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There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of moist apple cinnamon crumb cake, one of those quintessential desserts that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and the delightful flavors of fall. This cake is not just a treat but a celebration of seasonal bounty, bringing together the tartness of fresh apples and the aromatic charm of cinnamon. Especially popular during the autumn months, this recipe has become a beloved staple in many households, perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday feasts, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee on a chilly afternoon.

Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake

Discover the comforting delight of moist apple cinnamon crumb cake, a perfect treat for fall gatherings and cozy afternoons. This cake showcases the sweet-tart flavor of fresh apples combined with aromatic cinnamon and a crumbly topping, creating a delightful blend of textures. Our guide walks you through selecting quality ingredients, mastering baking techniques, and personalizing your cake to fit seasonal tastes. Create memories with each slice as you celebrate the essence of home cooking!

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup sour cream

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups)

For the Crumb Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup rolled oats (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

      Make the Crumb Topping:

        In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and rolled oats (if using). Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly. Set aside.

          Prepare the Cake Batter:

            In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

              Cream the Sugars and Butter:

                In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).

                  Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla:

                    Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until evenly combined.

                      Add the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream:

                        Alternately add the flour mixture and the sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

                          Fold in the Apples:

                            Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

                              Assemble the Cake:

                                Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter.

                                  Bake:

                                    Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

                                      Cool and Serve:

                                        Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, paired with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

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