Apple Crumb Cake (Boston Globe)

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In this version of a popular apple cake, which is layered with the fruit, slices are lightly spiced and nestle comfortably in a buttermilk batter. The cake is covered with a crumb mixture before baking, so it has a coffee cake element.

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Ingredients

  • CRUMBS
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
  • APPLES
  • 2 large baking apples, cored, peeled, and thinly sliced (Baldwins, Cortlands, Golden Delicious)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • CAKE
  • Butter (for the pan)
  • Flour (for the pan)
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • Confectioners’ sugar (for sprinkling)

Preparation

Step 1

CRUMBS
1. In a bowl, combine the flour, granulated and brown sugars, and butter.

2. With your fingers or 2 blunt knives, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles crumbs. Add the walnuts and toss well.

APPLES
1. In a bowl, combine the apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

2. Toss well.

CAKE
1. Set the oven at 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch springform pan. Sprinkle the pan with flour and tap out the excess.

2. In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to blend them.

3. In an electric mixer set on medium speed, beat the butter and granulated sugar until well blended. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla.

4. With the mixer set on its lowest speed, blend in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Spread about ⅔ of the batter in the pan. Arrange the apple mixture on top. Drop the remaining batter over the apples and spread with a spatula. Some fruit will not be covered; that’s OK. Sprinkle the crumbs on top.

5. Bake the cake for 55 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Set the pan on a wire rack to cool. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and cut into wedges.


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