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To make the apple crumb cake, you will need the following items: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 cup milk, at room temperature - 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional) The crumb topping adds a nice crunch. Gather these items: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted This drizzle gives a sweet finish. You will need: - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons milk - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grab a 9x13-inch baking pan. Grease it with butter and sprinkle a bit of flour. This will help the cake come out easily after baking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients until they are well blended. Then, add in 1/2 cup of softened butter, 2 large eggs, and 1 cup of milk. Stir until the batter is smooth and creamy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Now, it’s time to add some flavor! Take 2 cups of diced apples and gently fold them into the batter. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best. If you like a bit of crunch, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Make sure the apples and nuts are evenly mixed in. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for the crumb topping. Then, pour in 1/4 cup of melted butter. Use a fork to mix until you see coarse crumbs form. This topping will add a nice crunch. Pour half of your cake batter into the greased pan. Spread it out evenly. Next, sprinkle half of the crumb topping over this layer. Pour the rest of the batter on top and finish with the remaining crumb topping. This layered look makes the cake extra special. Place your cake in the preheated oven. Bake it for 40 to 45 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If not, give it a few more minutes. While the cake bakes, make the cinnamon drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Keep mixing until the drizzle is smooth. If it's too thick, add a splash more milk until it’s just right. When the cake is done baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully move it to a wire rack to cool completely. After it cools, drizzle the cinnamon icing generously over the top before cutting it into squares. Enjoy every bite of your delicious creation! Use apples that give a mix of sweet and tart. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices. They hold their shape well during baking. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious; they turn mushy. Always pick fresh apples for the best flavor. The crumb topping adds a nice crunch. Mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon well. Use melted butter to bind them together. Don't overmix; aim for coarse crumbs. This texture creates a delightful contrast to the soft cake. Serve the cake warm for the best taste. A sprinkle of powdered sugar makes it look fancy. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat. For a fun twist, add fresh apple slices on top. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea! {{image_4}} You can easily make this cake gluten-free. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends with xanthan gum. This helps to mimic the structure of wheat flour. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Enjoy the same great taste without gluten. To make this cake vegan, swap out the eggs and milk. Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg. For milk, use almond or oat milk. Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. This way, you keep the delicious flavor and texture while being plant-based. Want to spice it up? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon. You can also mix in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for extra sweetness. For a nutty twist, try adding almond or hazelnut extract. These little changes can make your cake even more special! To keep your apple crumb cake fresh, store it at room temperature. Use an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps keep moisture in and prevents it from drying out. If you have leftovers, it should stay good for about 3 to 4 days. You can freeze this cake for later enjoyment! First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. The cake can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the slices in the fridge overnight. To reheat the cake, first take it out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for a quick fix. Warm individual slices for about 20 to 30 seconds. Enjoy it warm for a delicious treat! You can use applesauce as an egg substitute. Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. This keeps the cake moist and adds flavor. Another option is to use flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes before adding it to the batter. To keep the apples from sinking, toss them in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps coat the apples and gives them grip. Also, make sure your batter is thick enough. A thicker batter holds the apples better. Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Bake it and let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze the cake for up to three months. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap. I recommend using a 9x13-inch baking pan for this recipe. This size allows the cake to bake evenly and creates a nice crust. You can use a metal or glass pan, but keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly. Apple Crumb Cake lasts about three days at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge, it can last up to a week. Remember to keep it covered to keep it fresh. If frozen, it can last for up to three months, making it great for meal prep! You now have all the details to make a tasty Apple Crumb Cake. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations. You learned how to choose apples, get the crumb right, and store the cake. Whether you go gluten-free or vegan, these options fit your needs. Try your hand at this delightful recipe. It's a simple way to enjoy great flavors. Bake, share, and savor every bite!

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade apple crumb cake with cinnamon drizzle! This easy-to-follow recipe combines fluffy cake, tart apples, and a crunchy crumb topping, all drizzled with sweet cinnamon icing. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game with this delicious treat that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup milk, at room temperature

2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of tartness and sweetness)

1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional, for added crunch)

For the Crumb Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Drizzle:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter and lightly dusting it with flour to ensure easy removal of the cake.

    Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Next, add in the softened butter, eggs, and milk. Mix on medium speed or stir vigorously until the batter is well combined and smooth—this should take about 2-3 minutes.

      Incorporate the Apples: Carefully fold the diced apples and chopped walnuts or pecans (if using) into the batter. Ensure that the apples are evenly distributed for a delicious bite in every piece.

        Create the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the crumb topping. Pour in the melted butter and use a fork to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

          Layer the Batter and Crumb Topping: Pour half of the prepared cake batter into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the crumb topping over the batter. Then pour the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the crumb topping for a beautiful layered effect.

            Bake to Perfection: Place the cake in your preheated oven, baking for 40 to 45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

              Prepare the Cinnamon Drizzle: While the cake is baking, make the cinnamon drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and ground cinnamon until you achieve a smooth consistency. If the drizzle is too thick, add a dash more milk until you reach the desired texture.

                Cool and Add the Drizzle: After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, generously drizzle the cinnamon icing over the top before slicing it into squares.

                  Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 12

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve slices of the warm, fragrant cake on a decorative platter. Lightly dust with extra powdered sugar for an elegant touch, and garnish with thin slices of fresh apple or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top for added visual appeal. Enjoy your delightful creation!