Grandma Smiths Spiced Apple Crumb Cake
Recipe Introduction
Ever crave a slice of pure comfort? Honestly, who doesn't? This is the best apple cake recipe ever . It’s got that warm, cozy vibe, perfect for when the leaves start turning and you just want to curl up with a good book.
This apple crumb cake recipe comes straight from my (hypothetical, but delicious) Grandma Smith. It's a classic homemade apple cake recipe and a perfect mix of tart and sweet.
It’s not just apple cinnamon cake , it’s like autumn in every bite.
Apple Cake: A Timeless Treat
Spiced apple cake like this one has been around for ages. It's a staple in countless cultures, a symbol of home baking and comfort.
This easy apple cake recipe is achievable for anyone. It takes about 25 minutes to prep, and 50- 60 minutes to bake, yielding 8-10 servings.
Why This Recipe Rocks!
One of the best things about this granny smith apple cake is the apples. Apples are packed with fiber, which is great for your gut! Plus, it's the ultimate fall baking recipes for gatherings or a quiet night in.
What makes this especially special is the perfect balance of spices and the buttery apple cake with crumb topping . Oh my gosh, it's good! Honestly, is one of the best apple dessert recipes around.
Also, it makes for a super moist apple cake .
Ready to dive into the ingredients?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready to Bake!
So, you wanna make the best apple cake recipe ever ? Awesome! Let's talk ingredients and gear. Don't worry, it’s not rocket science.
I bet even my cat could almost do this. (Okay, maybe not. But you get the idea!) Before we dive in to this apple crumb cake recipe let's make sure we have everything we need to get the granny smith apple cake perfect!
Main Ingredients for Your Spiced Apple Cake
- Crumb Topping:
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup (100g)
- Light brown sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) , packed
- Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon
- Cold unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (57g) , cubed. Pro-tip: super cold butter is your friend here!
- Cake Batter:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250g)
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground ginger: 1/4 teaspoon
- Softened unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113g) . It needs to be properly softened; don't melt it!
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150g)
- Large eggs: 2
- Buttermilk: 1/2 cup (120ml) . If you don't have it, mix 1/2 cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Apples: 3 medium (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp) , diced. Granny Smiths gives that awesome tartness to the apple cake with crumb topping !
For the apples, aim for firm ones. No one wants mushy apples in their easy apple cake recipe . I really enjoy using apple cinnamon cake for it's warming flavour.
Seasoning Magic
A good spice blend is key. Cinnamon is a must for any decent homemade apple cake , but nutmeg and ginger add depth.
Feel free to experiment! A tiny pinch of cloves works wonders, too. If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of bourbon in the batter would also work.
The goal is to bake up the best apple dessert recipes .
Equipment Lowdown
- 9 inch springform pan.
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (stand or hand held)
- Rubber spatula.
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional).
- Apple corer (also optional).
You probably already have most of this stuff. If you don't have a springform pan, a regular cake pan will do, but it might be a little trickier to get the cake out in one piece.
This moist apple cake recipe is too good to pass on just because of the pan! Okay, now that we have what we need for this delicious fall baking recipes , let's bake the best apple cake recipe ever !
Alright, let's dive into making the best apple cake recipe ever ! I'm seriously excited about this one.
Cooking Method: Apple licious Success!
This apple cinnamon cake is truly something special. It’s a classic for a reason! We are going to break down how to make the best homemade apple cake you have ever tasted.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First, the essential mise en place . Honestly, it’s just a fancy way of saying "get your stuff together!" Measure out all ingredients.
Dice your apples. Get that oven preheating to 350° F ( 175° C) . Trust me, it saves a headache later.
Think of it as future you doing you a favour.
For time saving tips, consider chopping the apples a little ahead. Don't do it too soon. They will go brown! As for safety, watch those fingers while dicing! Sharp knives are your friend if used correctly.
step-by-step: Baking Magic!
- Mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the apple crumb cake recipe topping. Cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Fridge it!
- Cream softened butter and sugar in a bowl. This should take about 3- 5 minutes . You want it fluffy!
- Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients. Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger.
- Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients to the butter mixture. Don't overmix!. Just until combined.
- Fold in diced granny smith apple cake .
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle with crumb topping.
- Bake for 50- 60 minutes , until a toothpick comes out clean.
