Ingredients
- Cake Batter Apple Layer
- 0.75 cup all-purpose flour sifted for a light texture
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar finely measured
- 1 tsp baking powder ensuring a gentle rise
- 0.75 tsp ground cinnamon for that warm aromatic base
- 1⁄8 tsp baking soda balanced precisely
- 1⁄8 tsp salt balanced precisely
- 6 tbsp milk (equal to 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp) for a tender crumb
- 0.75 tsp pure vanilla extract to infuse subtle sweetness
- 1⁄4 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil) combined with 2 tsp for moisture
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 2 medium apples (such as red delicious or golden delicious) peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar for marinating the apple slices
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon for marinating the apple slices
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar to lightly marinate the apple slices
Instructions
- Prep Pan Setup – Begin by generously greasing and lightly dusting a 9-inch casserole dish with flour. Preheat your oven to 375°F. This initial step (about 5 minutes) ensures that the cake will release effortlessly once baked; take a moment to gather all your tools.
- Crumb Topping Creation – In a medium bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and all-purpose flour until evenly combined. Next, drizzle in the melted butter while stirring gently with a fork until a crumbly texture forms. Allow this mixture to rest (approximately 5 minutes) so that the flavors meld; an optional chill for 2 minutes can enhance the crumbly consistency further.apple-crumb-delight_post2
- Batter Apple Assembly – In a separate bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to form the dry mix. In another container, whisk together the milk, vanilla, oil, and egg until smooth (about 3 minutes). Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry mix using a wooden spoon; it’s important not to overmix, leaving a few lumps for texture. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, gently toss the apple slices with extra sugar, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar, letting them sit for 2 minutes to soften slightly.apple-crumb-delight_post1
- Final Layering – Pour the batter evenly into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula if needed. Arrange the marinated apple slices artfully over the batter in a single layer. Then, liberally sprinkle the crumb topping over the apple layer, ensuring full coverage. This step, taking about 3 minutes, sets the stage for that irresistible crisp finish.apple-crumb-delight_post3
- Baking Finishing Touches – Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Once baked, allow the cake to rest in the dish for 10 minutes to cool and firm up, making slicing easier. For an extra indulgence, drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream as an optional upgrade.