Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake, a delightful dessert that perfectly blends sweetness and spice. With tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a buttery crumb topping, this cake promises a delightful eating experience. Perfect for any occasion, it brings a sense of nostalgia while being easy to prepare. Share slices with family and friends over coffee or tea, and embrace the joy of baking that connects generations.

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sour cream

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (approximately 2 cups)

For the Crumb Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup rolled oats (optional for added texture)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan generously with butter, or line it with parchment paper for effortless removal later.

Prepare the Crumb Topping:

- In a medium bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. If you are using rolled oats for extra crunch, add those as well. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set the topping aside to allow it to firm up slightly.

Mix the Cake Batter:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they are evenly mixed.

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

- In a separate bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar together using a mixer on medium speed for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:

- Add eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Follow with the vanilla extract and mix until evenly blended.

Combine with Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream:

- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently after each addition until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Add the Apples:

- Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout. This will add moisture and texture to your cake.

Assemble the Cake:

- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over the entire surface of the batter, ensuring an even distribution.

Bake the Cake:

- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve:

- Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 slices