This Easy Apple Crumb Cake turned out so good that I honestly can’t wait to make it again. It’s a simple, cozy cake that feels perfect for any day when you want something warm and comforting. There are no eggs and no refined sugar in the batter, just apples, honey, and a few basic ingredients that come together so easily. I also reduced the amount of oil and added unsweetened applesauce instead, and it worked beautifully.
The crumb on top is my favorite part. It’s made with oats, butter, and a bit of honey, and it bakes into a golden, slightly crisp layer that looks simply irresistible. Every slice has that mix of soft apple cake underneath and the crumbly topping on top. It’s simple, but so satisfying.
What I really love is how light it feels while still being comforting. You can enjoy it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon treat, and it never feels too heavy or too sweet. When I cut into it and saw how evenly it baked, I was honestly so happy. This one is definitely going into my regular rotation.
How to make this easy apple crumb cake
Begin with preheating the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy release.
Next, prepare the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
Prepare the wet mixture. In a large bowl, mix the oil and honey until the mixture looks smooth and emulsified. Add the unsweetened applesauce and whisk to combine.
Follow with the yogurt, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (or vinegar), mixing until you have a creamy mixture.
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently.
Stop as soon as everything is combined, do not overmix to keep the cake tender.
Prepare the apples. Cut the apples into small cubes. In a separate bowl, toss them with 1 tablespoon flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until coated.
Using a spatula, fold the apples into the batter evenly. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Make the crumb topping. In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, honey, salt, cinnamon and butter. Mix with your fingertips or a fork until crumbly and evenly blended. Sprinkle the crumb mixture generously over the cake batter.
Bake the cake for about 60 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
After the first 30 minutes, cover the top loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and continue baking.
Let the cake cool on a wire rack. Dust with a natural powdered-sugar substitute if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Hope you will try this amazing Apple Crumb Cake. Don’t forget to share the photos with me on Instagram if you do. Enjoy!
Other apple desserts you may like to try
You will love these easy Apple Pie Bars with a buttery crust, warm spiced apple filling, and a tender crumb. They are everything you love about apple pie in bar form.
These buttery, flaky Apple Hand Pies filled with warm, spiced apples are perfect for a quick, cozy treat.
Try this simple Almond Apple Tart made with a crisp crust and tender apples, perfect for apple season.
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The Best Apple Crumble
Easy Apple Crumb Cake – No Eggs, No Refined Sugar
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp (8g) baking powder
- 1/2 tsp (3g) baking soda
- 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
- 1/4 cup (60g) vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup (120g) honey
- 1/2 cup (120g) unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup (180g) Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- 1 tsp (5ml) lemon juice or vinegar
Apple Filling
- 1 pound (500g) apples , peeled and cored
- 1 tbsp (10g) flour
- 1 tsp (3g) cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp (1g) nutmeg
Crumble Topping
- 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (30g) rolled oats
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp (2g) ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp (20g) honey or maple syrup
- 3 tbsp (40g) unsalted butter , softened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch (20cm) pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk oil with honey until combined.
- Add unsweetened applesauce and mix to combine.
- Add yogurt, buttermilk, vanilla extract and lemon juice or vinegar.
- Mix to combine.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture.
- Don’t overmix. Set aside.
- Cut the apples into small cubes.
- In a bowl, toss the apples with 1 tablespoon of flour, cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Using a spatula, gently fold the apples into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Smooth the top.
Prepare crumb topping.
- In a medium bowl add flour, oats, salt, cinnamon, honey and butter.
- Mix with your fingertips or a fork until crumbly and evenly blended.
- Spread the crumbs on top of the cake.
- Bake for about 60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After the first 30 minutes, cover the top loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and continue baking.
- Cool the cake on a wire rack.
- Dust with natural substitute for powdered sugar before serving, that is optional. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @homecookingadventure on Instagram and hashtag it #homecookingadventure.
