As a—a professional baker with 15 years of kitchen wizardry—I’m thrilled to share my foolproof applesauce crumb cake recipe. This applesauce crumb cake recipe has been a family treasure and restaurant staple for decades, beloved for its moist, flavorful cake, crunchy topping, and the nostalgic tang of applesauce. Whether you’re a busy parent, a dessert newbie, or a seasoned baker, this applesauce crumb cake recipe is your new go-to for potlucks, weekend brunches, or cozy dinner endings. Simple, affordable, and irresistibly delicious, it’s time to bake your way to perfection!
Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Crumb Cake Recipe
Let’s get real: not all crumb cakes are created equal. Some are dry, others lack flavor, and a few might as well be cardboard. But this applesauce crumb cake recipe changes everything. Here’s why it stands out:
- Moisture Magic: Applesauce adds natural sweetness and locks in moisture, ensuring your cake stays tender for days.
- Crunchy Perfection: A buttery, brown-sugar crumb topping gives that satisfying bite.
- No-Fuss Simplicity: With basic pantry staples, you can bake this anytime—no special tools or skills needed.
- Versatile & Healthy-ish: Use unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option, or add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for autumn vibes.
Applesauce Crumb Cake Recipe
Imagine a slice of warm, golden cake where tender applesauce swirls through a fluffy batter, topped with a buttery, caramelized crumb. This applesauce crumb cake recipe is the ultimate comfort dessert—easy to prepare, deeply satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. The applesauce isn’t just for flavor; it acts as a natural humidifier, keeping the cake moist for up to 5 days. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a restaurant-worthy finish, or enjoy it plain with a drizzle of milk.
Why do professionals love it? Because it’s forgiving! Even if your oven runs hot or you’re baking for the first time, this cake adapts. The crumb topping crisps beautifully whether baked at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes or 375°F (190°C) for a slightly darker finish. Plus, it’s budget-friendly—applesauce costs pennies and cuts down on oil or butter.
Whether you’re hosting friends, satisfying a midnight craving, or meal-prepping desserts for the week, this cake delivers. It’s gluten-free adaptable (just swap in almond flour), dairy-free with coconut oil, and naturally vegan if you skip the eggs. Let’s dive into the magic!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (9-inch pan)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur brand recommended for best results)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg (or flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (Canned or fresh-smashed)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
1. Prep Your Oven and Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Cake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add egg (or flax egg) and vanilla, beating until smooth.
- Mix in applesauce until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with Greek yogurt. Stir just until no flour pockets remain.
3. Assemble the Cake
- Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.
4. Prepare the Crumb Topping
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over batter.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Edges should be golden; center will still look slightly underbaked but will finish as it cools.
6. Cool and Serve
- Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with ice cream or whipped cream!
Notes
- Applesauce Tip: Use unsweetened applesauce for less sugar. Canned works fine—just drain excess liquid.
- Storage: Keep tightly wrapped at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10 seconds for best texture.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake slices wrapped in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition Chart (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Total Carbs | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Protein | 3g |
For precise analysis, use the USDA FoodData Central.
Tips for a Flawless Crumb Cake
- Don’t Overmix: Stop stirring once flour disappears. Overworking develops gluten = chewy cake.
- Cold Butter Matters: For the topping, cold butter creates distinct crumbs. If yours warms up, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Spice It Up: Add ½ tsp cloves or a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.
- Test for Doneness: The cake should be set but slightly underbaked in the center—it bakes as it cools.
Variations & Substitutions
1. Apple-Cinnamon Swirl
- Stir ½ cup chopped apples into the batter. Drizzle with cinnamon sugar before baking.
2. Peanut Butter Swirl
- Mix 2 tbsp peanut butter into the applesauce for a rich, nutty flavor.
3. Lemon-Zest Boost
- Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to the batter for a bright twist.
4. Dairy-Free
- Use coconut oil instead of butter and unsweetened almond milk instead of yogurt.
5. Mini Cakes
- Bake in muffin tins for 20 minutes—perfect for parties!
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned applesauce?
A: Absolutely! Just drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy cake.
Q: Why is my cake sticky?
A: You may have overmixed or used too much applesauce. Stick to the measured amount!
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Room temp for 3 days, fridge for 5.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake, cool, slice, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
There you have it—Chef Margaret’s Moist Applesauce Crumb Cake Recipe, a timeless dessert that’s as easy to love as it is to bake. With its tender crumb, sweet applesauce infusion, and crunchy topping, this cake earns its place as a classic. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving comfort food, this applesauce crumb cake recipe delivers every time.
Remember, baking is about joy, not perfection. Don’t stress over minor flaws—your cake will taste incredible regardless. Share it with friends, savor it solo, or top it with fresh berries. Happy baking, friends!
For safe baking practices, always follow FDA food safety guidelines.
