Sometimes all it takes is a few apples, some cinnamon, and butter to realize that fall is on its way. This year, TikTok seems to have found its favorite cake: a moist Apple Crumb Cake , generously filled with tender apples and topped with a thick layer of crunchy crumble.
The concept is simple, but it really works! A tender crust, cinnamon-scented apple chunks, and a golden topping that creates that famous contrast between soft and crispy. And good news for Brussels residents: you don’t have to run to an American grocery store to make it.
The Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 minutes
Baking: 40 to 45 minutes
Serves: 8 to 10
Equipment: a square baking pan, about 20 cm
Ingredients
Apples:
- 2 to 3 apples
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
The cake:
- 115 g unsalted butter, softened
- 120 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 120 g plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 180 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
The crumble:
- 100 g flour
- 90 g brown sugar
- 75 g cold butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C and line your baking dish with parchment paper.
- Peel the apples and cut them into small pieces. Mix them with the cinnamon and brown sugar, then set aside.
- Prepare the cake: beat the softened butter with the sugar until the mixture is creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, then the Greek yogurt and vanilla.
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix just enough to form a smooth dough.
- Pour the batter into the pan and arrange the apple pieces on top.
- For the crumble, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter in small pieces and rub it in with your fingertips until you have large crumbs.
- Spread the crumble generously over the apples. Feel free to leave a few fairly large pieces—they’re the ones that will get nice and crispy in the oven.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the cake comes out almost dry.
- Let it cool slightly before cutting. And if you want to take the comfort factor to the next level, serve it while still slightly warm with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The little detail that makes all the difference? Don’t be shy with the crumble. It’s precisely this generous, crispy layer that transforms this simple apple cake into a true fall dessert.
