Honey Apple Crumb Cake – Moist & Comforting Fall Dessert | MagicInKitchen.com

honey apple crumb cake

This honey apple crumb cake is a moist and comforting fall dessert with warm spices, tender apples, and a crunchy crumb topping. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in!

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of apples, honey, and cinnamon baking in the oven on a crisp fall day. This honey apple crumb cake is the perfect dessert to capture the coziness of the season. Moist, tender cake is sweetened with natural honey, studded with juicy apples, and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb that adds the ideal crunch.

Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply want a treat to enjoy with coffee or tea, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Easy to make and bursting with autumn flavors, it’s the ultimate comfort dessert.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

For the crumb topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For garnish (optional):

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Drizzle of warm honey

Instructions

1. Preheat oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. Make the crumb topping – In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
3. Prepare the cake batter – In a large bowl, cream butter, honey, and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
4. Combine dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Mix wet and dry – Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream, until just combined.
6. Add apples – Gently fold diced apples into the batter.
7. Assemble cake – Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle crumb topping over the top.
8. Bake – Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool & serve – Let cool slightly before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle honey if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This apple crumb cake is versatile and delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte. For a decadent twist, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re making it for guests, cut it into neat squares for a party-ready presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist & tender – Thanks to sour cream and fresh apples.
• Natural sweetness – Honey adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
• Crunchy topping – A buttery cinnamon crumb layer adds texture.
• Perfect for fall – Cozy spices and apples make this a seasonal favorite.

Tips & Variations

• Use different apples – Try Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady for varied sweetness.
• Add nuts – Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping for extra crunch.
• Make it spiced – Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for deeper autumn flavor.
• Turn it into muffins – Divide the batter into muffin tins for individual portions.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake it a day ahead and store covered at room temperature.

Q: Can I freeze apple crumb cake?
A: Absolutely. Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
A: Yes, maple syrup works beautifully and adds a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: How do I keep the cake moist?
A: Don’t overbake, and store it in an airtight container to lock in moisture.

Conclusion

This honey apple crumb cake is everything you want in a fall dessert—moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. The tender crumb, juicy apples, and crunchy topping come together to create a cozy treat you’ll want to bake again and again. Serve it warm, share it with friends, or save a slice for yourself with a steaming cup of tea—it’s autumn comfort at its best.

For more comforting fall desserts, visit Magic in Kitchen and discover sweet recipes to enjoy all season long.