Description
This apple crumb cake recipe combines tender cake, juicy apples, and a thick, crunchy crumb topping for the ultimate fall dessert bar. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in, these bars are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for crumb topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for crumb topping)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced (for crumb topping)
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crumb topping)
- Pinch of salt (for crumb topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- In a bowl, toss diced apples with cinnamon, lemon juice, and brown sugar. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined.
- Fold in the prepared apple mixture until evenly distributed. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth.
- For the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold diced butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.
- Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over batter, pressing lightly so it adheres.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and topping is golden brown. Cover loosely with foil if edges brown too quickly.
- Cool in pan for at least 30 minutes. Lift out using parchment and transfer to a cooling rack. Slice into bars or squares.
Notes
Use cold butter for the crumb topping to keep it crunchy. Dice apples evenly for best texture. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour and plant-based butter/milk. Bars taste best slightly warm or at room temperature and can be made ahead or frozen for later. Add dried cranberries or rolled oats for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of pan)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: apple crumb cake, dessert bars, fall baking, party dessert, easy apple cake, crumb topping, autumn recipes, potluck dessert, apple bars