As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the harvest season ushers in an abundance of rich flavors and aromas. From cinnamon-spiced treats to warm, decadent pies, fall desserts have a special way of bringing comfort to the table. One evening, while sipping on hot cider, Ella Chef was inspired to create a dessert that could embody the essence of autumn. A dessert that combines the warmth of seasonal spices, the sweetness of baked fruits, and the cozy feeling of gathering around a hearth. This inspired recipe celebrates the season’s best offerings in the form of an apple cinnamon streusel cake, which will undoubtedly become a new favorite in your fall dessert rotation.

Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel over the batter.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Notes
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake
To make the Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set this mixture aside. In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial to getting the right texture for the cake. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix gently until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will infuse the cake with a delicious apple flavor.
For the streusel topping, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this streusel mixture over the cake batter in the pan.
Bake the cake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. You can serve it warm for a comforting dessert or at room temperature for a more relaxed treat.
For an extra indulgence, consider serving this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of the spiced cake and the sweet apples will surely make this a hit at any fall gathering.
Conclusion
This Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake is a perfect representation of the flavors of fall. Its comforting aroma and rich, spiced flavor make it an ideal choice for autumn gatherings, family meals, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of cider. With its simple preparation and indulgent taste, it’s sure to become a cherished dessert in your seasonal repertoire. Ella Chef’s recipe offers an inviting way to celebrate the season’s best ingredients, turning any occasion into a memorable one.