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For this delightful Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake, you will need: - 2 large apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well) - 1 teaspoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for greasing) - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar) - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg You can easily swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Use any firm apple, like Fuji or Braeburn, if you can't find the recommended types. - If you lack buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes. - You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option. - For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and a nut milk instead of regular butter and milk. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this cake tasty and moist: - Apples: They add sweetness and moisture. - Lemon juice: This brightens the apple flavor and keeps them fresh. - Cinnamon: It brings warmth and spice to the cake. - Flour: It gives structure to the cake. - Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake, while brown sugar adds depth. - Baking powder and baking soda: These help the cake rise. - Salt: It enhances flavors and balances sweetness. - Butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture. - Eggs: They bind the ingredients and help with structure. - Vanilla extract: This adds a lovely aroma and flavor. - Buttermilk: It keeps the cake moist and tender. - Rolled oats: They add a nice crunch to the crumb topping. - Nutmeg: This gives a warm, cozy flavor that pairs well with cinnamon. Understanding these roles helps you appreciate each bite of this crumb cake! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter. Take two large apples, peel them, and dice them into small pieces. I like to use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for their great taste. Toss the diced apples in a medium bowl with one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This step adds flavor and keeps the apples fresh. Set this bowl aside for now. In a large mixing bowl, cream together half a cup of softened unsalted butter and one cup of granulated sugar. Mix until it is light and fluffy. Then, beat in two large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Stir in one teaspoon of vanilla extract to add some warmth to the batter. Now, in another bowl, whisk together two cups of all-purpose flour, two teaspoons of baking powder, half a teaspoon of baking soda, half a teaspoon of salt, and one teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mix to the butter mixture. Alternate with one cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined. Finally, gently fold in the apple mixture until it is evenly spread throughout the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. In a small bowl, mix half a cup of brown sugar, half a cup of rolled oats, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This will be your crumb topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple batter. Now, it's time to bake! Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling, slice it into squares. You can serve it warm for the best flavor. For an extra treat, add a dusting of powdered sugar on top or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake! The crumb topping is key to a great cake. Use cold butter for the best texture. Cut it into small pieces and mix it with brown sugar and oats. This creates a sandy mix. Sprinkle it evenly over the batter. This helps it bake into a nice crust. To keep the cake moist, use buttermilk. It adds richness and flavor. Mixing in diced apples also helps. They release juice while baking. This keeps the cake soft. Don't overmix the batter. Mix just until combined for a fluffy texture. Baking times can vary by oven. Start checking at 35 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, bake a few more minutes. Always let it cool for a bit before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier. {{image_2}} You can make a gluten-free version of this cake. Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Use a blend that works for baking, like almond or coconut flour. This keeps the cake moist and tasty. It is a great option for those with gluten allergies. Just be sure to check all other ingredients for gluten. To make this cake vegan, swap the eggs for flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. Replace buttermilk with plant-based milk and a splash of vinegar. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. You will still get a moist and delicious cake. Want to change things up? Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy bite. Toss in a half cup of your favorite nuts when you fold in the apples. You can also mix in other fruits, like pears or berries. This adds fun flavors and makes your cake unique. Experimenting with different fruits can lead to sweet surprises! Once you've enjoyed your Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake, you need to store leftovers properly. Place the cooled cake in an airtight container. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, move it to the fridge. Just remember that the cake might dry out a bit in the fridge. To freeze this cake, first cut it into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they won't get freezer burn. Your cake can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating is simple and quick. For individual pieces, place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 20-30 seconds. If you want to reheat the whole cake, cover it with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will warm the cake nicely without drying it out. Enjoy your warm, delicious cake again! You can check if the cake is done by using a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. This usually takes about 35 to 40 minutes of baking time. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes. If the top is golden brown, that’s a good sign too! Yes, you can use different types of apples! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their tartness and crunch. If you prefer sweeter apples, Fuji or Gala work well too. Just remember that the type of apple will change the cake's flavor. Experiment with your favorites for a fun twist! Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is tasty on its own, but you can add more joy! Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it even better. You could also pair it with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These toppings add a lovely touch and boost the flavors! We explored how to make a delicious Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake. You learned about the key ingredients and roles they play. I shared helpful tips to perfect the crumb topping and ensure moisture. You can try variations, like gluten-free or vegan options, to suit your needs. Lastly, proper storage and reheating will keep your cake fresh and tasty. Enjoy baking and sharing this treat, knowing you can adapt it just for you!

Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake! With tender apples, warm spices, and a crumbly topping, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. This easy recipe guides you through every step, making it simple to create a mouthwatering treat that your family will love. Don’t miss out on serving this warm and topped with ice cream! Click to discover the full recipe and impress your guests today!
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Ingredients
  

2 large apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for greasing)

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter.

    In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice and ground cinnamon. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.

      In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

        Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.

          In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.

            Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.

              Gently fold in the apple mixture until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

                Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

                  In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, rolled oats, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to create the crumb topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple batter.

                    Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                      Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing it into squares for serving.

                        Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 55 min | Servings: 12

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence!