Delicious Apple Streusel Cake: 5 Reasons to Indulge

December 14, 2025

Apple Streusel Cake has been a beloved dessert in my home, especially during the chilly fall months. The aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen always brings back fond memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Each bite of this apple streusel dessert is a delightful combination of moist cake and crunchy topping, making it a comforting treat. Whether served at brunch or as a sweet ending to dinner, this cake is sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Streusel Cake

Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for that cozy fall flavor.
Easy to make, even for beginners looking for an easy apple streusel cake recipe.
Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Versatile – can be enjoyed as a coffee cake or dessert.
Family-friendly and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Budget-friendly ingredients that you likely already have at home.
Can be made gluten-free with simple substitutions.
Pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Ingredients for Apple Streusel Cake

Here’s everything you need for this delicious cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – provides the cake structure
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – helps the cake rise
½ teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds warmth and spice
½ cup unsalted butter, softened – creates a moist texture
½ cup granulated sugar – sweetens the cake
¼ cup brown sugar – adds depth of flavor
2 large eggs – binds ingredients together
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances flavors
½ cup milk – keeps the cake moist
2 cups apples, peeled and diced – the star ingredient!
½ cup brown sugar – for the streusel topping
⅓ cup all-purpose flour – for thickening the streusel
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – for flavor in the topping
¼ cup cold unsalted butter – creates a crumbly texture

Delicious Apple Streusel Cake: 5 Reasons to Indulge - Apple Streusel Cake - main visual representation

How to Make Apple Streusel Cake

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the streusel. Cut in the ¼ cup cold unsalted butter until crumbly. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream ½ cup softened butter with ½ cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 ½ cups flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon together.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with ½ cup milk.
Step 7: Gently fold in the 2 cups diced apples.
Step 8: Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Step 9: Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the batter.
Step 10: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool slightly before serving, or serve warm with ice cream.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Streusel Cake

These tricks guarantee success every time:

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter; fold gently to keep the cake light.
Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting to ensure clean slices.

Delicious Apple Streusel Cake: 5 Reasons to Indulge - Apple Streusel Cake - additional detail

What’s the secret to perfect Apple Streusel Cake?

The key is to ensure your butter is at the right temperature—softened but not melted—so it creams well with the sugars.

Can I make Apple Streusel Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter and streusel topping the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Streusel Cake?

Be cautious with baking time; check for doneness to prevent overbaking. Also, ensure your leavening agents are fresh for the best rise.

Best Ways to Serve Apple Streusel Cake

This cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, making it an ideal choice for brunch or afternoon tea.

Nutrition Facts for Apple Streusel Cake

Per serving (recipe makes 9 servings):

Calories: 290
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 180mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Streusel Cake

After baking, allow the cake to cool completely before storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Streusel Cake

Can I use other fruits in this cake?

Absolutely! Pears or berries can be a delightful substitute or addition.

What can I do if my streusel topping is too wet?

If your topping is too wet, add a little more flour until it reaches a crumbly texture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version.