The Ultimate Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake: A Cozy Fall Treat with Jumbo Walnut Streusel

Imagine a brisk autumn morning, a steaming cup of coffee in hand, and a slice of this utterly divine cinnamon apple crumb cake. This isn’t just any coffee cake; it’s a masterpiece of soft, tender cake, generously topped with an abundance of jumbo, buttery crumbs. The secret to its incredible texture? A generous scattering of crunchy walnuts in the streusel topping, adding a delightful counterpoint to the soft cake and apples. This recipe promises to be the perfect companion for those crisp fall days, making every bite a celebration of autumn flavors.

We’re thrilled to share that today’s recipe post is proudly sponsored by California Walnuts! Their exceptional quality walnuts are a star ingredient in our signature crumb topping, elevating this fall-inspired apple crumb cake to new heights.

---

This cinnamon apple crumb cake has quickly become my go-to for breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, and even a comforting dessert. Honestly, I’ve enjoyed it more times this month than I can count! And if we’re being completely transparent, you’ll often (and by often, I mean almost always) find me sneakily picking all the best, biggest crumbs off my husband’s slice too. There’s an undeniable magic in a perfectly buttery, spiced crumb topping that just makes fall mornings feel a little more perfect, a little more cozy.

When I describe my crumb cakes as ‘crumby,’ I truly mean they are overflowing with an irresistible streusel topping. Have you ever heard anyone complain about a cake having “too many crumbs”? I highly doubt it! That’s because, in the world of coffee cakes, there’s simply no such thing as too much crumb. This recipe champions that philosophy, ensuring every slice is generously adorned with those coveted, buttery nuggets of joy.

Prepare yourself for a symphony of flavors and textures, with three incredible layers harmoniously packed into every bite of this cinnamon apple crumb cake. It begins with the sensational jumbo crumb topping – a delightful blend of cinnamon, butter, sugar, and the amazing crunch of walnuts. Beneath that, you’ll discover thinly sliced apples, baked to soft, sweet-tart perfection between the vanilla-scented cake base and the rich crumbs. And finally, the tender, moist vanilla cake provides the perfect foundation. It’s a culinary experience that truly deserves a standing ovation – heart emojis galore!

SAW-WEET indeed!

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking this ultimate fall delight.

Crafting the Perfect Crumb: The Heart of Our Apple Coffee Cake

Our journey to the perfect cinnamon apple crumb cake begins with its most beloved component: the irresistible crumb topping. This easy-to-make streusel is the crowning glory of our cake. You’ll start by gently melting butter in a small bowl, while in another, you’ll whisk together all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, aromatic cinnamon, and of course, a generous half cup of finely chopped California Walnuts. These walnuts are truly transformative, introducing a wonderful nutty flavor and an essential textural contrast to the crumb. As the melted butter is stirred in, these ingredients bind together to form those coveted, crunchy little tidbits that become even more delightful after a bit of baking time. It’s these golden, buttery, walnut-studded crumbs that truly elevate your morning cup of coffee from good to absolutely perfect.

The next star of this seasonal bake, as the name suggests, is the apple. For me, fall desserts are synonymous with apples. Growing up just outside Chicago, October always brought two distinct joys: the explosion of vibrant autumn leaves and endless opportunities for apple picking. My brother and I would return home each year with several overflowing brown paper bags, brimming with freshly picked apples. There’s a unique, incomparable taste to an apple you’ve picked yourself, and to this day, the warm aroma of apple cinnamon cakes instantly transports me back to those cherished childhood memories.

Now that we are well into the prime apple-picking season, it’s only fitting that we celebrate with this spectacular cinnamon apple crumb cake! If you’ve ventured out (or are planning to) for apple picking, remember to select a particularly shiny, crisp apple just for me. My quest for an ‘apple farm’ here in Houston continues, and a perfect apple would be a lovely virtual souvenir!

