This Apple Streusel Cake is a delicious treat that combines soft cake with sweet apples and a crunchy topping. It’s perfect for cozy days or when you have friends over!
Honestly, what’s not to love about warm apples and a crumbly topping? I like to enjoy it with a scoop of ice cream on the side—heavenly! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For the best flavor, I like using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples in this cake. Their tartness adds a nice balance. If you want a sweeter cake, feel free to use Fuji or Gala apples instead!
Sour Cream: Sour cream gives the cake moisture and richness. If you’re out, plain yogurt works perfectly as a substitute. Greek yogurt gives a nice thickness, too.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the way to go, as it lets you control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute with margarine or a vegan butter blend, but the flavor might vary slightly.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard for this recipe, but you can try whole wheat flour for a denser texture and more nutrients. Just keep in mind that it might alter the final consistency a bit!
How Do You Make the Perfect Streusel Topping?
The streusel topping is what makes this cake special! It adds a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and apples. Here’s how I do it:
- Use cold butter so it creates a crumbly texture. Cut it into the dry ingredients until mixed but not fully combined.
- It’s okay if some pea-sized chunks of butter remain. These will melt during baking and create that perfect crumb!
- Once it’s mixed, I always taste a little—it’s sweet and buttery perfection!
Keep the topping loose and crumbly, so it stays crunchy. If it seems too dry, just sprinkle a few drops of cold water to help it hold together a little better.
Apple Streusel Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
- 3 medium apples (about 1 lb), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Apple Streusel Cake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 50 to 60 minutes to bake. After baking, allow about 20 minutes to cool before serving. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying this cake in roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup of flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set this mixture aside to use later!
3. Prepare the Cake Batter:
In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture and sour cream to the butter mixture, alternating between the two, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
5. Prepare the Apples:
Toss the thinly sliced apples in a bowl with 1 tsp of cinnamon until they’re nicely coated. This will infuse the apples with flavor!
6. Assemble the Cake:
Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Layer the sliced apples evenly over the batter, and then gently dollop and spread the remaining batter on top. It doesn’t have to look perfect! Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the entire cake.
7. Bake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the cake (not hitting the apples) comes out clean and the streusel is golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, you can dust it with powdered sugar if you like a touch of sweetness on top!
Enjoy your moist Apple Streusel Cake, with the perfect balance of tender baked apples and crunchy cinnamon topping. It’s a slice of home-baked happiness!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options for baking, feel free to experiment with other apple varieties like Fuji or Gala for a sweeter flavor. Just remember that different apples will result in varying levels of sweetness and tartness in the cake!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
After the cake has cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before enjoying it again.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake the day before and store it tightly covered. The flavors will even develop more overnight! If you prefer, you can also freeze the cake. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to eat.
What Should I Serve with Apple Streusel Cake?
This cake is delicious on its own, but for an extra special treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It also pairs nicely with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack!