Indulge in this deliciously unique Apple and Cream Cheese Crumble Cake, where tart apples meet creamy, tangy layers of cheesecake-like goodness, topped with a buttery, golden crumble. The moist apple filling and smooth cream cheese center combine beautifully to create a rich, decadent dessert. This cake makes a great fall treat, a special occasion dessert, or even a comforting everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the Cake Base:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Base:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan or cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
- Toss the sliced apples in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and nutmeg (if using). Layer the apple slices evenly on top of the cake base.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
- Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the apple layer, being careful not to disturb the apples too much.
4. Make the Crumble Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cream cheese layer.
5. Bake the Cake:
- Bake for 45–55 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing it to cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Serve:
- Once cooled, slice and serve the cake as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Enjoy the perfect balance of apple tartness, creamy richness, and crunchy sweetness in every bite of this Apple and Cream Cheese Crumble Cake!