Baking Perfection: The Best Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

The cake portion of this exquisite apple coffee cake is wonderfully straightforward, yet yields an incredibly tender and moist result. We begin by creaming together softened butter until it’s light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate the granulated sugar, followed by a generous splash of vanilla extract for a truly rich flavor profile. Next, the eggs are added one by one, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next; this step is crucial for emulsifying the batter and achieving a fine crumb structure. Once the wet ingredients are beautifully combined, we introduce the dry flour mixture in three alternating additions. The first and third additions of dry ingredients are interleaved with a quarter cup of creamy Greek yogurt, and the second dry addition is followed by two tablespoons of milk. This careful alternation, especially with the Greek yogurt, is the secret to a cake that is exceptionally tender, moist, and flavorful.

Once your thick and luscious batter is ready, spread it evenly into a prepared pan. I highly recommend using a 9-inch springform pan for this particular recipe. Its removable sides make unmolding the delicate cake incredibly easy and mess-free, preserving its beautiful presentation. After the cake batter, arrange your thinly sliced apples over the top, creating a soft, sweet layer that will bake down beautifully. Finally, crown it all with the entire batch of that glorious, jumbo crumb topping.

Now, the best part: simply sit back and let your oven work its magic. As the cake bakes, your kitchen will fill with the most enchanting aroma – a warm, comforting blend of cinnamon, sweet apples, and fragrant vanilla. Trust me, this natural perfume is far superior to any fall-scented candle you could buy! And the ultimate reward? A magnificent cinnamon apple crumb cake, fresh from the oven, waiting to be enjoyed. It’s truly a win-win situation, delivering both an unforgettable scent and an irresistible treat.

If you adore this recipe, you might also enjoy these cozy bakes:

• One Bowl Olive Oil Pound Cake
• Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
• Warm & Cozy Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake
• Bright Citrusy Italian Orange Cake

Yield: 8-12 generous slices

Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
50 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes

A beautifully soft and moist apple crumb cake, generously crowned with an abundance of jumbo, buttery crumbs! The addition of California Walnuts in the topping provides an incredible texture and nutty depth, making this an exquisite accompaniment to your morning coffee on any crisp fall day.

Ingredients

Crumb topping:

• ½ cup butter, melted (see notes below)
• ½ cup chopped California Walnuts
• 1 ¼ cup all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Cake:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup butter, room temperature (see notes below)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• ¼ cup greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 medium apples, quartered, cored and thinly sliced (such as Granny Smith and Pink Lady for a balanced flavor)

Instructions

1. FOR THE CRUMB TOPPING: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly with a fork. While continuously stirring with the fork, gradually pour in the melted butter. Continue to stir until large, delicious crumbs begin to form. Break apart any excessively large clumps with your fork to ensure an even texture. Place the bowl containing the crumb mixture in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cake batter.
2. PREP FOR BAKING: Position an oven rack in the center of your oven. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray, ensuring all sides and the bottom are coated. Set the pan aside.
3. FOR THE CAKE BATTER: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the room temperature butter for about 2 minutes until it becomes noticeably light and fluffy. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, then continue to beat for another 1-2 minutes until well combined and airy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully integrated before adding the next. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are combined. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating them with the wet additions: add one-third of the dry mixture, then the Greek yogurt, then another third of the dry mixture, then the milk, and finally the last third of the dry mixture. Mix only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter will be quite thick, and a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
4. ASSEMBLE AND BAKE: Spread the prepared cake batter evenly into the greased springform pan. Carefully arrange the thinly sliced apples over the cake batter, creating a beautiful and even layer. Finally, generously sprinkle all of the chilled crumb topping over the apples and cake batter. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out mostly clean, with perhaps just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Allow the cake to cool in the springform pan for 15-20 minutes before carefully removing the sides of the pan.

Notes

• For much of my baking, I prefer to use salted butter as it enhances the flavor. If you opt for unsalted butter, remember to add an additional ¼ teaspoon of salt to both the crumb topping mixture and the cake batter for optimal taste balance.
• Using a 9-inch springform pan is highly recommended for this recipe. It simplifies the process of removing the delicate coffee cake from the pan, ensuring a beautiful presentation without any sticking.

A special thank you to our wonderful friends at California Walnuts for sponsoring this post. We are truly passionate about collaborating with companies that provide high-quality, wholesome ingredients that make our recipes shine!

Have you made this delightful recipe?

If you savored this Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a thoughtful comment below. Your feedback helps other bakers! You can also share a picture of your creation on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR – I would absolutely love to see what you’ve made!