Description
This Brown Butter Apple Crumble Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert. The combination of nutty brown butter, tender apples, and a buttery crumble topping creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Make the Crumble: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the 2 sticks of butter over medium heat. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the browned butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with the lemon juice.
- Gently fold the apples into the cake batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cake.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use salted butter for the brown butter.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom to the crumble topping for extra warmth.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Prep Time: PT30M
- Cook Time: PT40M
- Category: Cakes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g