Description
This Apple Streusel Cake is a cozy and comforting dessert that layers tender cinnamon apples between soft buttery cake and a crisp brown sugar streusel topping. Perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, it’s a crowd-pleasing bake that’s simple enough for a weekday and impressive enough for any gathering.
Ingredients
2 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
1/3 cup brown sugar (for streusel)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for streusel)
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed (for streusel)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for tossing apples)
Extra cinnamon for tossing apples
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss with 1 tablespoon of sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In a bowl, prepare the streusel by combining 1/3 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Add 1/4 cup cold butter and mix until crumbly. Chill in fridge.
4. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 2/3 cup granulated sugar until fluffy.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
7. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, alternating with 1/2 cup milk, until batter is smooth.
8. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Layer the apples evenly over the batter.
9. Top with remaining batter, spreading gently to cover the apples.
10. Sprinkle chilled streusel topping evenly over the surface.
11. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
12. Let cool for 10–15 minutes in the pan before removing the springform ring.
13. Serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally top with caramel sauce or whipped cream.
Notes
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor depth—Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are a great combo.
Chill the streusel topping before baking to help it hold texture and create that crunchy finish.
Don’t skip alternating the flour and milk while mixing—this creates a smoother batter without overmixing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 135 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: apple streusel cake, fall dessert, apple cake