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Ultimate Moist Apple Crumb Cake with Buttery Streusel

A close-up of a moist slice of apple crumb cake with visible apple chunks and a thick cinnamon streusel topping.
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A recipe for a moist apple cake topped with a generous, buttery cinnamon streusel. This cake works well for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (for apples)
  • 1/2 teaspoon extra cinnamon (for apples)
  • For the Streusel: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • For the Optional Drizzle: 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon apple juice or milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan or an 8-inch round cake pan.
  2. Prepare the apples: In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Make the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Top evenly with the seasoned apples. Spread the remaining batter over the apples.
  7. Make the streusel: In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, both sugars, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  8. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter.
  9. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. If using the drizzle: Whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, apple juice, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Notes

  • For a richer apple flavor, use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples.
  • If you prefer a thicker streusel, chill the topping mixture for 10 minutes before sprinkling it on the cake.
  • This cake stays moist for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfleet.com/apple-crumb-cake-recipe-moist-streusel/