This Easy German Apple Crumb Cake is a lovely treat with sweet apples and a crumbly topping. It’s perfect for coffee time or a dessert after dinner!
Every bite is a warm hug, and you won’t want to stop at just one slice. Trust me, this cake disappears fast at my house! 🍏🍰
Making this cake is a breeze! Just mix your ingredients, toss in some apples, and let the oven do the work. I love enjoying it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your cake. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had success with almond flour too, though it can change the texture a bit.
Tart apples: I recommend using Granny Smith or Braeburn apples for their nice balance of flavor and firmness. If you want something sweeter, Honeycrisp or Fuji work well too!
Unsalted butter: Cold butter is key for the crumb topping. If you’re looking to reduce dairy, try coconut oil or vegan butter as a substitute. They won’t change the flavor too much.
Granulated sugar and brown sugar: These sugars add sweetness. You can use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a different taste. If you need it lower in sugar, try a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crumbly Topping?
To achieve that delicious crumbly topping, remember to use cold butter! This keeps it light and flaky. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Cut your cold butter into small pieces and add it to the dry ingredients.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix. Aim for pea-sized crumbs!
- Don’t rush this step; the right texture makes all the difference in your topping.
When done, it should look crumbly and ready to sprinkle on top of those lovely apple slices!
How to Make Easy German Apple Crumb Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold), cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. You’ll want to set aside about an hour for the whole process, plus a little time to let it cool before serving. Perfect for a weekend baking project!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or you can line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. This will be the base of your cake.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat one large egg lightly. Add in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 3/4 cup of milk, and 1/3 cup of vegetable oil. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the bowl of wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cake may turn out dense!
5. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan and spread it out smoothly with a spatula.
6. Add the Apples:
Now, take your thinly sliced apples and arrange them evenly over the batter. They will add a delicious flavor and moisture to your cake.
7. Prepare the Crumb Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix them together well.
8. Add Butter:
Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter in until the mixture is crumbly with small pea-sized pieces.
9. Sprinkle the Topping:
Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the apple slices.
10. Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the cake (be sure to avoid the crumb topping) comes out clean.
11. Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful on its own or with a scoop of ice cream. Enjoy!
Tip: Try to enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat!
FAQ for Easy German Apple Crumb Cake
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Braeburn are great choices for their tartness, you can also use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Just keep in mind that the overall sweetness of your cake will vary depending on the apples you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and the crumb topping ahead of time! Assemble the cake up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if the batter is cold from the fridge.
How Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to include xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it, as it helps with texture. The results should still be delicious!
