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Ultra close-up macro cross-section of moist cinnamon apple crumb cake showing tender baked apple chunks, spiced cake crumb, and thick brown sugar pecan streusel

Old-Fashioned Apple Crumb Cake

An irresistible old-fashioned apple crumb cake featuring a rich, moist sour cream cinnamon cake studded with tart Honeycrisp apples and piled high with a thick, crunchy brown sugar cinnamon pecan streusel topping. 100% Halal wholesome and baked in a single pan for the ultimate cozy autumn treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 9 generous squares
Calories: 365
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

Buttery Brown Sugar Pecan Streusel
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated cane sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp ground Ceylon cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 6 tbsp unsalted European butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped (optional)
Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake Batter
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream (or plain whole milk Greek yogurt), room temperature
  • 1/4 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (approx. 2 cups)
Vanilla Glaze Drizzle (Optional)
  • 1/2 cup powdered confectioners sugar
  • 1 tbsp whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch square metal baking pan with butter and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy cake removal.
  2. Make the streusel crumb topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until large, cohesive crumb clusters form. Fold in the chopped pecans. Set aside at room temperature.
  3. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and fine sea salt until well combined.
  4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a handheld electric mixer), beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until pale, light, and fluffy.
  5. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter. Beat on medium speed until completely emulsified and glossy, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
  6. In a small measuring cup, stir together the sour cream and whole milk. With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the sour cream mixture into the batter in three additions, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
  7. Spread two-thirds of the thick batter evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan using an offset spatula.
  8. Scatter half of the diced apples and one-third of the streusel crumb mixture evenly across the batter. Dollop and gently spread the remaining batter over the apple layer, then scatter the remaining diced apples on top.
  9. Generously pile the remaining crumb streusel across the entire surface from edge to edge, gently pressing large crumbs into the top layer.
  10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 42 to 48 minutes, until the streusel is deeply golden and fragrant, and a toothpick or wooden skewer inserted into the center emerges clean with only a few moist crumbs attached.
  11. Transfer pan to a wire cooling rack and allow cake to cool for at least 30 minutes. If desired, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together and drizzle over the warm streusel. Slice into 9 squares and serve warm with coffee or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 2gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 480IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 1.6mg

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