Spiced Apple Crumble Cake: a Taste of Autumn

Spiced Apple Crumble Cake: My Best Fall Baking Recipe!

By Sally ThompsonJune 18, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some fall baking recipes that scream autumn? honestly, who doesn't love a spiced apple cake? it's the perfect cozy treat! this spiced apple crumble cake has warm spices and a buttery crumble.

Brief Overview

This cake is basically an apple crumble cake recipe in cake form. it's inspired by the classic british dessert. it's a medium difficulty bake, taking about 1 hour 20- 30 minutes from start to finish.

It serves 8-10 people!

Main Benefits

Apples have fibre, you know? this cake is perfect for thanksgiving, or honestly, any day you need comfort. what makes it special? it is simple to make, but is packed with cinnamon apple recipes for fall flavour.

It's one of the best apple cake recipes you'll find.

look into into Fall Flavors

Are you ready for some proper autumn vibes?

This Autumn cake recipes is the ultimate in comfort food. I remember baking a similar cake with my Nan when I was little. It always filled the kitchen with the best smell.

Getting the Ingredients Together

Let's check what you'll need for this easy fall baking ideas . here's the shopping list. make sure you use cold butter for the crumble.

It makes all the difference! it is also a great apple dessert recipes . also using apple recipes easy make it even more enjoyable!

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Best Fall Baking

Alright, let's talk ingredients for our Spiced Apple Crumble Cake. Finding the right stuff makes all the difference. I swear! This is so important when it comes to fall baking recipes .

Main Players: The Ingredients

For the Crumble:
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125g) . Get it plain!
- Light brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) , packed. The stickier, the better.
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon . Essential for that autumn vibe.
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon . Don't skip it!
- Cold unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113g) , cubed. Must be cold.
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250g) .
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon .
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon . I LOVE cinnamon.
- Ground ginger: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Ground cloves: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150g) .
- Light brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) , packed.
- Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
- Large eggs: 2 . Free range if you can.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon .
- Buttermilk: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Or milk with lemon juice.
- Apples: 3 cups (about 3 medium) , diced. Go for Granny Smiths for that tartness. If you are making apple recipes easy you can use other options.

Seasoning Secrets

Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves are the ultimate fall trio. Seriously. A little nutmeg too? Chefs kiss.

Vanilla extract enhances everything. Want a kick? Try a pinch of cayenne.

No buttermilk? Mix milk with lemon juice. Works every time!

What You'll Need: The Equipment

9 inch springform or cake pan. Springform's easier.
Mixing bowls. Big ones.
Electric mixer. Handheld's fine.
Rubber spatula. For scraping.
Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.
Paring knife. For apples.

Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff already. Don't overthink it. The main this is to have delicious fall dessert recipes .

Now you're set! Let's get this apple crumble cake recipe baking.

Get ready for some serious fall baking recipes action. this spiced apple crumble cake is one of the best autumn cake recipes i have ever tried, is so warming.

So, grab your ingredients, crank up the oven, and let’s make some magic!

Baking Your Way to Autumn Bliss

Oh my gosh, you guys! it’s that time of year again. the leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and my oven is working overtime.

You know what that means? fall baking recipes , here we come. honestly, nothing beats the smell of warm spices wafting through the house.

And this spiced apple crumble cake ? it's a total game changer. it encapsulates fall dessert recipes perfectly!

It's like taking a warm hug, and turning it into a cake. no joke! this recipe is inspired by a classic british apple crumble, but in cake form.

Perfect for an afternoon treat or dessert after dinner.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Mania

Before you even think about preheating that oven, get your act together. seriously, mise en place is key! chop those apples, measure out your flour and sugar, and cube that cold butter.

Having everything ready saves a ton of time. and, y'know, prevents you from having a mid-bake meltdown. remember, safety first, keep those fingers away from the knife when dicing your apples!

step-by-step: Crumble Cake Creation

Crumble Time: Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon , and nutmeg. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Pop it in the fridge.
Oven Ready: Preheat to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease and flour your pan.
Dry Mix: Whisk flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices.
Wet Mix: Cream sugar and oil. Add eggs and vanilla.
Combine!: Mix dry and wet, alternating with buttermilk. Don't overmix!
Apple Magic: Fold in diced apples.
Assemble and Bake: Pour batter into the pan, top with crumble.
Bake for 50- 60 minutes . A toothpick should come out clean.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Baking

Want to avoid a soggy bottom ? (bake off fans, you feel me?). don't overmix that batter! and make sure your oven is properly preheated.

Also, cold butter is crucial for a good crumble. one of my favorite easy fall baking ideas !

One major key is to dice your apples evenly, nobody wants crunchy chunks in the otherwise soft cake. this apple crumble cake recipe is awesome, but don't worry, you can customize it.

If the crumble starts browning too fast, tent the cake with foil. i learned that one the hard way. you can prep the crumble the day before.

Then just keep it chilled until you are ready to assemble. this cake is amazing on its own, but if you need to take it to the next level - serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Or just enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee. this recipe is a fantastic dive into those autumn cake recipes that everyone craves.

Try it out and make it your own! i hope you enjoy this bit of fall baking recipes joy!

Recipe Notes for Your Spiced Apple Cake Sensation

Honestly, this spiced apple cake recipe is one of my faves. It screams autumn! These notes? Consider them your little cheat sheet for baking success. Let's dive in!

Serving like a Pro

Okay, so you've baked this masterpiece. now what? presentation, darling! a simple dusting of powdered sugar? classic. a scoop of vanilla ice cream while it's still warm? game changer.

I love a good cup of coffee with mine. you know? the cinnamon apple recipes for fall pair perfectly. you can even add a little caramel sauce.

Keeping it Fresh

Right, so you've got leftovers. score! this cake is best kept in the fridge, wrapped well, for up to three days.

Want to freeze it? slice it up, wrap each slice individually in cling film, then pop 'em in a freezer bag.

Reheating? microwave a slice for 30-45 seconds . easy peasy. nobody wants soggy bottoms so the fridge is your best friend.

Remixing the Recipe

Fancy a change? totally get it. for a dairy-free version, swap the buttermilk for plant based milk, like almond or soy, with a dash of lemon juice.

gluten-free? use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. easy peasy. or, if you are feeling fancy, you can try my apple crumble cake recipe , it is a nice variation to this classic! i once made this cake with pears instead of apples.

Seriously delicious!

Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's be real, this isn't health food. but a slice of this cake can totally lift your spirits! it's got fibre from the apples.

Remember, everything in moderation. the best part? it’s good for the soul! autumn cake recipes are simply the best! this will be one of your best apple cake recipes !

So, there you have it! everything you need to bake this amazing cake like a pro. you've got this! get out there and bake some love into your kitchen with fall baking recipes ! remember that cooking is all about enjoying the process, don't let the measurements hold you back from having fun.

And, most importantly, have fun and enjoy every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Spiced Apple Crumble Cake ahead of time? Will it still taste good the next day?

Absolutely! In fact, many say it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together, a bit like a good stew. Store it at room temperature, well covered, for up to 2-3 days. You can also warm it up slightly before serving for that fresh from-the-oven feeling.

My crumble topping always seems to burn before the cake is done. What am I doing wrong?

Ah, the dreaded burnt crumble! Fear not, it's easily fixed. As soon as you notice the topping browning too quickly, simply tent the cake loosely with aluminum foil. This will shield the crumble from the heat and allow the cake to continue baking without burning the top.

Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate an oven thermometer can be a lifesaver!

I'm trying to find easy fall baking recipes. Can I substitute other fruits besides apples in this cake?

Definitely! While this recipe is designed for apples, you can easily adapt it for other fall fruits like pears, plums, or even cranberries. If using pears, follow the same dicing instructions as the apples. For plums, you might want to halve or quarter them depending on their size.

Cranberries work well, but you might want to add a bit more sugar to the cake batter since they are quite tart.

How do I prevent my apple cake from having a soggy bottom, like on the Great British Bake Off?

No one wants a soggy bottom! To avoid this, make sure your oven is preheated properly and that the cake is fully baked before removing it. Consider lining the bottom of your pan with parchment paper for easy release and to prevent moisture from seeping in.

Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a denser, soggier cake. If you have the time, let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing it.

Is there a healthier version of this Spiced Apple Crumble Cake? What nutritional substitutions can I make?

You bet! You can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup without sacrificing flavor. Opt for whole wheat flour or a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content. You can also substitute applesauce for half of the oil to reduce fat.

Consider using a sugar substitute appropriate for baking if you're looking to drastically cut down on the sugar content, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.

What is the best way to store leftover Spiced Apple Crumble Cake?

To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, but the crumble topping might lose some of its crispness. To revive the crumble, you can gently warm individual slices in the oven or toaster oven before serving. Enjoy!