Apple Crumble Cake Recipe

Nothing tastes more like autumn than a delicious Apple Crumble Cake Recipe! This ultimate recipe is made with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, maple syrup, and more.

The perfect cinnamon apple crumb cake

Autumn is right around the corner, and you know what that means… bring on all of the apple recipes! To me, apple is perfect for fall. It’s apple everything once September hits! Apple pie, apple oatmeal, apple muffins, and this year… apple crumble cake.

This cake is made with a delicious base of flour (a mix of all purpose and white whole wheat), maple syrup, coconut oil, 5 different spices, and of course, apples. Then, we top it off with a delicious 5-ingredient crumble layer made with oats, flour, oil, syrup, and cinnamon!

This cake creates 12 delicious slices, making it perfect for the whole family or a crowd.

Ingredients in this cinnamon apple crumble cake recipe

Easy apple crumb cake is made in two parts: the cake base, and the crumble topping. A few ingredients, like white whole wheat flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup are shared among both parts.

Cake

• Flour: The base of the cake batter begins with 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
• White whole wheat flour: Then, add to that by including 1 cup of white whole wheat flour. If preferred, you can use all-purpose here.
• Baking soda: 1/2 tsp of baking soda will help the cake bake properly.
• Spices: Add flavor by including 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1/2 tsp of ground cloves, 1/2 tsp of allspice, 1/2 tsp of nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp of salt.
• Eggs: 3 eggs will help the dry ingredients bind together properly.
• Maple syrup: To naturally sweeten up the cake, use 2/3 cup of maple syrup.
• Coconut oil: 1 cup of melted coconut oil will help the cake achieve the correct texture.
• Vanilla: Add a bit of vanilla for flavor. Use 1 tsp.
• Apple: Last but not least, 1 cup of shredded apple completes the cake batter! I used Honeycrisp.

Crumble

• White whole wheat flour: The crumble layer comes together starting with 1/2 cup of white whole wheat flour (again, you can use all-purpose here if preferred).
• Quick oats: Next, add crumble texture and density to the layer by including 1/4 cup of quick oats. This also adds some protein!
• Coconut oil: Help the ingredients mix properly with 3 tbsp of melted coconut oil.
• Maple syrup: Just like with the cake batter, we’re using maple syrup to add a delicious sweet flavor to the crumble. Use 1/4 cup.
• Cinnamon: Finally, the crumble is complete with the addition of 1/2 tsp of cinnamon!

Tools needed to create this easy apple crumble cake

To make this cake, you’ll need a few kitchen tools. Most of the list is made up of mixing bowls in addition to a baking dish, stirring items, and measuring cups!

• 9×9 baking dish
• Medium mixing bowl
• Stirring utensil
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Small mixing bowl

For measuring out ingredients, you will need 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup, 2/3 cup, and 1 cup.

How to make cinnamon apple crumble cake

This apple crisp cake comes together in about 45 minutes. You’ll need 10 minutes for prepping, followed by 32-35 in the oven! Here’s how it’s done:

To begin, preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9 baking dish.

In a medium bowl, mix together the flours, baking soda, spices, and salt. Set aside.

Use a large bowl to whisk three eggs. Then, add the maple syrup, oil, and vanilla.

Add the dry ingredients slowly to the wet and mix until everything is combined. Then, stir in the shredded apple.

Pour the cake batter into the baking dish and spread evenly.

In a small bowl, mix together the crumble ingredients. Sprinkle them evenly on top of the cake batter.

Bake for 32-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Which apples should I use?
I used a Honeycrisp apple for this recipe, but you aren’t limited to that variety! As a rule of thumb, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Gala apples work well in baked treats.

Do I have to use a 9×9 baking dish?
No, any sized baking dish will work! Remember, however, that different sizes will change the thickness of your cake slices. A 13×9, for example, will create thinner slices, while an 8×8 will create thicker slices. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

What can I use besides maple syrup?
If you’re not a fan of maple syrup, you can naturally sweeten the batter and crumble by using honey or molasses.

What additional toppings can I add?
Brown sugar makes a phenomenal topping on apple crumble cake. You can add this by making a quick mix with some light brown sugar, a dash of vanilla, and a couple of tablespoons of water. Then, just drizzle over the baked cake before it cools!

Is this the same as a cobbler?
Nope! While they share similar flavors, a cobbler is more like a pie with a crust and a juicy, fruity center. The apples will be in larger pieces. In this cake, the apples are shredded and baked into the cake. Cakes are dryer and cobblers juicier.

Leftover cinnamon apple crumble cake can be refrigerated or frozen.

To refrigerate, secure the cake in plastic wrap and foil or transfer the slices to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.

To freeze, allow the cake to reach room temperature, and then wrap in plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Ready to dive into apple season? Here are some more tasty apple recipes to try!

• Healthy Apple Cobbler Recipe
• Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal
• Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins
• Gluten-Free Apple Pie

All recipes by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Sierra Ainn