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    Home » Recipes » Cakes & Cupcakes » Apple Crumble Cake

    Apple Crumble Cake

    Published: Jun 21, 2021 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · 12 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    A serve of Apple Crumble Cake with some on a fork

    An easy Apple Crumble Cake layered with slices of apple and topped with a sweet and crunchy crumble. Perfect for serving a crowd and ready to eat in just over an hour! Serve warm with a scoop of ice-cream, cream or custard for a delicious dessert or have it at room temperature for a simple afternoon tea.

    A serve of apple crumble cake being removed from the rest of the cake, showing layers of apple inside

    This Apple Crumble Cake recipe is simple, uses basic ingredients that you will have on hand, and makes a perfect dessert or afternoon tea treat. 

    There's no doubt a crunchy, crumble topping appeals to all, whether that be a classic apple crumble dessert or apple and blueberry crumble.

    Or why not try an apple crumble slice, apple crumble muffins or an apple and raspberry crumble cake too. Perfect for popping in a lunchbox, or serving for morning or afternoon tea - it's not all about dessert, you know!

    A forkful of apple crumble cake with ice cream on a plate

    Why You're Going to Love This Recipe

    • Sweet & crunchy crumble topping - a pleaser for all, you can never have enough crumble, right?
    • Winter warming - the delectable waft of this apple crumble cake baking is just what you need to warm a winters day.
    • Freezer friendly - if you happen to have any left-overs, or want to make this ahead of time, just wrap well in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
    • Budget friendly - using just apples and basic ingredients helps keep the cost down, which is always a bonus.
    A serve of cake with a thick layer of crumble on top, and filled with layers of sliced apple.

    What You Need

    Pantry staples make it so easy to whip up this Apple Crumble Cake for a dessert or afternoon tea.

    Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients, quantities and full detailed method.

    For the cake:

    • butter - either salted or unsalted is fine to use
    • brown sugar - I choose regular light brown sugar, however, you can use dark brown sugar if you prefer
    • eggs - use large 60gm eggs
    • golden syrup - if golden syrup is not available you can use corn syrup or maple syrup instead. Alternatively, you can make your own golden syrup.
    • vanilla extract - or vanilla essence
    • milk - I use full-fat or full-cream milk in all my baking recipes as they give a much better result than skim, light or no-fat milk
    • self-raising flour - also known as self-rising flour, this is a blend of plain flour (or all-purpose), and a raising agent. You can make your own by adding 2 tsp baking powder to every 1 cup of plain flour
    • apples - approx. 5, peeled and thinly sliced. Suggested varieties are pink lady (sweet) or granny smith (slightly more tart). Other sweet varieties include jazz, gala or fuji.
    Ingredients for Apple Crumble Cake in individual bowls

    For the crumble:

    • plain flour - also known as all-purpose flour
    • rolled oats - not quick oats
    • butter - softened to room temperature
    • brown sugar
    Ingredients for crumble in individual bowls

    Step By Step Instructions

    So simple, this Apple Crumble Cake makes a classic favourite dessert even better. And of course, a good lashing of cream or ice-cream (or both!) on top is a must...

    Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients, quantities and full detailed method.

    Step 1 - Preheat The Oven

    Preheat your oven to 160 degrees celsius (fan forced) and grease and line a 23cm round baking tin.

    Step 2 - Cream Butter And Sugar

    Cream the butter and brown sugar on high speed until pale and fluffy using hand-held beaters, a stand-mixer or a Thermomix.

    Brown sugar and butter in a bowl to be creamed

    Step 3 - Add The Wet Ingredients

    Add the eggs, golden syrup, vanilla extract and milk and mix on low speed until smooth and creamy.

    Eggs, golden syrup, vanilla essence and milk being added to creamed butter and sugar

    Step 4 - Add The Dry Ingredients

    Sift the self-raising flour into the bowl and mix until just combined (don't over-mix). Pour half of the mixture into the prepared baking tin.

    Dry ingredients being added to mixture
    Half of the cake mixture spread into a lined baking dish

    Step 5 - Add Sliced Apple

    Layer half of the peeled and sliced apple on top of the cake batter, add the remaining batter, then finish with a layer of the remaining sliced apple.

    A layer of sliced apple placed over mixture in baking dish
    Second layer of mixture over layer of sliced apple
    Final layer of sliced apple in baking dish

    Step 6 - Make The Crumble

    Rub the plain flour, rolled oats, softened butter and brown sugar together using your fingers, until you have chunks of crumble - don't work it too fine. Sprinkle over the apple slices and press lightly.

    Bake for an hour, or until the apple is cooked through and your crumble is golden and crisp!

    Rolled oats and butter in a bowl, to make crumble topping
    Crumble mixed into rough lumps in a mixing bowl
    Apple crumble sprinkled over top of cake mixture, ready to be baked.
    A serve of Apple Crumble Cake with some on a fork showing layers of sliced apple

    Expert Tips And FAQ

    What type of apple should I use?

    You can use any type of apple you like for this recipe. Personally I prefer pink lady (sweet) or granny smith (slightly more tart). Other sweet varieties include jazz, gala or fuji.

    How do I get the BEST crunchy crumble topping?

    Make sure you use rolled oats (not quick oats), the butter softened to room temperature, and use your fingers to rub crumble mixture together into a combination of small and big chunks (not too fine).

    Help, my crumble is browning on top!

    Simply place a sheet of foil loosely over the top for the remainder of cooking time.

    Can I substitute the apple for something else?

    Yes absolutely! Check out our apple and raspberry crumble cake version here. Otherwise you can use any type of tinned or sliced fresh fruit you like. Lemon curd is also delicious.

    How should I store this?

    You can store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrap well and freeze for up to 1 month.

    How do I reheat apple crumble cake?

