Thank you so much for stopping by! There’s nothing quite like the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and buttery crumble filling the kitchen. This Apple & Walnut Crumble Cake is soft, moist, and topped with a crunchy walnut crumble that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, an afternoon coffee break, or a cozy family dessert, this homemade cake is pure comfort in every slice.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for more homemade cake recipes and seasonal baking inspiration delivered straight to your inbox!
Overview of Recipe Content
This Apple & Walnut Crumble Cake combines tender cinnamon-spiced cake, juicy apples, crunchy walnuts, and a buttery crumble topping into one comforting dessert. It’s simple enough for everyday baking yet beautiful enough to serve for holidays or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and moist cake
- Crunchy buttery crumble topping
- Filled with fresh apples
- Toasted walnuts add rich flavor
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert
- Easy to make
- Great for fall baking
- Freezer-friendly
What It Tastes Like
Each bite is wonderfully tender with juicy apples, warm cinnamon, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a buttery crumble that melts in your mouth. It’s like apple pie and coffee cake combined into one irresistible dessert.
Health & Nutritional Benefits
- Apples provide fiber and antioxidants.
- Walnuts are rich in healthy fats and omega-3s.
- Homemade with simple pantry ingredients.
- Less processed than many store-bought cakes.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 ml) plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
For the Walnut Crumble
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Optional Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Suggested Substitutions
- Pecans instead of walnuts
- Whole wheat flour for half the flour
- Maple syrup instead of brown sugar
- Dairy-free yogurt and butter for a dairy-free version
- Pears instead of apples
How to Make Apple & Walnut Crumble Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Crumble
In a bowl combine:
- Flour
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
Cut in the cold butter until crumbly.
Stir in the chopped walnuts.
Place in the refrigerator while preparing the cake.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
Cream together:
- Butter
- Brown sugar
Beat until light and fluffy.
Add:
- Eggs
- Vanilla
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
Add the dry ingredients alternately with the Greek yogurt until just combined.
Fold in the diced apples.
Step 5: Assemble
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Sprinkle the walnut crumble evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool for about 20 minutes.
Step 7: Finish
If desired, drizzle with the simple vanilla glaze before serving.
What to Serve with Apple & Walnut Crumble Cake
This cozy cake pairs wonderfully with:
- Hot coffee
- Chai tea
- Earl Grey tea
- Hot apple cider
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Greek yogurt
- Caramel sauce
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Use firm baking apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- Toast the walnuts for deeper flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter.
- Keep the crumble cold before baking.
- Cool slightly before slicing for cleaner pieces.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator
Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
Warm slightly before serving.
General Information
Crumble cakes have long been a favorite in American and European baking because they combine the best of coffee cake and fruit crisp. Fresh apples and walnuts create a classic pairing that’s especially popular during fall but delicious year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Fuji, or Pink Lady all bake beautifully.
Can I use pecans?
Absolutely! Pecans are a delicious substitute for walnuts.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! The cake actually tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make muffins instead?
Yes! Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Conclusion
This Apple & Walnut Crumble Cake is everything you want in a homemade comfort dessert—soft, buttery, filled with juicy apples, crunchy walnuts, and topped with a perfectly crisp cinnamon crumble. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to become a favorite.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
You’ll also enjoy these homemade recipes from Poulef:
- https://poulef.com/golden-caramelized-apple-cake-with-homemade-custard-sauce-cinnamon-toffee-crumble/
- https://poulef.com/flourless-apple-almond-tart/
- https://poulef.com/honey-baked-apple-spice-bundt-cake/
- https://poulef.com/homemade-walnut-apple-banana-cake/
- https://poulef.com/flourless-sugar-free-oatmeal-apple-carrot-cake/
📌 Save more cozy apple recipes on Pinterest:
Interactive Elements
Have you baked this Apple & Walnut Crumble Cake?
⭐ Leave a review and star rating below!
I’d love to hear if you added pecans, raisins, or a caramel drizzle.
Share your beautiful cake on Pinterest or tag @PoulefRecipe on social media!
Nutritional Information
Approximate Per Serving (12 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 8g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 48mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 17g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
Apple & Walnut Crumble Cake
- Total Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes
- Yield: 12 Servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft Apple & Walnut Crumble Cake made with juicy apples, toasted walnuts, warm cinnamon, and topped with a buttery crumble. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or coffee time.
Ingredients
2 medium apples, diced
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter
¾ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup Greek yogurt
For the crumble:
½ cup flour
⅓ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup cold butter
½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. Mix crumble ingredients until crumbly and chill.
3. Cream butter and brown sugar.
4. Add eggs and vanilla.
5. Mix dry ingredients separately.
6. Alternate dry ingredients with yogurt into the batter.
7. Fold in diced apples.
8. Spread batter into the pan.
9. Top with walnut crumble.
10. Bake for 40–50 minutes.
11. Cool before serving and drizzle with glaze if desired.
Notes
Use firm apples for the best texture.
Toast walnuts before using for extra flavor.
Store covered for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 45 Minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Slice
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 48mg
Table of Contents
Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
Let’s be friends!
