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Apple Crumble Cake Recipe

★★★★★ 2 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: Erin9/20/22

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Healthy Apple Crumble Cake
Healthy Apple Crumble Cake

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.

apple crumb cake

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.

slices of apple crumb cake

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 1/2 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!
making apple crumb cake
making apple crumb cake

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.

apple crumb cake

Recipe Tips

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.

slices of apple crumb cake

Storing leftovers

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 Inn

slices of apple crumb cake
slices of apple crumb cake
★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews

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.

Prep: 15Cook: 35Total: 50 minutes
Yield 12 slices 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

Cake

  • 1 cup AP flour
  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour (or all AP)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp all-spice
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 2/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup shredded apple (I used honeycrisp)

Crumb:

  • 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup quick oats
  • 3 tbsp melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease 9×9 baking dish.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together flours, baking soda, spices, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk three eggs. Mix in maple syrup, oil, and vanilla.
  4. Add dry ingredients slowly to wet until all combined. Then stir in shredded apple.
  5. Pour cake batter into baking dish and spread evenly.
  6. In a small bowl, mix together all crumble ingredients. Sprinkle on top of cake batter evenly.
  7. Bake for 32-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
Author: ErinCategory: apple, fall, cake, dessertMethod: ovenCuisine: American
slices of apple crumb cake

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Emily says

    Posted on 12/4 at 12:15 pm

    Truly the best. So simple, moist, and absolutely delicious. A fam favorite❤️

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 12:51 pm

      Hi Emily, so happy you loved it!

      Reply
  2. Jennifer Burns says

    Posted on 10/17 at 10:37 am

    Hi Erin! I love all of your recipes! I’m going to make this today but have one question. Can I sub brown sugar for the maple syrup? And if so is it the same amount? Thanks for all of the great & healthy recipes!!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/18 at 7:06 pm

      Hi Jennifer, thank you for all your support!! Unfortunately, you need the liquid from the maple! You could mix brown sugar with coconut oil until similar texture as maple.

      Reply
  3. cassandra says

    Posted on 10/12 at 12:45 pm

    SUPER tasty, as usual! This apple cake paired perfectly hot out of the oven with some fresh ice cream! You attention to detail, and clear instructions always make such amazing recipes! The house smells SO good.

    I did use the KA 1:1 GF flour if anyone was thinking of making this GF. As with most GF flours, there is sort of a powdery taste and texture using the exact same measurements, especially with the crumble. I didn’t want to mess with the wet to dry ratios so I just added some sugar and salt sprinkles to the top as well as a generous drizzle of honey over the crumble after baking. It would also probably be amazing with some apple butter or something like that.

    Hopefully that helps anyone looking to adapt this to Gluten Free.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/12 at 5:35 pm

      Hi Cassandra, so happy you loved it and made it your own! Thanks for sharing!!

      Reply
  4. Karen says

    Posted on 10/12 at 9:03 am

    Can I use all whole wheat flour for this

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/12 at 5:25 pm

      Hi Karen, I haven’t tested with that specific flour, and most flours work on a totally different absorption rate. You can definitely give it a try but you’d likely have to adjust the amount and need to check the ratio first. Let me know how it comes out!

      Reply
  5. Grace says

    Posted on 10/11 at 9:08 pm

    Just went apple picking and this looks like the perfect recipe for my result picked apples! Do you think old fashioned oats could be a substitute for quick oats? Thanks in advance!!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/12 at 5:23 pm

      Hi Grace, yep that should be fine! Let me know how it comes out!

      Reply
  6. Caitlin says

    Posted on 9/20 at 11:13 pm

    This looks amazing!! Do you think GF flour could work here??

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/21 at 4:14 pm

      Hi Caitlin, most gf flours work on a totally different absorption rate. You can definitely give it a try but you’d likely have to adjust the amount. Let me know if it works!

      Reply

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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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