Crumbled Top Apple Cake
A moist apple cake with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping and pecans, perfect for cozy gatherings or dessert tables, combining sweet apples with warm spices.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 cups finely chopped apples ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
- Add shortening, egg, chopped apples, and milk to the dry ingredients.
- Beat at medium speed for 3 minutes until well combined.
- Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and chopped pecans to make the topping.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter before baking.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter works as a great substitute. Ensure your apples are tart varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness in the cake. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Crumbled Top Apple Cake warm or at room temperature, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It also pairs nicely with freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving it alongside a fruit salad or a slice of Bill's Favorite Cheesecake for a varied dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. This keeps the cake moist and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crumbled Top Apple Cake contains roughly 427 calories, with 8g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 776mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or peaches. Make sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose. Keep in mind that different fruits may change the moisture content, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld and improves the taste. Just be sure to reheat it before serving for the best texture.
What can I do if the topping is too crumbly?
If the topping is too crumbly, you can add a bit more melted butter to bind the mixture together. Aim for a texture that holds but is still crumbly when sprinkled on top of the batter. Adjusting the amount of brown sugar can also help achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).