten-free and dairy-free diets. Remember, cooking is about experimenting. Don't hesitate to make this recipe your own. Enjoy your baking journey!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake that will have your taste buds dancing! This easy recipe combines tangy Granny Smith apples with warm spices and a buttery crumb topping, perfect for breakfast or dessert. With simple ingredients and clear steps, it's time to bring comfort to your kitchen. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to this delightful cake!

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Ingredients

2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Prepare the Apples: In a medium-sized bowl, toss the diced apples with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Allow them to sit for about 10 minutes to enhance their flavor and soften slightly.

Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically for about 2-3 minutes.

Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs to the creamed mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined and well-mixed.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.

Add the Apples: Gently fold the seasoned diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them apart.

Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you are using walnuts, fold them into the crumb mixture for an added crunch.

Layer the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the crumb topping over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and finish with the remaining crumb topping.

Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool slightly. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 slices

- Presentation Tips: For a delightful serving, dust the top of the cooled cake with powdered sugar and garnish with a few thin apple slices or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant touch.