Cozy Apple Pie Cake Recipe with Perfect Streusel Topping

Imagine the aroma of freshly baked apples mingling with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a buttery, golden crust. It’s the kind of scent that brings everyone to the kitchen, noses twitching, eager to grab a plate before it’s even cooled. The first time I made this Cozy Apple Pie Cake with Streusel Topping, I knew it was something special. It was one of those rainy weekends when I had a surplus of apples from a recent orchard visit. I wanted something comforting but a little different from the usual apple pie, so I decided to try blending the flavors of a classic apple pie with the soft, fluffy texture of a cake. Let me tell you—the results were magic.

My family couldn’t get enough of it. My kids kept asking for seconds (and thirds), while my husband declared it a “must-have for every autumn.” It’s become a staple for family gatherings, cozy coffee dates, and even holiday mornings. This recipe is dangerously easy to make and provides that pure, nostalgic comfort we all crave. You’ll want to bookmark this one, trust me!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in under an hour, including baking time—perfect for busy days when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spare.
• Simple Ingredients: No need for extravagant shopping trips; you likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already.
• Perfect for Fall: The warm spices and sweet apples make this dessert a cozy seasonal treat.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or holiday celebration, this cake always gets rave reviews.
• Unbelievably Delicious: It’s the perfect combination of a moist cake, tender apples, and a crumbly streusel topping. You’ll be tempted to eat it straight from the pan!

What makes this recipe different? The fluffy cake base pairs beautifully with the spiced apples, and the streusel topping adds a crunchy, buttery texture that’s just irresistible. It’s not just another apple dessert—it’s my version of comfort food perfection. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or indulging solo with a cup of tea, this recipe is bound to make you smile. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. It’s a mix of pantry staples and fresh produce, with easy substitutions if you need them.

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (substitute with milk and a splash of vinegar if needed)

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few medium and large mixing bowls for the batter, apple filling, and streusel topping.
• Electric Mixer: While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar a breeze.
• 9-inch Round Cake Pan: A springform pan works great for this recipe, making it easy to release the cake once baked.
• Peeler: To peel the apples quickly and efficiently.
• Knife: For slicing the apples into thin, even pieces.
• Spatula: Perfect for folding the batter and spreading the streusel topping evenly.

Don’t have a springform pan? You can use a regular round cake pan instead—just grease it well for easy removal. If you don’t have an electric mixer, a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease will also do the trick!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the apple filling: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Make the streusel topping: In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly. Place in the fridge while you make the cake batter.
4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Cream the butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing!
7. Assemble the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange the apple slices on top of the batter in a circular pattern. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples.
8. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The streusel should be golden brown.
9. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro tip: If your streusel is browning too quickly, tent the pan with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. This will prevent over-browning while ensuring the cake finishes cooking evenly.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your Cozy Apple Pie Cake turns out perfectly:

• Choose the right apples: Go for firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the cake.
• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Chill the streusel: Keeping the streusel cold before baking helps it form those delightful, crunchy clumps.
• Test for doneness: Use a toothpick to check the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s one designed for baking to keep the texture just right.
• Healthier Twist: Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to cut down on fat while keeping the cake moist.
• Seasonal Swaps: Use ripe pears or peaches instead of apples for a summery version of this cake. Adjust the spices to complement your fruit choice.
• Nutty Streusel: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel mixture for an extra crunch and nuttiness.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute the buttermilk with almond milk and use dairy-free butter for the cake and streusel.

My personal favorite variation is adding a touch of caramel sauce to the apple filling before layering it onto the cake. The caramel melts into the apples and infuses the cake with a rich, buttery sweetness that’s simply divine.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Cozy Apple Pie Cake slightly warm for the best experience—it’s absolutely heavenly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Pair it with a piping hot cup of spiced chai or coffee for the ultimate autumn treat.

If you have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to five days—just bring it to room temperature before serving or warm it up in the oven for that freshly baked effect. This cake also freezes well; wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm slightly in the microwave or oven.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This recipe is a delightful treat that offers more than just flavor. Apples are packed with fiber and vitamin C, making them a healthy addition to your dessert rotation. Cinnamon, too, is known for its potential anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-regulating properties. Keep in mind that the cake is a sweet treat, so enjoy it in moderation. For those with dietary considerations, you can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free or dairy-free needs. Just be cautious if you have nut allergies when adding nuts to the streusel topping.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s cozy, comforting, and packed with the flavors of fall, this Cozy Apple Pie Cake with Streusel Topping is calling your name. It’s the perfect dessert to share with loved ones or enjoy as a little indulgence for yourself. What I love most about this recipe is how it brings everyone together—whether it’s for a holiday meal or just a quiet Sunday afternoon.

Give it a try and let your creativity run wild with variations and toppings. I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own, so please leave a comment below or share a photo if you try it out. I promise, this cake will quickly become one of your favorites, just like it has for my family.

Happy baking, and remember—a little sweetness goes a long way!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fruit?

Yes! You can easily swap out apples for pears, peaches, or even berries. Just adjust the spices to complement the fruit you choose.

Do I have to use buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake is perfect for making a day or two ahead. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat before serving for the best flavor.

How do I prevent the streusel topping from burning?

If you notice the streusel browning too quickly, tent the cake with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. This will protect the topping while the cake finishes cooking.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.

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