Imagine sinking your fork into a heavenly dessert that combines the rustic charm of French baking with the comforting warmth of homemade goodness. This French Apple Crumb Cake is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! With its golden, buttery crumb, tender apple slices, and a perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes, this cake is about to become your new favorite weekend treat.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press about 2/3 of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan, creating a firm base layer.
- Arrange the peeled and sliced apples evenly over the crumb base. If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the apple slices.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon to create the topping.
- Sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture over the apple layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the top of the apples, creating a loose, textured topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing.
- Cut into 8 equal squares and serve warm. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or serve with vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the perfect crumb consistency.
- Don't Overmix: When combining the crumb mixture, work quickly and gently to keep the texture light and crumbly.
- Even Apple Distribution: Slice apples uniformly to ensure consistent baking and a beautiful presentation.
- Check for Doneness: The toothpick test is crucial—it should come out clean with no wet batter.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan to help it set and make cutting easier.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
