![Close up side view of apple streusel cake](jpg/how-to-make-an-apple-streusel-cake-380x570.jpg)
I don’t know about you, but a big ole’ slice of warm Apple Streusel Cake really hits the spot. Not only is this cake scrumptious, but it’s also a great way to use any extra apples you have lying around or when fresh apples are in abundance in the fall.
Recently, I was looking through some old cookbooks my mom stashed away years ago. When I came across this Apple Streusel Cake recipe I decided right there and then to try it and I’m so incredibly happy that I did. I know I’ll be making this recipe for years to come.
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![Side view of individual serving of apple streusel cake.](jpg/3-2-1024x683-2.jpg)
Amazing Flavor and Texture
First of all, I want to tell you that this Apple Streusel Cake is loaded with abundant flavor and texture. The sweet, crumbly, cinnamon apple streusel is found both on top and swirled throughout the cake. In addition to that, a drizzle of sweet glaze adds a final touch to this heavenly dessert.
To make an Apple Streusel Cake begin by following the steps. First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and grease a 9 or 10-inch tube pan.
![Photos of 6 different stages when making an apple streusel cake](jpg/1-3-683x1024.jpg)
- Streusel: In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, apples, chopped nuts, (almonds, pecans, or walnuts), flour, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter. Set mixture aside.
- Cake: In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Use a hand mixer or KitchenAid mixer to beat butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Add vanilla. Set mixer to low; alternately beat flour mixture and orange juice into egg mixture.
- Spoon half of the batter into a tube pan. Sprinkle with half of the streusel.
- Swirl batter with a knife to create a marble pattern.
- Spoon the remaining batter over the streusel, spreading to make an even layer, and again, swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
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After 15 minutes, remove the cake from the oven and sprinkle the top with the remaining streusel. Return the cake to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Place the cake on a wire rack; cool completely.
![Overhead view of white glaze icing reading to drizzle over top of apple streusel cake.](jpg/6-2-683x1024-2.jpg)
While the cake is cooling, combine the confectioners sugar and orange juice. Mix well.
![Overhead view of apple streusel cake before the icing is added.](jpg/7-1024x683.jpg)
Next, carefully place the inverted cake onto a cake stand (streusel on top).
![Photo of a ready to serve apple streusel cake.](jpg/6-1024x683.jpg)
Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of the cake.
![Overhead view of apple streusel cake with one piece cut out and placed on a dessert plate.](jpg/1-2-1024x683-2.jpg)
Finally, slice the Apple Streusel Cake and serve. The cake yields 10 – 12 servings, depending on the serving size.
![Close up photo of center of apple streusel cake after one serving was removed.](jpg/5-1024x683-2.jpg)
Just look at all of that yummy goodness!
To add even more flavor and texture, feel free to add fresh or dried cranberries, raisins, or flaked coconut to the streusel mixture.
![Side view of individual serving of apple streusel cake.](jpg/3-2-735x490.jpg)
How to Make an Apple Streusel Cake
This delicious cake will have your tastebuds doing a little happy dance.
Ingredients
- STREUSEL:
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped apples
- 1 cup chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (GF Option: use a gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 Tablespoons butter, melted
- CAKE:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (GF Option: use a gluten-free flour blend + 2 teaspoons xanthan gum, unless flour already contains it)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- GLAZE:
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 3 teaspoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 or 10-inch tube pan.
- To prepare streusel, in a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, apples, nuts, flour and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter. Set mixture aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda; mix well. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer (or a KitchenAid mixer) set on medium speed, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time; beat well after each addition. Add vanilla.
- Set mixer to low; alternately beat flour mixture and orange juice into egg mixture. Spoon half of batter into tube pan. Sprinkle with half of the streusel.
- Spoon remaining batter over the streusel, spreading to make an even layer. Swirl batter with a knife to create a marble pattern.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove cake from oven; sprinkle top with remaining streusel. Return cake to the oven; bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 30-35 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; cool completely.
- Combine confectioners sugar and orange juice. Mix well. Carefully turn cake out onto a cake stand; invert it so the streusel is on top. Drizzle glaze evenly over cake. Slice and serve.
Notes
MUFFINS - You can use the batter to make muffins by alternating layers of the batter and streusel mixture in a greased muffin tin. Top with a final sprinkle of streusel. Shorten the baking time.
SKILLET CAKE - You can also use a cast iron skillet to make a skillet cake, however, you may need to adjust the baking time. Be sure to watch closely while baking because cast iron absorbs and retains heat longer.
This moist Apple Streusel Cake also pairs particularly well with a scoop of vanilla, butter pecan, or caramel ice cream.
Another idea is to skip the glaze and drizzle caramel sauce over the top instead.
![Pinterest image of an apple streusel cake in foreground.](jpg/4-683x1024-3.jpg)
Apple Streusel Variations
While an Apple Streusel Cake is my favorite, you can also use the batter to make muffins or a skillet cake. They are both equally as good.
MUFFINS – You can use the batter to make muffins by alternating layers of the batter and streusel mixture in a greased muffin tin. Top with a final sprinkle of streusel. Be sure to shorten the baking time.
SKILLET CAKE – You can also use a cast iron skillet to make a skillet cake, however, you may need to adjust the baking time. Also, be sure to watch closely while baking because cast iron absorbs and retains heat longer.
![Pinterest image and close up photo of one serving of apple streusel cake.](jpg/3-683x1024-3.jpg)
Overall, we think this Apple Streusel Cake is an exceptional dessert and, as previously mentioned, one that can easily be made gluten-free. Hence, we think you’ll enjoy this recipe too. 🙂
More great ideas:
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