    If you'd like to reheat your cake after it's cooled, you can do so on a low temperature in the oven or on 50% power in the microwave. It’s delicious served with cream, ice-cream or custard. 

    A side view of a slice of Apple Crumble Cake with layers of apple throughout, served on a plate

    Related Recipes

    If you love the sound of this apple crumble cake, you won't want to miss these other delicious apple recipes!

    • Apple & Sour Cream Slice - this is such an old fashioned favourite and the sour cream makes it the perfect recipe for those who don't like a super sweet slice.
    • Easy Homemade Apple Pie - who doesn't love a homemade sweet pie? This is the ultimate winter dessert comfort food!
    • Apple Oat Muffins - a healthy and delicious muffin recipe thats perfect for school lunchboxes.
    • Easy Apple Cake - everyone LOVES this classic tea cake with layers of apple and topped with crunchy sweet flaked almonds.
    • Apple & Cinnamon Scrolls - I've never met anyone who has tried these scrolls and hasn't fallen in love with them! Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch, morning tea or school lunchbox treat... these are AMAZING!
    A serve of layered apple crumble cake with a scoop of ice cream on a plate

    WANT EVEN MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. And if you love baking, then please come and join my Facebook cooking club group or subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

    A slice of apple crumble cake with a scoop of ice-cream on the side.

    Apple Crumble Cake

    The most delicious Apple Crumble Cake recipe ever! A simple tea cake layered with slices of apple and topped with a sweet and crunchy crumble. 
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: sweet
    Cuisine: cakes and cupcakes
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings: 16 serves
    Calories: 355kcal
    Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

    Ingredients

    For the cake

    • 250 g butter room temperature
    • 150 g (1 cup) brown sugar
    • 2 eggs
    • 2 tbs golden syrup
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract
    • 120 g (½ cup) milk
    • 225 g (1 ½ cups) self raising flour
    • 5 apples peeled and thinly sliced

    For the crumble

    • 125 g (1 cup) plain flour
    • 75 g (1 cup) rolled oats
    • 100 g softened butter
    • 80 g (½ cup) brown sugar

    Instructions

    Conventional Method

    • Preheat oven to 160 degrees celsius (fan-forced).
    • Grease and line a 23cm round cake tin with baking paper.
    • Place the butter and brown sugar into a bowl and cream together with electric beaters on high speed until pale and fluffy.
    • Add the eggs, golden syrup, vanilla essence and milk and continue to beat on low speed until smooth and creamy.
    • Sift in the self-raising flour and mix on low speed until just combined (do not over-beat).
    • Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared tin.
    • Add half of the apple slices in a thin layer.
    • Spread over the remaining cake batter and top with the remaining apple slices. Set aside.
    • In a bowl, use your fingers to rub the plain flour, rolled oats, butter and sugar together until they resemble crumbs (not too fine).
    • Sprinkle the crumbs over the cake and press down lightly.
    • Bake in the oven for 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean (it may take a bit longer than 60 minutes depending on your oven).
    • Allow to cool in the tin for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Thermomix Method

    • Preheat oven to 160 degrees celsius (fan-forced).
    • Grease and line a 23cm round cake tin with baking paper.
    • Place the butter, brown sugar, eggs, golden syrup and vanilla extract into the Thermomix bowl and mix for 80 seconds, Speed 4.
    • Add the milk and mix for a further 20 seconds, Speed 4.
    • Add the self-raising flour and mix for 60 seconds, Interval Speed, Kneading function.
    • Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared tin. Add half of the apple slices in a thin layer.
    • Spread over the remaining cake batter and top with the remaining apple slices. Set aside.
    • Place the plain flour, softened butter and brown sugar into the Thermomix bowl. Mix for 10 seconds, Speed 7.
    • Add the rolled oats and mix for 5 seconds, Reverse, Speed 7. Sprinkle the crumbs over the cake and press down lightly.
    • Bake in the oven for 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean (it may take a bit longer than 60 minutes depending on your oven).
    • Allow to cool in the tin for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or cold.

    Notes

    Recipe Tips
    Types of apple - you can use any type of apple you like for this recipe. Personally I prefer pink lady (sweet) or granny smith (slightly more tart). Other sweet varieties include jazz, gala or fuji. 
    Crumble topping - for the crunchiest crumble make sure you use rolled oats (not quick oats), the butter softened at room temperature, and use your fingers to rub crumble mixture together into a combination of small and big chunks (not too fine).
    Browning - if you find your crumble is browning too much while it’s cooking, simply place a sheet of foil loosely over the top and continue baking.
    Apple substitutes - for something a little different, check out my apple and raspberry crumble cake version here. Otherwise you can use any type of tinned or sliced fresh fruit you like. Lemon curd is also delicious.
    Storing the cake - store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or wrap well and freeze for up to 1 month. 
    Reheating the cake - if you'd like to reheat your cake after it's cooled, you can do so on a low temperature in the oven or on 50% power in the microwave. It’s delicious served with cream, ice-cream or custard.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 173mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 619IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christina

      July 19, 2020 at 3:33 pm

      I tried this recipe and the cake turned out delicious but it was very wet and couldn’t hold up in shape! Any idea what might have gone wrong? I followed the thermomix method btw. 🙁 thank you!

      Reply
      • Lucy

        July 20, 2020 at 7:36 am

        Hi Christina, it sounds like it might have needed to be cooked for a little bit longer. If you find it's browning too much when baking, simply place a sheet of foil over the top and keep cooking. xx

        Reply
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    I’m Lucy! A mum, a wife, a food blogger and a lover of all things to do with food! I love creating delicious, no-fuss Thermomix and conventional recipes the whole family will love. Classic baking favourites, lunch box snacks, quick and easy family dinners and more!

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