That's it. Simple, innit?
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Baking
Want to avoid a dry cake? Don't overbake! Visual cues: A light golden top is what you are looking for. Also, chilling the crumb topping ensures it stays nice and crumbly.
A common mistake? Overmixing the batter. It can make the cake tough! Keep it light. Also, use the best apple dessert recipes .
For moist apple cake , don't skip the buttermilk. The acidity helps tenderize the gluten.
For a make-ahead option, you can prep the crumb topping a day in advance. Store it in the fridge. Honestly , the spiced apple cake is great fresh, but those are my top tips! Plus, this recipe doubles up as a fall baking recipes list entry!
Recipe Notes for Your Best Apple Cake Ever!
Right then, let's chat about some insider secrets for the best apple cake recipe ever . Honestly, even the easiest apple cake recipe can be elevated with a few thoughtful touches.
So, grab another cuppa and let's dive in, shall we? We will be mastering an apple crumb cake recipe .
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!
Okay, so you've slaved away (well, maybe not slaved baking should be fun!) making this gorgeous homemade apple cake .
Don't just plonk it on a plate! Think about presentation. A dusting of icing sugar? A dollop of fresh whipped cream? Ooh, maybe even a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting seductively over a warm slice of spiced apple cake .
Don't forget the drinks! A simple glass of milk will do, or even a hot toddy .
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Right, so you've made this epic granny smith apple cake , but can't finish it. No worries! This moist apple cake will keep well.
For refrigeration, wrap it tightly in cling film or store it in an airtight container. It'll be good for about 3 days.
Fancy freezing it? Slice it up first, wrap each slice individually, and pop them in a freezer bag. They'll be grand for up to 3 months.
To reheat, just let a slice thaw at room temperature, or give it a quick blast in the microwave if you're impatient (like me!).
Variations: Putting Your Own Spin on It
Fancy a bit of a twist? You could try swapping out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nutty flavour.
Or, for a fall baking recipes vibe, chuck in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans. Dietary adaptions are possible.
For a dairy-free version of this apple cake with crumb topping , swap the butter for a good quality vegan spread and use your favorite plant based milk (Almond works wonders!).
Nutrition Basics: A Treat for the Soul
Right, let's talk nutrition. I won't pretend this is health food. It's cake! But hey, apples are good for you, right? Each slice of this apple cinnamon cake is around 350 calories.
It's got vitamins from the apples, a bit of protein, and loads of deliciousness. Think of it as a treat for the soul! It is by far the best apple dessert recipes .
So, there you have it! Loads of tips and tricks. Remember, baking should be fun! Don't be afraid to experiment and make this best apple cake recipe ever your own.
Now, get baking and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my apple cake soggy and not the "best apple cake recipe ever"?
Soggy apple cake is usually caused by too much moisture. Make sure you're measuring ingredients accurately, especially the buttermilk, and don't overmix the batter, as that can also lead to a denser, wetter cake. Also, ensure the cake is baked through by using a cake tester - if it comes out clean, it's good to go!
You can also try increasing the baking time by a few minutes.
Can I use different types of apples for this cake, or is it Granny Smiths or bust?
Absolutely! While Granny Smiths add a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness, you can definitely mix and match. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or even a softer apple like Fuji will work. Just be mindful that softer apples might break down more during baking, so your cake will be moister and less textured.
How do I store this "best apple cake recipe ever" so it stays fresh and delicious?
To keep your apple cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its life, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, but be aware that the texture might change slightly.
For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag; thaw at room temperature before serving.
I'm trying to be a bit healthier, are there any substitutions I can make to this apple cake?
You can definitely lighten things up a bit! Try replacing half the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce the fat content. You could also use whole wheat flour (although the texture will be denser) or a sugar substitute like stevia or maple syrup, but be mindful that this will alter the flavor and texture.
You can also experiment with reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1/4 cup without noticeably affecting the final result.
My crumb topping is turning out like rocks! What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the crumb topping conundrum! The secret is using cold butter. The cold butter creates pockets of air that create the crumbly texture. Make sure your butter is fridge cold before you start. Also, avoid overworking the mixture; you want coarse crumbs, not a smooth paste.
If it's still too wet, add a tablespoon or two of flour until it reaches the right consistency.
Grandma Smiths Spiced Apple Crumb Cake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
