This Apple Streusel Cake is a warm and cozy treat that features tender apples and a crunchy topping. It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of tea!
Baking this cake fills the kitchen with the sweet aroma of apples. I love how the crunchy streusel layer gives every bite a bit of magic. Who can resist that? 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like using Gala or Fuji apples for their sweetness and good texture. If you have other varieties like Granny Smith, they will add a nice tartness. Feel free to mix types for a layered flavor!
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to your batter. This keeps the cake moist and tender.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, as it allows you to control the saltiness of the cake. You can also use margarine or a dairy-free alternative if needed. Be sure to keep these substitutes cold for the streusel topping!
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. Just look for one that’s a 1:1 substitute so you can keep your cake texture lovely!
How to Cream Butter and Sugar for the Best Texture?
Creaming butter and sugar is a key step that impacts the cake’s texture. It adds air, making your cake light and fluffy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use softened butter (not melted) and room temperature sugar. This allows them to mix well.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
This will create a lovely, soft cake base that pairs perfectly with the apples and streusel topping!
Apple Streusel Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake Batter:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Gala or Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup (5 1/3 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Streusel Cake will take about 20 minutes to prepare and then about 50-60 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to allow it to cool for a bit before serving! The end result is absolutely worth the wait.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This is your dry mix, so put it aside for now!
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. It’s an important step for a fluffy cake!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix well. It should smell wonderful!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, alternately add the dry mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mix, starting with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix. We want a tender cake!
6. Prepare the Apples:
In a separate bowl, toss your sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until they’re well-coated. This adds sweetness and flavor that pairs beautifully with the cake!
7. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Next, layer the apple slices over this batter. Then, gently spoon the remaining batter over the apple layer, spreading it out as needed.
8. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mix resembles coarse crumbs.
9. Sprinkle and Bake:
Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the top of the cake. Now, pop it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the streusel turns golden brown.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. When it’s cool enough to handle, you can remove it from the pan. For a special touch, dust it with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Apple Streusel Cake warm or at room temperature! It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Cake?
Absolutely! While Gala and Fuji are great choices for sweetness, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or a mix of different apples for a more complex taste. Just ensure they hold up well during baking.
How Can I Store Leftover Cake?
Store leftover Apple Streusel Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just make sure it’s well covered to maintain freshness!
Can I Freeze This Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying it again!
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to sour before adding it to the batter. This will help keep your cake moist!