Easy Old-Fashioned Amish Apple Crumb Cake is my go to answer for those days when you want something cozy in the oven but you do not want a fussy dessert. You know the feeling: friends are coming over, the house is a little messy, and you need a warm baking smell to make everything feel fine. This cake hits that sweet spot between breakfast cake and after dinner treat. It is buttery, full of tender apples, and topped with crumbs that somehow taste even better the next day. If you have apples sitting on your counter looking sad, this is your save. 
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
I like this recipe because it uses simple pantry stuff and it forgives you if you are not measuring like a scientist. You are basically making a soft cake layer, a cinnamon apple layer, and a crumb topping that bakes into crispy little golden bits.
Here is what you will need (nothing fancy):
- All purpose flour
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon (and a pinch of nutmeg if you like)
- Butter (softened for the batter, cold-ish is fine for crumbs)
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar
- Eggs
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (this keeps the cake tender)
- Vanilla extract
- Apples (peeled and chopped)
About pan size: I usually bake this in a 9×13 pan for a more snackable cake, but a 9×9 works too if you want taller squares. If you do a smaller pan, expect a slightly longer bake time.
Also, if you love old fashioned comfort desserts like I do, you might want to bookmark this creamy treat for later: Creamy Easy Ricotta Cheesecake Old-Fashioned Comfort. It has that same cozy vibe when you want something sweet but not complicated.
What kind of apples should I use in this recipe?
Apples can totally change how this cake turns out. Some apples melt into applesauce and some stay in little soft chunks. Neither is wrong, but if you want that classic bite of apple in every slice, go with a firmer apple.
My favorites for this cake:
Granny Smith is the classic because it is tart and holds its shape. Honeycrisp is amazing if you want sweet and juicy without turning mushy. Braeburn and Pink Lady also do really well here.
If you only have softer apples:
Red Delicious is not my first choice for baking, but if it is what you have, you can still use it. Just cut the pieces a little bigger so they do not disappear completely. And keep an eye on the bake time because very juicy apples can make the center take longer to set.
Little tip from my kitchen: I like a mix of apples when I have them. Half tart, half sweet. It makes the flavor taste more layered without doing any extra work.
Tips for making this cake
This is the part where I save you from the tiny mistakes I have already made for you. Because yes, I have had crumb topping sink. I have also underbaked the center once and pretended it was pudding. Learn from my chaos.
My best practical tips:
1. Do not overmix the batter. Once the flour goes in, stir just until it comes together. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
2. Keep crumb pieces different sizes. I know it is tempting to make perfect sand crumbs, but you want some pea sized clumps. Those bake up like buttery cookie bites on top.
3. Spread apples evenly. If all the apples are piled in the middle, the edges bake faster and the center stays too soft.
4. Check the center with a toothpick. You want a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If the top is getting too brown before the center is done, lightly tent with foil.
“I made this for Sunday coffee and my kids kept sneaking pieces before it cooled. The crumb topping is unreal, and it tasted even better the next morning.”
And if you are in an apple mood lately, you would probably love this too: Easy Amish Apple Fritter Bread. It is another one of those recipes that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery without much effort.
How to make this apple cake (step by step guide)
I am going to walk you through it in a way that feels doable, even if you are baking on a weeknight and your brain is tired.
Step 1: Prep the oven and pan
Heat your oven to 350 F. Grease a 9×13 pan (or line it with parchment if you want super easy lifting and clean up).
Step 2: Make the crumb topping first
In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the butter with a fork or your fingers until you get crumbs with some clumps. Pop the bowl in the fridge while you make the batter. Cold crumbs hold their shape better.
Step 3: Mix the cake batter
Cream butter and sugar until it looks fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in sour cream. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and a little cinnamon. Add the dry mix into the wet mix and stir just until you do not see streaks of flour.
Step 4: Add the apples and layer it
Fold in the chopped apples gently, or spread the batter in the pan and sprinkle apples over the top, then lightly press them in. Both ways work, but folding gives you apples throughout.
Step 5: Top with crumbs and bake
Scatter the crumb topping evenly over the cake. Bake about 40 to 55 minutes depending on your pan and your apples. The top should look golden and the center should be set.
Cooling time matters: Let it cool at least 20 minutes before slicing. If you cut too soon, the middle can seem underdone even if it is actually fine.
One more thing: if you like keeping a few classic cakes in your back pocket, this one is worth a look for another weekend bake: Easy Old-Fashioned Creamy Almond Pound Cake. Totally different vibe, but it is the same kind of comforting and simple.
Icing Options
This cake does not need icing, but I get it. Sometimes you want that sweet little drizzle that makes it feel like a real treat. Here are a few easy ways to do it, depending on your mood.
1. Simple vanilla glaze
Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a tiny bit of vanilla. Start thick, then thin it out a teaspoon at a time until it drizzles the way you like.
2. Maple glaze
Use powdered sugar plus a little maple syrup and a splash of milk. This one tastes like fall in the best way.
3. Cream cheese drizzle
Soften a little cream cheese and whisk it with powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla. It is not as neat looking, but it tastes amazing.
My personal move: If I am serving this for breakfast or brunch, I usually skip icing and just do a light dusting of powdered sugar. If it is dessert after dinner, I drizzle the vanilla glaze and call it a win.
Common Questions
Can I make Easy Old-Fashioned Amish Apple Crumb Cake ahead of time?
Yes. It actually tastes better the next day. Cover it tightly and keep it at room temp for about 1 day, or refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
Do I need to peel the apples?
I usually do because it makes the texture softer and more old fashioned. But if you like the peel and want to save time, you can leave it on.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yep. Slice it, wrap pieces well, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm a slice for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave if you want it cozy.
Why is my crumb topping melting into the cake?
Usually the butter was too warm or the crumbs were too fine. Chill the topping and leave some bigger clumps next time.
How do I know when it is done baking?
The top should be golden and a toothpick in the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. If you hit a soft apple chunk, test a different spot.
A cozy slice to bake this week
If you want a simple bake that feels like home, Easy Old-Fashioned Amish Apple Crumb Cake is the kind of recipe you will come back to. It uses everyday ingredients, it is flexible with the apples you have, and it makes your kitchen smell like cinnamon heaven. If you are craving more apple inspiration, I also like checking recipes like this Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe – Allrecipes when I want to compare notes and try a slightly different twist. Give this one a try soon, and if you end up making it for friends or family, do not be surprised if they ask you to bake it again. 
Easy Old-Fashioned Amish Apple Crumb Cake
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy and simple apple crumb cake that brings the warmth of home. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup butter (softened for batter, cold for crumbs)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups apples (peeled and chopped)
Instructions
- Prep the oven and pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 pan.
- Make the crumb topping first: Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Chill.
- Mix the cake batter: Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla, then stir in sour cream.
- Whisk dry ingredients separately, then add to wet mix just until combined.
- Add the chopped apples, folding gently, or layer them on top of the batter in the pan.
- Top with crumbs and bake for 40 to 55 minutes, until golden and set in the center.
- Cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
This cake tastes better the next day. Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for layered flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American