Fast Dessert RecipesFastDessertRecipes
Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake
CakeMedium

Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake

Recipe by lounarecipes

From the Blog Author

This Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake is one of my favorites because it feels like a warm hug from my grandma’s kitchen, right in the middle of a hectic week. What I love most is how the sweet apples mingle with a burst of cinnamon, while the crisp streusel topping gives the cake a delightful crunch that gives you the best of both worlds—soft, moist batter and a buttery bite. I remember the first time I made it, the smell of diced apples and spiced batter filled my kitchen, and every bite was like a gentle reminder that good food can be simple yet unforgettable. The batter is super forgiving; the kid‑friendly texture means you can keep the batter on the counter for a few minutes to let the spices work their magic, and the result is a cake that stays moist even after a day. A little tip: when adding the apples, lay them out on a parchment‑lined tray and bake them briefly before folding them into the batter. Doing so caramelizes the edges, giving the cake a richer, deeper apple flavor and prevents the apples from turning soggy during baking. If you try this cake, I’d love to hear how it turns out—just share your experience and photos with us. I’m always excited to see how my readers put their own twist on my favorite recipes.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Servings
12
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cups peeled and chopped apples
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan.

2

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3

In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy; beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

4

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until just combined; fold in the chopped apples.

5

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cold butter, cinnamon, and nuts (if using) to make the streusel; use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until crumbly.

6

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top.

7

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store leftover Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake to keep it fresh?

Store the cooled Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, though letting it come to room temperature before serving will enhance the flavor and texture.

Can I substitute the butter in this cake recipe with oil?

While butter provides the best flavor for this cake, you can substitute it with a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil in a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that using oil might result in a slightly less tender crumb compared to the creaming method used with the softened butter specified in this recipe.

What's the best way to ensure my Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake doesn't stick to the pan?

To prevent sticking, thoroughly grease and flour your 9-inch round or square baking pan as directed before adding the batter. For extra insurance, you can also line the bottom of the pan with a circle of parchment paper before greasing and flouring the sides.