Apple Crumb Cake
Wake up to the warm, comforting flavors of this Apple Crumb Cake, a delightful addition to your healthy breakfast ideas. Bursting with sweet apples and topped with a crunchy double cinnamon streusel, this moist, spiced cake is perfect for cozy mornings, brunch gatherings, or a make-ahead treat for guests. Ready in just over an hour, this Apple Crumb Cake is easy to prepare, naturally sweetened, and drizzled with optional caramel sauce for a touch of indulgence. Try this wholesome healthy breakfast idea that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup 120g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup 50g white sugar
- 1/2 cup 100g light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup 60ml milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and diced (or Gala/Honeycrisp for sweeter flavor)
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups 180g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup 100g light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup 50g white sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 tbsp 85g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or 9x9 square pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp baking powder, and 6 tbsp melted butter. Mix with a whisk or fork until clumpy and crumbly. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cake Batter (Reverse Creaming): In a large bowl, mix 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 cup softened butter until crumbly. Add 1/4 cup milk, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread half the batter into the prepared pan. Layer with half the diced apples and a sprinkle of crumb topping (optional for extra cinnamon flavor). Add the remaining batter, top with the rest of the apples, and sprinkle the remaining crumb topping evenly over the top, breaking up larger clumps for texture.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the topping is golden. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and remove from the springform (if using).
- Serve: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, drizzled with caramel sauce if desired, for a perfect healthy breakfast idea.
Notes
- Reverse Creaming: Mix butter with dry ingredients first for a velvety, dense texture that supports the apples and topping.
- Apple Prep: Dice apples evenly for consistent texture; peel for a smoother bite in this healthy breakfast idea.
- Crumb Texture: Squeeze topping mixture to form clumps, then break apart for a rustic, crunchy finish.
- Don’t Overbake: Check at 45 minutes to avoid drying out; a toothpick should come out clean.
- Pan Choice: A springform pan makes for easy release; a square pan works for a more casual look.