This Apple Streusel Cake is a warm and cozy treat! It’s packed with yummy fresh apples and topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel that makes it extra special.
Every slice is like a hug in cake form! I love to enjoy it with a cup of tea, and let’s be real, who can resist that crunchy topping? It’s just too good! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the cake. You can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste or a gluten-free blend if needed. I often mix a bit of almond flour for added flavor!
Apples: For great flavor, I like using Granny Smith for their tartness. Honeycrisp adds sweetness. You can mix different varieties for depth. If apples are out of season, canned apples work in a pinch—just drain well!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives better control over the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, use coconut oil or vegan butter as a substitute. I find it works well with minimal flavor change!
Brown Sugar: It gives a lovely caramel flavor to the streusel. Feel free to replace with coconut sugar for a healthier option. Just note, it may change the taste slightly!
How Do You Get the Streusel Topping Just Right?
The streusel topping can make or break your cake! You want that perfect crumbly texture, so here’s how:
- Use cold butter straight from the fridge for the best crumb texture. Warm butter can lead to clumping.
- Mix the butter with the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix; it’s okay to have some larger chunks.
- Sprinkle it evenly across the cake batter. This ensures every bite has that delicious crunch!
Make sure to keep an eye on it while baking. If it browns too fast, cover loosely with foil for the remaining baking time. Enjoy!
Apple Streusel Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This luscious cake takes about 20 minutes of prep time and about 45-55 minutes of baking time. After baking, let it cool for at least 20 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and grease it well. You can also add flour to the greased pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix together 3/4 cup of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel topping. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Set this mixture aside for now—it’s going to add a lovely crunch!
3. Whisk the Dry Ingredients for the Cake:
In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This step helps ensure even distribution of the leavening agent.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar, and beat them together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. It’s going to smell so good!
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one by one to the butter mixture, making sure to beat well after each addition. Don’t forget to mix in the vanilla extract, too—this will add beautiful flavor!
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the buttery mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overdo it!
7. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold the diced apples into the batter using a spatula. Be careful—the apples add moisture and sweetness, which will make the cake delicious!
8. Assemble the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Then, sprinkle that wonderful streusel topping evenly over the batter.
9. Bake It:
Pop the cake in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the streusel topping is golden brown.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. After that, remove it from the pan. If you want, you can drizzle a little honey or maple syrup on top for extra sweetness.
11. Enjoy!
Slice your apple streusel cake and serve it warm, or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Your taste buds are in for a treat!
Enjoy your moist, tender apple streusel cake with that irresistible crunchy topping!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my favorites for their sweet-tart balance, you can experiment with any apple varieties you enjoy. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may make the cake a bit sweeter, so adjust the sugar if needed!
Can This Cake Be Made Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It’s essential to ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Just check the packaging if you’re unsure!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to warm it slightly in the microwave or oven before serving for the best flavor and texture!
Can I Freeze This Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store the whole cake in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!
