Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Crumble

Each bite of this apple crumb cake is studded with juicy apples. The apple chunks get coated in a spiced batter and baked with a layer of brown sugar crumble on top. The cake is moist, full of apple flavor, and brown sugar crumbles in every bite. The cake is based on a recipe our grandma made every fall and it remains our absolute favorite apple cake. 

Apple Crumb Cake Ingredient Notes:

• Apples: Opt for varieties like Pink Crisps or Gravensteins, which strike the perfect balance between tart and sweet.
• Eggs: Beaten until smooth, the eggs bind the ingredients and add richness.
• Vanilla: Vanilla makes everything better and this is no exception. The floral flavor goes perfectly with the apples and spices.
• Sugar: The sweet foundation of this cake and so many others. 
• Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger: There can’t be too many spices in our book, and we use a trio of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger for warm spice in every bite.
• Butter: The better in this recipe is melted and mixed into a cake. Although the method is similar to oil, the butter imparts richness and a comforting, buttery flavor.
• Flour: Provides structure and stability to the cake. We use all purpose flour.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Baking Soda: The leavening agent in this recipe ensures a light, fluffy texture.

Crumble ingredients:

• Flour, Brown Sugar, White Sugar, Salt: These form the foundation of the crumble, and make sweet, crunchy crumbs.
• Butter: The cold butter, when mixed in, creates delicious, buttery crumbs.
• Almond Extract, Slivered Almonds: They add a delightful nuttiness, providing both flavor and crunch. We love the flavor of almond extract, but it is optional. 

Apple Cake Instructions:

Brown Sugar Crumb:

In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, white sugar, and salt. Then, pour in the melted butter and almond extract, mixing until large crumbs form. Gently add the slivered almonds, giving it a final stir. Set aside.

Apple Cake:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• In a large bowl, combine diced apples, vanilla, and beaten eggs, stirring until well-mixed.
• Add sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and melted butter. Stir until all the flavors meld together seamlessly.
• Fold in the flour, salt, and baking soda until the batter achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
• Grease a 9-inch cake pan and pour in the batter. Crown it with the prepared crumble.
• Bake for 70-80 minutes or until a toothpick emerges clean, signifying the cake’s readiness.

Components of the Apple Crumb Cake

• The Juicy Apple Mixture: Diced apples, infused with vanilla and eggs, forms the what makes this cake so special. These diced apples, once baked, impart a burst of fruity freshness in every bite.
• The Spiced Batter: The batter is made with sugar, flour, spices, and melted butter. This batter coats the apple pieces and creates a fragrant, flavorful cake.
• The Brown Sugar Crumble: A blend of flour, sugars, and butter, with slivered almonds and almond extract, are sprinkled on the top. The crumble provides a sweet, crunchy contrast to the soft and juicy cake.

Tips for the Best Apple Cake

• Apple Selection: Opt for apples like Pink Crisps or Gravensteins for a balanced tartness that complements the sweetness of the cake.
• Even Distribution: When adding the crumble, distribute it evenly to ensure a uniform, crunchy topping.
• Checking for Doneness: To test for readiness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should emerge clean, with no wet batter clinging to it.

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