Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake Recipe – Moist Fall Dessert with Crumb Topping
1. Introduction
Few desserts capture the coziness of fall quite like apple cinnamon streusel cake. Imagine soft, moist cake infused with warm cinnamon spice, chunks of tender apples, and topped with a golden, buttery crumb streusel that adds irresistible crunch. It’s a cross between coffee cake and apple pie — making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
This recipe is easy, customizable, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re baking for a holiday table, Sunday brunch, or just a cozy autumn day, this cake is a true comfort food classic.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
For the Cake
- All-purpose flour (2 cups) – The structure of the cake.
- Baking powder (2 tsp) – Helps the cake rise.
- Baking soda (½ tsp) – Balances acidity from apples.
- Salt (½ tsp) – Enhances flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tsp) – The warm spice star of the recipe.
- Butter (½ cup, softened) – Adds richness and tenderness.
- Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens the batter.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup) – Adds warmth and moisture.
- Eggs (2 large) – Bind and provide structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Flavor enhancer.
- Sour cream or yogurt (1 cup) – Keeps cake moist.
- Apples (2 medium, peeled, diced) – Fresh, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.
For the Streusel Topping
- Flour (1 cup) – Creates crumbly texture.
- Brown sugar (½ cup) – Sweetness and caramel notes.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Spice in the topping.
- Butter (½ cup, melted) – Holds topping together and crisps as it bakes.
Optional Glaze
- Powdered sugar (½ cup)
- Milk (1–2 tbsp)
- Vanilla (½ tsp)
Substitutions & Variations:
- Swap apples with pears for a twist.
- Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for crunch.
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based yogurt and vegan butter.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Pan & Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or round springform pan. - Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. - Cream Butter & Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. - Add Wet & Dry Ingredients
Mix in sour cream/yogurt. Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in diced apples. - Make Streusel Topping
Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. - Assemble Cake
Spread batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle streusel evenly over top. - Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean. - Cool & Glaze
Let cool slightly. If desired, drizzle glaze over cake before serving.
4. Tips and Variations
- For extra moisture: Add a tablespoon of applesauce to the batter.
- Extra crunch: Mix in chopped nuts or oats into the streusel.
- Layering option: Spread half the batter, sprinkle some streusel, then top with remaining batter and streusel.
- Make it ahead: Cake stays moist for days — perfect for prepping ahead.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Perfect alongside coffee, spiced tea, or apple cider.
- Slice and serve as a brunch centerpiece with fresh fruit.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Lasts up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm slices in microwave for 15–20 seconds or oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
7. Recipe Notes
- Use tart apples for balance against sweetness.
- Don’t overmix batter; keeps cake soft.
- Streusel can be made in advance and refrigerated until needed.
- Great for fall gatherings and potlucks.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Slice, 1 of 12)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 42g |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Calcium | 70mg |
| Iron | 1.5mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Dessert / Breakfast Treat
Cuisine: American / Fall-Inspired
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup sour cream or yogurt
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
Streusel:
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup melted butter
Glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9×13 pan.
- Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter & sugars, add eggs & vanilla.
- Mix in sour cream, then dry ingredients. Fold in apples.
- Spread batter in pan, top with streusel.
- Bake 40–45 min. Cool, glaze if desired.
🏷️ Diet Tags
- Vegetarian
- Fall Dessert
- Comfort Food
🌿 Health Benefits
- Apples: Provide fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Cinnamon: May help regulate blood sugar.
- Yogurt: Adds probiotics and calcium.
10. FAQs
Q1: What’s the best type of apple for streusel cake?
Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
Q2: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q3: How do I keep the streusel topping crumbly?
Use melted butter and don’t overmix — it should be clumpy.
Q4: Can I make this without sour cream?
Yes, replace with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk.
Q5: Can I double the streusel?
Absolutely! More crumb topping means more flavor and crunch.
11. Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake combines everything we love about cozy desserts — moist cake, sweet apples, warm spices, and a buttery crumb topping. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, snack, or dessert, it’s a recipe that feels like a hug in every bite. Bake it once, and it’ll become a staple in your fall baking rotation.