Apple Butter Crumb Cake
Soft, spiced, and topped with a buttery oat crumble—this Apple Butter Crumb Cake is the kind of cozy bake that fills your kitchen with fall fragrance and your heart with joy. Whether served warm for breakfast or dressed up with whipped cream for dessert, it’s a recipe you’ll keep in your seasonal baking rotation.
Made with pantry staples and real apple butter, it’s rich with flavor and incredibly simple to whip together. And that cinnamon-scented crumble topping? The cherry on top.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cake is everything a fall bake should be: soft, comforting, easy to make, and absolutely full of warm spice. The apple butter adds moisture and deep apple-cinnamon flavor without the need for peeling or chopping apples, while the crumb topping adds the perfect crunch.
Bonus: it travels well, feeds a crowd, and makes your kitchen smell like an autumn day.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup apple butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy lifting.
2. Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the apple butter, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
3. Make the Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. Leave some clumps for texture.
4. Assemble the Cake
Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the top.
5. Bake
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.
6. Cool & Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and a lighter crumb.
- Store-bought or homemade apple butter both work great—just make sure it’s smooth and flavorful.
- For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.
- Want a spicier cake? Add a dash of nutmeg or cloves to the dry mix.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious on its own but even better with:
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce
- A hot mug of coffee, cider, or tea
- A holiday brunch spread alongside These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Storage & Make Ahead
- Room Temp: Keep covered for up to 2 days.
- Fridge: Lasts up to 5 days—just warm up a slice before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
More Cozy Treats You’ll Love
If you’re loving fall flavors, don’t miss:
- These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies – tiny, flaky, and full of caramel goodness
- This Pumpkin Delight Dessert – no-bake and layered with fall flavors
- Old-School No-Bake Cookies – nostalgic and foolproof
- Big Family Banana Pudding – creamy and Southern to the core
Final Thoughts
This Apple Butter Crumb Cake is the kind of recipe that brings people to the table. Whether you’re baking it for a weekend treat, holiday brunch, or cozy dessert, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Tried it? Let me know how it turned out! Snap a pic, leave a comment, or tag @ChefManiac to share your creation. For more comforting, flavor-forward bakes—keep coming back to ChefManiac.com!
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