Ultimate Apple Crumb Cake

This apple crumb cake is not just a treat for your taste buds, but its baking aroma will also make your house feel like a warm, autumnal haven.

For the Streusel Topping:

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3-4 tablespoons butter, melted
• A dash of salt

For the Cake:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

For the Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped Honeycrisp apple (from 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped into ¼ inch pieces)

For the Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of cinnamon
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (any kind), adjust to desired consistency

Instructions:

1. Start with the streusel topping. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and use your fingers to mix until you have a crumbly consistency. Set aside in the fridge.
2. For the cake, use a large bowl to cream together the softened butter and both sugars with a hand mixer until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to mix for another 2 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the Greek yogurt, until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the chopped apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
7. Preheat your oven to 340°F (171°C) and prepare an 8-inch cake pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
8. Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Arrange additional apple slices on top if desired, then sprinkle with the chilled streusel topping.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes to an hour.
11. For the glaze, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Adjust the consistency with milk until it’s pourable but thick.
12. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.

Slice and serve this delightful apple crumb cake as a delectable dessert or a treat alongside your coffee or tea. The rich, buttery crumb topping and sweet glaze perfectly complement the spiced, tender cake studded with fresh apple pieces. Enjoy the harmony of flavors and textures in every bite!