Craving a comforting dessert but need cake recipes without eggs? This Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake is your perfect solution, offering a moist, spiced cake base topped with sweet apples and a buttery crumb. It’s surprisingly simple to make and delivers incredible flavor without any eggs.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- All-Purpose Flour: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor in the cake.
- Milk: Any plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat) works perfectly for a dairy-free option.
- Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices; feel free to mix varieties.
- Unsalted Butter: Vegan butter sticks are a fantastic substitute for a dairy-free cake.
Ingredients
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until moist crumbs form. Set this aside.
2. Get Your Apples Ready
In another small bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar and cinnamon. Ensure the apples are evenly coated.
3. Mix the Dry Cake Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine Wet Cake Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This ensures your wet ingredients are fully blended.
5. Bring the Cake Batter Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay. This is a simple step for many cake recipes without eggs.
6. Assemble Your Cake
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon apples over this layer. Dollop the remaining cake batter over the apples, gently spreading it to cover as much as possible.
7. Add the Crumb Topping
Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over the top of the cake batter. This creates a beautiful, crunchy crust.
8. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack before serving.
Variation Ideas
- Nutty Crumble: Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
- Spice It Up: Include a pinch of nutmeg or allspice in the apple filling or cake batter.
- Fruit Swap: Try pears or berries instead of apples for a different fruity twist.
- Citrus Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cake batter for a brighter flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a warm, comforting treat. This cake is also suitable for freezing for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake this cake one day in advance and store it at room temperature.
Why is my eggless cake dry?
Overmixing the batter or overbaking are common culprits. Ensure you mix until just combined and check for doneness early.
What kind of apples are best for baking?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape well and offer great flavor.
Can I use oil instead of butter in the cake?
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of vegetable oil or canola oil for melted butter in the cake batter.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Absolutely! This recipe for cake recipes without eggs is straightforward and uses simple techniques, making it perfect for novice bakers.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.