Apple Crumble Cake with Butter Streusel Topping

Apple Crumble Cake with Butter Streusel Topping
Nothing says comfort like the scent of baked apples, cinnamon, and butter wafting through your kitchen. This Apple Crumble Cake is everything you love about fall baking—tender apples layered over a soft vanilla cake base and topped with golden, crunchy streusel.

Perfect for dessert, tea time, or even breakfast, this cake combines simple ingredients in a way that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. It’s incredibly easy to make and impossible to resist.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings
Cuisine: European / Classic Bakery-Style

Ingredients
For the Cake Batter
Eggs: 4 large

Sugar: 180 g (¾ cup)

Melted Butter: 100 g (7 tablespoons)

Milk: 200 ml (¾ cup)

Flour: 370 g (3 cups)

Baking Powder: 10 g (2 teaspoons)

Apples: 2–3 medium, peeled and sliced or diced

For the Crumble Topping
Flour: 60 g (½ cup)

Sugar: 60 g (¼ cup)

Cold Butter: 45 g (3 tablespoons), cut into cubes

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 eggs with 180 g of sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Gradually add in the melted butter and milk, stirring until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 370 g of flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth, thick batter forms.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel and core 2–3 apples. You can slice them thinly or dice them, depending on your texture preference.

Toss the apple pieces lightly with lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon if you like a spiced flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). Grease or line a round 9-inch (or similar) baking pan.

Pour the cake batter into the pan and spread evenly.

Evenly distribute the apple slices or pieces on top of the batter. Gently press them into the surface.

Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
In a bowl, combine 60 g flour, 60 g sugar, and 45 g cold butter.

Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the top of the apples.

Step 5: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

If the crumble browns too quickly, lightly tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Serve warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious as-is or with whipped cream, ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approx. 10 slices)
Calories: 290

Carbohydrates: 36g

Sugar: 18g

Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 7g

No Sugar, No Oil, No Milk – Guilt-Free Apple and Raisin Cake Recipe
No Sugar, No Oil, No Milk – Guilt-Free Apple and Raisin Cake Recipe
Protein: 4g

Fiber: 1g

Sodium: 120mg

Vitamin C: 4% DV

Calcium: 6% DV

Iron: 8% DV

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Apple cakes have deep roots in European home baking, especially in German, Austrian, and Eastern European kitchens where apples were plentiful and easy to store year-round. These cakes often feature light, buttery sponge bases topped with sliced apples and a variety of toppings—from cinnamon-sugar to buttery streusel.

This version takes inspiration from classic apple crumble desserts and fuses them into one layered treat, creating a cross between a fluffy cake and a rustic fruit crisp.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
Warm, Cozy Flavors: Perfect for fall or any time you crave something comforting

Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or techniques needed

Crispy Crumble + Soft Cake: A delicious contrast in every bite

Apples in Every Slice: Naturally sweet and juicy

Perfect for Sharing: Great for potlucks, brunches, or guests

Flexible Recipe: Use different fruits or add-ins

Kid-Friendly: Mild, sweet, and non-spicy

Pairs with Coffee or Tea: Ideal for an afternoon treat

Make Ahead: Stays fresh for days

Looks and Smells Amazing: A showstopper for any table

Health Benefits
While this is a treat, it offers a few positives:

Apples: A good source of fiber and vitamin C

Homemade over Store-Bought: Fewer preservatives and additives

Lower Sugar than Most Cakes: Only ¾ cup in the batter

Balanced Portions: Easily sliced into ten manageable servings

Natural Sweetness from Fruit: Less need for extra sweetener

Serving Suggestions
Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: The ultimate comfort combo

With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Soft, light, and airy topping

Topped with Caramel Sauce: Rich and indulgent

Sprinkled with Cinnamon Sugar: Extra sweet-spiced finish

With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Afternoon perfection

With a Side of Greek Yogurt: Balanced for breakfast

Topped with Toasted Nuts: Adds crunch and healthy fats

With a Glass of Apple Cider: Fall in a cup and on a plate

With Lemon Glaze Drizzle: For a zesty finish

Served Cold from the Fridge: Still delicious the next day

Natural morning drink to relieve pain and improve overall health
Natural morning drink to relieve pain and improve overall health
Cooking Tips
Use Firm Apples: Like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for best texture

Don’t Overmix Batter: Helps keep the cake light and fluffy

Let the Cake Cool Before Slicing: It will hold together better

Cold Butter for Crumble is Key: Helps create the perfect texture

Try Spiced Crumble: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the topping

Use a Springform Pan: Makes slicing and serving even easier

Test with a Toothpick: Insert in the center—should come out clean

Double the Crumble: If you love that buttery crunch

Store Covered at Room Temp: For up to 3 days

Reheat Slices in the Oven or Air Fryer: Restores the crisp topping

Variations to Try
Add Cinnamon to the Batter or Topping

Use Brown Sugar in the Crumble: For a caramel note

Add Walnuts or Pecans: Toasted nuts go beautifully

Include Dried Cranberries or Raisins: Extra bursts of sweetness

Use Pears or Peaches Instead of Apples

Make a Mini Version in Muffin Tins

Top with Oats: For a rustic, hearty topping

Add Vanilla or Almond Extract: Extra depth of flavor

Make it Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 GF baking flour

Make it a Sheet Cake: Double the batter and use a 9×13-inch pan

Conclusion
This Apple Crumble Cake with Butter Streusel Topping is the kind of recipe that feels like home. Soft, fluffy, rich with apple flavor, and crowned with a sweet, golden topping—it’s as much about the comfort it brings as the flavor it delivers.

FAQ
1. What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best during baking.

2. Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely—pears, peaches, or berries work well too.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend.

4. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes! Use 2/3 cup in the batter and reduce the crumble sugar by half if desired.

5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is preferred for flavor, but margarine can work in a pinch.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the cake keeps well covered at room temperature for 2–3 days.

7. How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

8. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes. Freeze individual slices wrapped well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

9. What size pan should I use?
A 9-inch round or square pan works perfectly.

10. Can I skip the crumble topping?
You can, but it adds amazing texture—try a light dusting of powdered sugar instead.